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The Starheart Saga #2
Nightwither
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 02:06:19
3 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
A HIGH FANTASY ROMANCE sequel to STARHEART, where A Court of Mist and Fury meets the Legend of Zelda! ~
Stella arrives in her mother's homeland, Myera, a realm of unfamiliar creatures, magical lands, and values that challenge her core beliefs. Nothing could have prepared her for the responsibility of her mother's legacy. With a long history of tension rising and a civil war on the horizon, Stella is forced into her role as the Starheart to heal old wounds.
Navigating a treacherous web of politics and power as the realm begins to fracture, Stella must be a pillar of strength and stability even as she quietly unravels beneath the weight of her own unmet expectations. But the greatest challenge doesn’t lie within her.
At the centre of the unrest stands Noxryn.
Caught between clashing wills and pride, Stella faces something far more dangerous than failing—the possibility of understanding the man who betrayed her and the one responsible for the chaos threatening to consume the realm. Taking off Noxryn’s mask might offer answers to bring peace, or which lures both her and Myera into a darkness there’s no coming back from.
Nightwither is the second book in The Starheart Saga, an ongoing four-book epic fantasy romance series. The Starheart Saga is perfect for fans of unique magic systems, mythical creatures, angst and tension, and hilarious banter. Nightwither will appeal to fans of plot-heavy, character-driven fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romance.
Stella arrives in her mother's homeland, Myera, a realm of unfamiliar creatures, magical lands, and values that challenge her core beliefs. Nothing could have prepared her for the responsibility of her mother's legacy. With a long history of tension rising and a civil war on the horizon, Stella is forced into her role as the Starheart to heal old wounds.
Navigating a treacherous web of politics and power as the realm begins to fracture, Stella must be a pillar of strength and stability even as she quietly unravels beneath the weight of her own unmet expectations. But the greatest challenge doesn’t lie within her.
At the centre of the unrest stands Noxryn.
Caught between clashing wills and pride, Stella faces something far more dangerous than failing—the possibility of understanding the man who betrayed her and the one responsible for the chaos threatening to consume the realm. Taking off Noxryn’s mask might offer answers to bring peace, or which lures both her and Myera into a darkness there’s no coming back from.
Nightwither is the second book in The Starheart Saga, an ongoing four-book epic fantasy romance series. The Starheart Saga is perfect for fans of unique magic systems, mythical creatures, angst and tension, and hilarious banter. Nightwither will appeal to fans of plot-heavy, character-driven fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romance.
- GenresRomantasy
526 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
3118 people want to read
About the author
Lana B. Knight
2 books90 followersBorn and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lana loves to travel the world, eat delicious foods, and explore imaginary worlds from movies and books. They are an ENFP, a Pisces, and a Gryffindor. They are mostly at home when they are surrounded by their friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 4, 2026
ARC Review
Thank you Lana for trusting me to read this AMAZING book.
This is book 2 in an epic High Fantasy Romance series. Starheart is book 1 and I highly recommend you read these in order. This is a gripping and seamless continuation of what Stella and Noxryn's adventure lead them to in Starheart.
The prologue will have you hooked. The ending will have you yearning for the next book like immediatley. Stellas journey of self discovery and family bonds and loyaties will keep you turning the pages and staying up too late to see where the journey takes them.
“You miserable fool. Misery must love your company. How do I get through that thick head of yours that I shine more brightly at night?”
Thank you Lana for trusting me to read this AMAZING book.
This is book 2 in an epic High Fantasy Romance series. Starheart is book 1 and I highly recommend you read these in order. This is a gripping and seamless continuation of what Stella and Noxryn's adventure lead them to in Starheart.
The prologue will have you hooked. The ending will have you yearning for the next book like immediatley. Stellas journey of self discovery and family bonds and loyaties will keep you turning the pages and staying up too late to see where the journey takes them.
“You miserable fool. Misery must love your company. How do I get through that thick head of yours that I shine more brightly at night?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC copy of Nightwither and I'm blown away.
The continuation of Stella's story continues to grip my heart. Every moment resonated with me. It can be somewhat run of the mill to have a FMC or MC that has self-loathing, shame and guilt but the way Lana B. Knight writes the emotional and trauma riddled complexities of her characters is a work of art! I was griped, shocked, devastated, and relieved but naturally by the final pages, I shifted to freaking the f%!k out! I mean honestly, how much more can these poor, wonderful, deep and warm characters deal with? Lana, can they have like even a single moment to breathe and revel in their albeit small successes? For the love of my heart, please?
