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The Aelfyn Archives #5
The Reckoning of Starlight
Not yet published
Expected 8 Oct 26The final installment of The Aelfyn Archives.
Description and official release date coming late 2026.
Description and official release date coming late 2026.
671 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 8, 2026
About the author
Samantha Amstutz
10 books515 followersSamantha Amstutz is the author of the Aelfyn Archives based in South Carolina with roots in Indiana. She is inspired by Wheel of Time, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls Online, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Star Trek, and the entire romantasy genre. In her novels, you can expect (multiple) immersive magic systems, different races, plot and intrigue, slow-burn romance, diversity and inclusion, and believable characters with flaws.
She is honored and beyond thrilled you're reading her work and she hopes something in her created world resonates with yours.
She is honored and beyond thrilled you're reading her work and she hopes something in her created world resonates with yours.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Autor
The Reckoning of Starlight was, for me, an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. There were so many moments where I found myself with my heart in my throat, convinced that everything was about to fall apart. I went into this book not quite knowing what to expect, and I certainly wasn’t prepared for some of the twists and turns the story had in store for me.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the pacing. It kept me invested throughout, and I never felt like the story was dragging unnecessarily. There was always something happening or something I wanted to understand better, which made it incredibly easy to keep turning the pages. The tension was also handled really well, especially during those moments when I thought I knew where things were going, only for the story to completely surprise me.
Another aspect that stood out to me was the universe Samantha Amstutz has created throughout the series. I really loved seeing how everything came together and how fully developed the universe felt. There is a sense that this story exists within something much bigger than just the immediate events and characters, and I appreciated the care that went into building that larger world. It made the series feel expansive and gave the conclusion a real sense of significance.
At the same time, there were a few characters I found myself wishing I could spend more time with. Jassyn is definitely one of them. I would have loved to see more of his story and, especially, more of his relationship with Lykor. Their dynamic left me wanting more, and honestly, I would happily read an entire series centred around them.
I was very satisfied with the ending. I think it concluded the series really well and gave the overall story the sense of closure it deserved. It left me feeling satisfied while still allowing me to imagine the possibilities beyond the pages. Most importantly, I felt that the ending brought everything together in a way that left me genuinely satisfied.
I may have finished the series, but I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to all of these characters yet (maybe it’s time to start reading the series again…)
I would definitely recommend this series to fantasy readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding, complex characters, high stakes, unexpected twists and stories that can put you through every possible emotion.
Absolutely loved it!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the pacing. It kept me invested throughout, and I never felt like the story was dragging unnecessarily. There was always something happening or something I wanted to understand better, which made it incredibly easy to keep turning the pages. The tension was also handled really well, especially during those moments when I thought I knew where things were going, only for the story to completely surprise me.
Another aspect that stood out to me was the universe Samantha Amstutz has created throughout the series. I really loved seeing how everything came together and how fully developed the universe felt. There is a sense that this story exists within something much bigger than just the immediate events and characters, and I appreciated the care that went into building that larger world. It made the series feel expansive and gave the conclusion a real sense of significance.
At the same time, there were a few characters I found myself wishing I could spend more time with. Jassyn is definitely one of them. I would have loved to see more of his story and, especially, more of his relationship with Lykor. Their dynamic left me wanting more, and honestly, I would happily read an entire series centred around them.
I was very satisfied with the ending. I think it concluded the series really well and gave the overall story the sense of closure it deserved. It left me feeling satisfied while still allowing me to imagine the possibilities beyond the pages. Most importantly, I felt that the ending brought everything together in a way that left me genuinely satisfied.
I may have finished the series, but I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to all of these characters yet (maybe it’s time to start reading the series again…)
I would definitely recommend this series to fantasy readers who enjoy immersive worldbuilding, complex characters, high stakes, unexpected twists and stories that can put you through every possible emotion.