I loved every part of Stella's complicated journey and how much she continues to try to heal and be the best version of herself for those she loves while reconciling the fact that she can also do those things but for herself. The chemistry and history between Stella and Nox is captivating as well as being one of the best slow burns I've read in a long, long while. Stella has many attributes like many of the beloved FMC of the genre, specifically like Aelin, but she is unique in her origins, her flaws, weaknesses and failures. She is strong but can't see her strength, she has made mistakes that were costly but can't recognize her successes because they seem small in her eyes, and she values love and friendship but doesn't extend that love to herself. Lana has a way with getting to the heart of an idea or sentiment that are pulled from the real world but does so in a way that makes the idea or sentiment all the more clear therefore a lingering shadow in ones brain:
"Judgment is for the choices we make, the actions we stand by. One does not decide to be born. We live because over thousands of years and thousands of peoples’s love, our soul’s puzzle finally found its completion. To judge someone because they breathe air into their lungs at birth is just cruel."
“If someone isn’t taught their potential, how would they even know to question their surroundings? Just because something is an option doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Denying people the means to grow, out of fear of what they might become, isn’t strength. It’s cowardice masked as tradition. Someone else improving doesn’t make you weaker or less powerful.”
Lana's blend of the politics surrounding equality and fairness among those of different races, gender and species combined with the compelling nature of new relationships, vivid descriptions of environments and cultures and the depiction of the complexities of long term friendships and romance created just the most enjoyable read that I did not want to end.
I'll always love this journey and I'm so desperate to know what happens next especially when declaration of love exist like this:
“You’re the light in my darkness"...
“You’re the moon in my night, and I am caught in your gravity.”
The continuation of Stella's story continues to grip my heart. Every moment resonated with me. It can be somewhat run of the mill to have a FMC or MC that has self-loathing, shame and guilt but the way Lana B. Knight writes the emotional and trauma riddled complexities of her characters is a work of art! I was griped, shocked, devastated, and relieved but naturally by the final pages, I shifted to freaking the f%!k out! I mean honestly, how much more can these poor, wonderful, deep and warm characters deal with? Lana, can they have like even a single moment to breathe and revel in their albeit small successes? For the love of my heart, please?
I loved every part of Stella's complicated journey and how much she continues to try to heal and be the best version of herself for those she loves while reconciling the fact that she can also do those things but for herself. The chemistry and history between Stella and Nox is captivating as well as being one of the best slow burns I've read in a long, long while. Stella has many attributes like many of the beloved FMC of the genre, specifically like Aelin, but she is unique in her origins, her flaws, weaknesses and failures. She is strong but can't see her strength, she has made mistakes that were costly but can't recognize her successes because they seem small in her eyes, and she values love and friendship but doesn't extend that love to herself. Lana has a way with getting to the heart of an idea or sentiment that are pulled from the real world but does so in a way that makes the idea or sentiment all the more clear therefore a lingering shadow in ones brain:
"Judgment is for the choices we make, the actions we stand by. One does not decide to be born. We live because over thousands of years and thousands of peoples’s love, our soul’s puzzle finally found its completion. To judge someone because they breathe air into their lungs at birth is just cruel."
“If someone isn’t taught their potential, how would they even know to question their surroundings? Just because something is an option doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Denying people the means to grow, out of fear of what they might become, isn’t strength. It’s cowardice masked as tradition. Someone else improving doesn’t make you weaker or less powerful.”
Lana's blend of the politics surrounding equality and fairness among those of different races, gender and species combined with the compelling nature of new relationships, vivid descriptions of environments and cultures and the depiction of the complexities of long term friendships and romance created just the most enjoyable read that I did not want to end.
I'll always love this journey and I'm so desperate to know what happens next especially when declaration of love exist like this:
“You’re the light in my darkness"...
“You’re the moon in my night, and I am caught in your gravity.”
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thank you to Lana B Knight for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
WOW! Listen, I really enjoyed Starheart as I loved getting to know the characters and having the chess pieces moved where they needed to be for this to kick off.
But Lana took the foundations they set in Starheart and absolutely smashed them out of the park in Nightwither.
So many things I could laud:
- The regression in Stella’s character to clawing her way back to a healthy self love with the help of her chosen family;
- The incredible political scheming and seeing Stella put her lifelong political training (pre-magic) into use;
- The unique magic system of the obsuis - even the water obsuis stones on their own had me so excited;
- The balance of classic romantasy tropes with Nox and Stella while also allowing them to develop a relationship with each other with a healthy and slow burn, building trust and friendship first into something more. THEY ARE SO DREAMY;
- The fun twists and turns. As with every romantasy books, some aspects I was able to pick up on, however this book was chock full of moments where I gasped in shock at a reveal and that makes for such a fun reading experience;
- The complex characters with motivations revealed over time; and
- THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING!
The scene where Stella finally conquers her magic and unashamedly celebrates had me filled with joy. That is probably my stand out, as well as the scene where Stella falls into the medius for deep dive easter egg reasons.
As with any romantasy book, there were a few moments that mirrored some other books and a few characters I would have liked to get even deeper in understanding - but there is much more to come in the next installment and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
This was simply excellent and I look forward to learning so much more (and don’t look forward to waiting to learn more!)
WOW! Listen, I really enjoyed Starheart as I loved getting to know the characters and having the chess pieces moved where they needed to be for this to kick off.
But Lana took the foundations they set in Starheart and absolutely smashed them out of the park in Nightwither.
So many things I could laud:
- The regression in Stella’s character to clawing her way back to a healthy self love with the help of her chosen family;
- The incredible political scheming and seeing Stella put her lifelong political training (pre-magic) into use;
- The unique magic system of the obsuis - even the water obsuis stones on their own had me so excited;
- The balance of classic romantasy tropes with Nox and Stella while also allowing them to develop a relationship with each other with a healthy and slow burn, building trust and friendship first into something more. THEY ARE SO DREAMY;
- The fun twists and turns. As with every romantasy books, some aspects I was able to pick up on, however this book was chock full of moments where I gasped in shock at a reveal and that makes for such a fun reading experience;
- The complex characters with motivations revealed over time; and
- THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING!
The scene where Stella finally conquers her magic and unashamedly celebrates had me filled with joy. That is probably my stand out, as well as the scene where Stella falls into the medius for deep dive easter egg reasons.
As with any romantasy book, there were a few moments that mirrored some other books and a few characters I would have liked to get even deeper in understanding - but there is much more to come in the next installment and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
This was simply excellent and I look forward to learning so much more (and don’t look forward to waiting to learn more!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to say, first of all, thank you so very much to the author for trusting me with an ARC copy. I absolutely fell in love with starheart so I was utterly thrilled when I was given this eARC!!! This review is entirely my own thoughts and totally honest. This is a NO spoiler review
This was such a ride! It's tense, romantic, dark, gritty, all of those things wrapped up into one. Of course, Oatha was amazing as always lol she's my favourite. Stella's development in this one was amazing, there were several moments where I cried because there are parts of her that resonate with me and it was so heart wrenching but in like... a good way! I adored all of the world-building we got in this one, the ending is certainly intense. There were times I was swooning, or on the edge of my seat, just flying through these pages, there was a couple moments I had to just sit with a couple chapters and simmer in what was happening because I didn't want to move on from it (In like the best way possible, I just didn't want this book to end). It drew me in from page one and I can absolutely see the difference in the writing from book 1 to 2, book 1 was still enthralling and poetic and lyrical, but the writing has had such an upgrade here. I was just sucked right into this story, I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves steamy romance, high fantasy adventure, dark and gritty moments and for people who are die hard fans of lyrical and poetic writing, this one is for you.
Perfect for fans of SJM, Game of Thrones, Legend of Zelda, as well as a small piece of Celtic Folklore.
Once again, thank you so much to the author and I am soooo looking forward to the next volume <3
This was such a ride! It's tense, romantic, dark, gritty, all of those things wrapped up into one. Of course, Oatha was amazing as always lol she's my favourite. Stella's development in this one was amazing, there were several moments where I cried because there are parts of her that resonate with me and it was so heart wrenching but in like... a good way! I adored all of the world-building we got in this one, the ending is certainly intense. There were times I was swooning, or on the edge of my seat, just flying through these pages, there was a couple moments I had to just sit with a couple chapters and simmer in what was happening because I didn't want to move on from it (In like the best way possible, I just didn't want this book to end). It drew me in from page one and I can absolutely see the difference in the writing from book 1 to 2, book 1 was still enthralling and poetic and lyrical, but the writing has had such an upgrade here. I was just sucked right into this story, I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves steamy romance, high fantasy adventure, dark and gritty moments and for people who are die hard fans of lyrical and poetic writing, this one is for you.
Perfect for fans of SJM, Game of Thrones, Legend of Zelda, as well as a small piece of Celtic Folklore.
Once again, thank you so much to the author and I am soooo looking forward to the next volume <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
"𝐍𝐨𝐱𝐫𝐲𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚."
- 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 -
rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice : 🌶🌶
Okay this blew me away!! I was reeling for days after finishing it. The second installment of the 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘢 was so dark, intense, and full of so much adventure i couldn't help but inhale every page like my dying breath.
Right from the start i was immediately sucked in to the story and boy, was it a wild emotional rollercoaster! I laughed, cheered, raged and cried with the characters. I absolutely loved Stella (obviously), she was brave and resilient, and bright as hell. With so much pressure on her, she never let it break her completely. She was remarkable, really. But it was Ebony that I was so taken by, she was the sweetest little soul. The bond she and Stella immediately had was exceptional, and Ebony did more for Stella than ever expected. I was a goner for the little girl from the start.
the slow burn romance held me captive the whole book, although it was a snails pace (😩) the author managed to keep me totally captive by the snippets of romance between Stella and Noxyrn. Between the banter, moments of vulnerability, and the passion in all forms between them –I was shipping them so hard, yelling and swooning at every interaction. goddamn. a round of applause for Lana's writing... i was so obsessed the whole book!
I absolutely loved all of the world building, the different courts and characters, and a plot sooo twisty. I couldn't put this down from the moment I started! Thank you @lanabknight for the opportunity to ARC read for you once again, i can't wait to see where this saga goes, and look forward for more magic from you!
- 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 -
rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice : 🌶🌶
Okay this blew me away!! I was reeling for days after finishing it. The second installment of the 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘢 was so dark, intense, and full of so much adventure i couldn't help but inhale every page like my dying breath.
Right from the start i was immediately sucked in to the story and boy, was it a wild emotional rollercoaster! I laughed, cheered, raged and cried with the characters. I absolutely loved Stella (obviously), she was brave and resilient, and bright as hell. With so much pressure on her, she never let it break her completely. She was remarkable, really. But it was Ebony that I was so taken by, she was the sweetest little soul. The bond she and Stella immediately had was exceptional, and Ebony did more for Stella than ever expected. I was a goner for the little girl from the start.
the slow burn romance held me captive the whole book, although it was a snails pace (😩) the author managed to keep me totally captive by the snippets of romance between Stella and Noxyrn. Between the banter, moments of vulnerability, and the passion in all forms between them –I was shipping them so hard, yelling and swooning at every interaction. goddamn. a round of applause for Lana's writing... i was so obsessed the whole book!
I absolutely loved all of the world building, the different courts and characters, and a plot sooo twisty. I couldn't put this down from the moment I started! Thank you @lanabknight for the opportunity to ARC read for you once again, i can't wait to see where this saga goes, and look forward for more magic from you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced copy received from Author
Stella thought coming to Myera would feel like home. After a long journey, meeting her family should have been easy but Stella did not realize the chaos she was walking into. Courts fighting with other courts and stories spun to make some out to be villains, Stella must navigate the web of lies and deceit. The people she thought would protect her want to use her, escaping them is an easy choice but where she lands may terrify her. Faced with inner anxiety and the weight of Myera's future, Stella turns to Noxryn with the hope of handling the danger head on.
I absolutely love Stella. She is a complex character riddled with many emotions. Slowly the weight of the world has become her burden. Throughout the entire story she fights with herself to unleash her power and become the Starheart she is meant to be. Then you have Noxryn who is dark and alluring. There are many layers under his broody exterior. The side characters offer insight and knowledge of the world as we explore as well as interacting on deeply personal levels with each other. Not one single character is two dimensional, everyone has something they are conflicted about or fighting. This story is a beautiful portrayal of learning to love yourself even in the face of adversity. It also highlights how family is not always by blood. I cannot wait for book three and I feel incredibly lucky that Lana allowed me to devour an early copy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful, emotional letter to self worth and the value each person brings to the table.
Stella thought coming to Myera would feel like home. After a long journey, meeting her family should have been easy but Stella did not realize the chaos she was walking into. Courts fighting with other courts and stories spun to make some out to be villains, Stella must navigate the web of lies and deceit. The people she thought would protect her want to use her, escaping them is an easy choice but where she lands may terrify her. Faced with inner anxiety and the weight of Myera's future, Stella turns to Noxryn with the hope of handling the danger head on.
I absolutely love Stella. She is a complex character riddled with many emotions. Slowly the weight of the world has become her burden. Throughout the entire story she fights with herself to unleash her power and become the Starheart she is meant to be. Then you have Noxryn who is dark and alluring. There are many layers under his broody exterior. The side characters offer insight and knowledge of the world as we explore as well as interacting on deeply personal levels with each other. Not one single character is two dimensional, everyone has something they are conflicted about or fighting. This story is a beautiful portrayal of learning to love yourself even in the face of adversity. It also highlights how family is not always by blood. I cannot wait for book three and I feel incredibly lucky that Lana allowed me to devour an early copy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful, emotional letter to self worth and the value each person brings to the table.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another 5 Star PLUS from Lana B. Knight. Thank you so much Lana for my eARC of Nightwither. It was truly an honor to sneak a peek before launch day in April. All opinions are my own.
Just like Starheart, I am hooked. That beginning... That ending!! It was a powerful read and one that leaves me eager for the next installment.
Our story jumps right in where Starheart left off, with Stella and her crew travelling to Myera. What should be an exciting adventure quickly turns into a time of doubt for Stella. Her family is not everything she anticipated and neither is the pressure of being the Starheart. Her debut to Myera is marked with murder and Stella begins to question her worth.
The descriptions Lana uses truly paint a picture of the places and creatures Stella is experiencing for the first time. Much like Starheart, Nightwither filled me with emotions from all of the events shared in the book. I especially liked seeing the bond between Zyrus and Stella grow through their Mekh Hubrym.
Nightwither is full of the unexpected. Stella learns a lot about herself and her people. She also gets a true sense of the divide between each court and where their loyalties lie.
If you enjoyed the glimpses of tension/yearning between Noxryn and Stella in book 1, you will LOVE what happens in book 2. It is a true slow burn that had me giggling and kicking my feet every step of the way.
Just like Starheart, I am hooked. That beginning... That ending!! It was a powerful read and one that leaves me eager for the next installment.
Our story jumps right in where Starheart left off, with Stella and her crew travelling to Myera. What should be an exciting adventure quickly turns into a time of doubt for Stella. Her family is not everything she anticipated and neither is the pressure of being the Starheart. Her debut to Myera is marked with murder and Stella begins to question her worth.
The descriptions Lana uses truly paint a picture of the places and creatures Stella is experiencing for the first time. Much like Starheart, Nightwither filled me with emotions from all of the events shared in the book. I especially liked seeing the bond between Zyrus and Stella grow through their Mekh Hubrym.
Nightwither is full of the unexpected. Stella learns a lot about herself and her people. She also gets a true sense of the divide between each court and where their loyalties lie.
If you enjoyed the glimpses of tension/yearning between Noxryn and Stella in book 1, you will LOVE what happens in book 2. It is a true slow burn that had me giggling and kicking my feet every step of the way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Picking up right where Starheart left off we jump right into the action. This installment was super in depth with an expanding world—it was cool seeing the different courts. I thought it was very fleshed out, you can tell the author really puts the time and effort into the story. I liked how it exposes and calls out racism and bigotry. We get lots of character growth and my absolute favorite thing was finally getting to crack the code that is Noxryn, especially since he was mainly silent in book one.
Imma just say that I love a man who begs on his knees 😈 I like how this is a true slow burn and even though this one kicked up more it still hasn’t ignited completely. I appreciate that so much since this is an ongoing series so it doesn’t seem like the romance will be overplayed. It definitely leaves you wanting more!
Stella, badass - her power, awesome. The space time thingy 😱 so cool, and the little breadcrumbs throughout, won’t say more cause I don’t want to spoil it but just wow.
Annnnnd that ending!!! OMFG what?!? WHY! Mind blown. I had to reread it several times. Lol I have so many more questions starting with WHAT WAS IN THAT LETTER!!! It’s criminal to have to wait for the next book! 😅
Thank you Lana for the advanced copy!!
Imma just say that I love a man who begs on his knees 😈 I like how this is a true slow burn and even though this one kicked up more it still hasn’t ignited completely. I appreciate that so much since this is an ongoing series so it doesn’t seem like the romance will be overplayed. It definitely leaves you wanting more!
Stella, badass - her power, awesome. The space time thingy 😱 so cool, and the little breadcrumbs throughout, won’t say more cause I don’t want to spoil it but just wow.
Annnnnd that ending!!! OMFG what?!? WHY! Mind blown. I had to reread it several times. Lol I have so many more questions starting with WHAT WAS IN THAT LETTER!!! It’s criminal to have to wait for the next book! 😅
Thank you Lana for the advanced copy!!
Review of advance copy
I had the absolute honour of reading the ARC of Nightwither by Lana B. Knight, and I am genuinely blown away.