Absolutely loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I write this review with tears of happiness in my eyes for such a completely stunning series. I appreciate and respect this author so much for how difficult this must have been to achieve with so many plot points and character arcs to contend with and she did it so flawlessly & meticulously. Everything was wrapped up with a bow. This series is in my top 5 without a doubt, I'm truly sad because I feel like I am leaving my friends now that it is over.... but this was a 10 star master class of plot, pacing, and many emotional rollercoasters. To have 5 books where each and every character you are so deeply invested in on every facet throughout is so rare but you do with this series thanks to the faultless writing. Each character has immense depth and is so distinctive whilst having their own paths to hard earned character growth.
There were moments where my heart was in my throat, moments I cried for the torture some characters were enduring, all described in great detail that leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Zero plot holes, zero fluff.
Oh and did I mention ..... surprising betrayals, sweet revenge, AND shocking deaths?? And the TWISTS are certainly twisting.
The action scenes are so vividly described, my heart rate does actually increase. It truly reminds me of kingdom of ash levels of epic battle described to perfection. Dragons, wraiths, Druids, elves, flames, bones spraying, blood darkening sand (when a hand gets ripped off of someone.... skull detonations... you couldn't make me avert my eyes to look at anything but my kindle. I gasped out loud). It just so TENSE. The betrayals also hit you in the face. I'm telling you, the plot hits the ground running and it's one shock after another.
The romance in this book is soul deep. Intense connections, well timed meaningful spice, it will just make you tear up when you get to the end. All the couples deserved their happily ever after- especially my Jassyn. I have wanted nothing more than to reach through the book and give this man a hug. He deserved the love and happiness after all this time.
"What are you fighting for?" " a world where loving you doesn't feel like building something I know will collapse."
Thank you Samantha for the beautiful experience for the reader, all thanks to your extremely talented and creative brain. I don't know how you do it but I'm so deeply thankful.
There were moments where my heart was in my throat, moments I cried for the torture some characters were enduring, all described in great detail that leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Zero plot holes, zero fluff.
Oh and did I mention ..... surprising betrayals, sweet revenge, AND shocking deaths?? And the TWISTS are certainly twisting.
The action scenes are so vividly described, my heart rate does actually increase. It truly reminds me of kingdom of ash levels of epic battle described to perfection. Dragons, wraiths, Druids, elves, flames, bones spraying, blood darkening sand (when a hand gets ripped off of someone.... skull detonations... you couldn't make me avert my eyes to look at anything but my kindle. I gasped out loud). It just so TENSE. The betrayals also hit you in the face. I'm telling you, the plot hits the ground running and it's one shock after another.
The romance in this book is soul deep. Intense connections, well timed meaningful spice, it will just make you tear up when you get to the end. All the couples deserved their happily ever after- especially my Jassyn. I have wanted nothing more than to reach through the book and give this man a hug. He deserved the love and happiness after all this time.
"What are you fighting for?" " a world where loving you doesn't feel like building something I know will collapse."
Thank you Samantha for the beautiful experience for the reader, all thanks to your extremely talented and creative brain. I don't know how you do it but I'm so deeply thankful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
I found this series in July and was so captured I read the first four books in a week. I was obsessed. Within days I ordered the physical copies because I knew that I would be rereading this series. The only concern I had going in to this book was that I could not imagine how the final book would compete with how amazing I found book four. This Bargain of Dragons shot to the top of my list of books of all time and I reread over and over since then.
Then I got Reckoning of Starlight and could not put it down. Only complaint I want more! The world building! The characters! And most of all the dragons!
—spoilers start here—
My favorite character has always been Jassyn, I will forever feel like he deserves the world and the reckoning of starlight saw him literally fighting with the demons of his past. He also has to face himself and his growing power and continue to struggle with that balance between doing good with power and seizing too much. The book begins with him back in the hell he had just so recently been released from and faced with compulsions that made him obey and serve the woman he most feared. Jassyn continued to be fight and continued seek a better world.
The relationship with Jassyn and Lykor is one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever read. These two traumatized characters react to their trauma in such different yet understandable ways with Lykor attacking and Jassyn retreating into self loathing. Jassyn’s ultimate escape and reunion with Lykor allowed me to let out a breath I felt I had been holding since the ending of Bargain of Dragons. Lykor arriving right as Jassyn faltered in his fight against his conditioning.
Lykor may have been the scary villain as the series started but as the series went along it became clear that he was above all a protector. I love the pocket goats.
The other main characters continue to grow on me I love all of them. I never thought I would forgive Vesryn for not standing up for Jassyn and being cruel at times but in this book I forgave him. (Long after Jassyn forgave him, I’m afraid I’m not as good as Jassyn) Serena continues to show how much having a mentor like Jassyn helped her grow in the first book. She is not a spoiled princess unaware of the world. Instead she is a warrior who displays mercy and kindness. Fenn is of course a gem
My favorite part is the Dragons. I love their personalities and who they chose as their person. Blossom will always hold my heart and the fact that she immediately saw Jassyn for a kindred spirit is wonderful.
Bottom line this was a wonderful finally. But I still want more which is the mark of an excellent end to a series. My only suggestion, a zillion novelas please where I can visit these characters and this world again and again.
I found this series in July and was so captured I read the first four books in a week. I was obsessed. Within days I ordered the physical copies because I knew that I would be rereading this series. The only concern I had going in to this book was that I could not imagine how the final book would compete with how amazing I found book four. This Bargain of Dragons shot to the top of my list of books of all time and I reread over and over since then.
Then I got Reckoning of Starlight and could not put it down. Only complaint I want more! The world building! The characters! And most of all the dragons!
—spoilers start here—
My favorite character has always been Jassyn, I will forever feel like he deserves the world and the reckoning of starlight saw him literally fighting with the demons of his past. He also has to face himself and his growing power and continue to struggle with that balance between doing good with power and seizing too much. The book begins with him back in the hell he had just so recently been released from and faced with compulsions that made him obey and serve the woman he most feared. Jassyn continued to be fight and continued seek a better world.
The relationship with Jassyn and Lykor is one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever read. These two traumatized characters react to their trauma in such different yet understandable ways with Lykor attacking and Jassyn retreating into self loathing. Jassyn’s ultimate escape and reunion with Lykor allowed me to let out a breath I felt I had been holding since the ending of Bargain of Dragons. Lykor arriving right as Jassyn faltered in his fight against his conditioning.
Lykor may have been the scary villain as the series started but as the series went along it became clear that he was above all a protector. I love the pocket goats.
The other main characters continue to grow on me I love all of them. I never thought I would forgive Vesryn for not standing up for Jassyn and being cruel at times but in this book I forgave him. (Long after Jassyn forgave him, I’m afraid I’m not as good as Jassyn) Serena continues to show how much having a mentor like Jassyn helped her grow in the first book. She is not a spoiled princess unaware of the world. Instead she is a warrior who displays mercy and kindness. Fenn is of course a gem
My favorite part is the Dragons. I love their personalities and who they chose as their person. Blossom will always hold my heart and the fact that she immediately saw Jassyn for a kindred spirit is wonderful.
Bottom line this was a wonderful finally. But I still want more which is the mark of an excellent end to a series. My only suggestion, a zillion novelas please where I can visit these characters and this world again and again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC copy received from author
This series is so unique, the lore, magic, characters, world are just so detailed and complex this is definitely a fantasy with romance and I love that about it. The plot really is the main driver and the romance works itself in seamlessly. This one is a lot of big battles, dragons and general despair but don't worry we do get there eventually!
I will say this Jassyn and Lykor will forever have my heart and to me were more the main characters by the end. I could literally read so many more books about them alone their story and history is just so tragic but their ending is worth every tear. I also loved the closure and life Aesar managed to carve out of tragedy, the author really enjoys making us emotionally suffer for our happiness, it was worth every word though!
The series was wrapped up so well, it was tense in a few spots near the end but I LOVE a lengthy epilogue that really rounds up the characters and their stories. It truly was an epic fantasy series that is 100% worth devouring!