I already loved Starheart (I've read it five times already and I will read it again) but Nightwither somehow surpasses it in every way. The writing feels even more powerful and epic, and the story completely captivated me from start to finish. The world expands beautifully, and we get to explore so many fascinating new places and characters.
I was honestly frustrated every time I had to put the book down. I was so enthralled by the writing, the story, that it was genuinely hard to put down the book.
Stella continues to be such a complex and compelling protagonist. Watching her grow and uncover more of her story added so much emotional depth to the narrative. She feels real. Flawed, sure, but real. She’s not perfect, and that is what I love most about her.
I truly cannot wait for book three.
I already loved Starheart (I've read it five times already and I will read it again) but Nightwither somehow surpasses it in every way. The writing feels even more powerful and epic, and the story completely captivated me from start to finish. The world expands beautifully, and we get to explore so many fascinating new places and characters.
I was honestly frustrated every time I had to put the book down. I was so enthralled by the writing, the story, that it was genuinely hard to put down the book.
Stella continues to be such a complex and compelling protagonist. Watching her grow and uncover more of her story added so much emotional depth to the narrative. She feels real. Flawed, sure, but real. She’s not perfect, and that is what I love most about her.
I truly cannot wait for book three.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*4.5 Stars* I was so excited to read Nightwither, the 2nd book in the Starheart Saga, and I was not disappointed!
A whole new world is revealed in this book when Stella travels to her mother’s homeland, Myera. The world is beautifully written and rich in detail. Stella faces an unexpected trial that deeply affects her self-confidence and self-trust. I found her emotional turmoil to be so real and understandable, based on the trauma she has been through. Lana knows how to do slow-burn well. The tension between Noxryn and Stella is THICK.
I must admit I was a bit lost when the story started, as it’s the kind of book that just dives right in. I wouldn’t mind a bit of a refresher on certain key details as the first chapter rolls out. This was the main factor in taking half a star off. If you’ve read Onyx Storm, you know what I’m talking about.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nightwither and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next book in the Starheart Saga!
A whole new world is revealed in this book when Stella travels to her mother’s homeland, Myera. The world is beautifully written and rich in detail. Stella faces an unexpected trial that deeply affects her self-confidence and self-trust. I found her emotional turmoil to be so real and understandable, based on the trauma she has been through. Lana knows how to do slow-burn well. The tension between Noxryn and Stella is THICK.
I must admit I was a bit lost when the story started, as it’s the kind of book that just dives right in. I wouldn’t mind a bit of a refresher on certain key details as the first chapter rolls out. This was the main factor in taking half a star off. If you’ve read Onyx Storm, you know what I’m talking about.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nightwither and highly recommend it! I can’t wait to read the next book in the Starheart Saga!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I appreciate the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The Prologue made me cry! The story continued seamlessly from book 1, but I could not remember why Stella was not speaking to her companions. Some of the events from book 1 were recounted and it helped orient the story. Stella journeyed to meet her mother’s family and saying that they were not what she expected would be an understatement. The methods they used to get her to manifest her powers were painfully graphic and really “left a mark”. The overall story progression was good and I liked the development of Stella’s physical and mental strength as well as her resilience. I really wanted to love this book, as much as I loved Starheart, but found that the many similarities and parallels to TOG and ACOMAF really took me out of the story and didn’t make the book as unique as I expected.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nightwither...where to start? The characters are charming and maddening. The plot is thick and tortuous. The tension is palpable and delicious. This book kept me hooked from cover to cover.
LBK does a wonderful job continuing Stella’s story in a thrilling and inventive way. Stella’s character evolves beautifully in this second book while staying true to her (stubborn) self. The story takes readers through both literal and emotional twists and turns, all while immersing us in another fantastical world.
The unraveling of Stella’s love interest was highly anticipated and utterly delicious. LBK truly makes us YEARN for it.
Overall, Nightwither is an elaborate and magically charged story that continues the already fantastic tale of Stella Aresun, AND somehow makes you want even more.
LBK does a wonderful job continuing Stella’s story in a thrilling and inventive way. Stella’s character evolves beautifully in this second book while staying true to her (stubborn) self. The story takes readers through both literal and emotional twists and turns, all while immersing us in another fantastical world.
The unraveling of Stella’s love interest was highly anticipated and utterly delicious. LBK truly makes us YEARN for it.
Overall, Nightwither is an elaborate and magically charged story that continues the already fantastic tale of Stella Aresun, AND somehow makes you want even more.
March 22, 2026
The author knows how I feel - full ARC review to come.
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