This series is so unique, the lore, magic, characters, world are just so detailed and complex this is definitely a fantasy with romance and I love that about it. The plot really is the main driver and the romance works itself in seamlessly. This one is a lot of big battles, dragons and general despair but don't worry we do get there eventually!
I will say this Jassyn and Lykor will forever have my heart and to me were more the main characters by the end. I could literally read so many more books about them alone their story and history is just so tragic but their ending is worth every tear. I also loved the closure and life Aesar managed to carve out of tragedy, the author really enjoys making us emotionally suffer for our happiness, it was worth every word though!
The series was wrapped up so well, it was tense in a few spots near the end but I LOVE a lengthy epilogue that really rounds up the characters and their stories. It truly was an epic fantasy series that is 100% worth devouring!
September 16, 2026
Review of Advance Copy received by Author. All thoughts and ratings are my own.
Ugh. THIS BOOK. 🥹😭
By far my favorite book in the entire Aelfyn Archives series. The pacing was SO good! I never felt like it was dragging, and I was completely invested the entire time.
And the plot twists?! 👀 There were SO many moments where I was freaking out because WTF WAS THAT. This book had me feeling EVERYTHING - happy tears, sad tears, frustrated tears… if a book can make me feel that much, I’m going to love it. 😂
I also absolutely did NOT expect Lykor to become my favorite character by the end of this series, but here we are. 😂❤️
After everything this series has put me through, I was really hoping the ending would be worth it, and honestly? I loved it. This is probably the best series ending I’ve read so far, and I’m genuinely sad that it’s over. 🥹
Ugh. THIS BOOK. 🥹😭
By far my favorite book in the entire Aelfyn Archives series. The pacing was SO good! I never felt like it was dragging, and I was completely invested the entire time.
And the plot twists?! 👀 There were SO many moments where I was freaking out because WTF WAS THAT. This book had me feeling EVERYTHING - happy tears, sad tears, frustrated tears… if a book can make me feel that much, I’m going to love it. 😂
I also absolutely did NOT expect Lykor to become my favorite character by the end of this series, but here we are. 😂❤️
After everything this series has put me through, I was really hoping the ending would be worth it, and honestly? I loved it. This is probably the best series ending I’ve read so far, and I’m genuinely sad that it’s over. 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
All the stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I went in with extremely high expectations and was still surprised. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page up until the very last sentence. The way everything was tied up at the end was super realistic and believable; and dare I say there's room for a never-ending supply of sequels and spin-offs (plz?)
A perfect conclusion to a series that deserves all the praise it's getting and more. I'm severely gonna miss these characters, especially my precious baby boi Lykor. But we're getting more Fenn in his separate story so there's that.
I went in with extremely high expectations and was still surprised. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page up until the very last sentence. The way everything was tied up at the end was super realistic and believable; and dare I say there's room for a never-ending supply of sequels and spin-offs (plz?)
A perfect conclusion to a series that deserves all the praise it's getting and more. I'm severely gonna miss these characters, especially my precious baby boi Lykor. But we're getting more Fenn in his separate story so there's that.
Review of advance copy
i don't even know where to begin...ARC reading this was my honour. It was just perfect, every couple , every villain was written just so well. i especially love the after chapters, i'm such a sucker for happy endings. Samantha you have RUINED me for a while. You almost had me in the one later chapter IYKYK but this was just a beautiful and didn't feel rushed.
The FMC and MMC's were done very well, even the the other two MMC's. i truly loved this, even made me tear up a bit. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIOUSLY!!
The FMC and MMC's were done very well, even the the other two MMC's. i truly loved this, even made me tear up a bit. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIOUSLY!!
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2026Even in a supposed why choose without mm, authors manage to find ways to squeeze in side character povs with mm content. If I wanted to read a damn mm romance I would've pick one up omfg.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always, amazing!! Samantha doesn’t fail. I’m not a spoiler kind of reviewer, so just trust me and read it!!
I received this book as an ARC*
I received this book as an ARC*
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews