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The Chosen Throne
THE STARGEM CHRONICLES CONTINUE IN THIS EPIC JOURNEY ACROSS THE CONTINENT TOWARDS AN IMPOSSIBLE DESTINATION.
The Empress has unleashed the dragon-gods from the abyss to seek vengeance on humanity. Yet one of them has already been slain.
Zael and Aniyah don’t understand the powers they wield; all they know is that such things are unprecedented. In the heart of the mountains where the stargems are forged, they learn that they are capable of far more than they ever thought possible.
Aniyah becomes a beacon of hope, uniting her people against the Empire.
Zael searches for the hidden path back to Kirantel.
A traitorous figure from the past lies in wait.
And the power of the stargems could fall into the wrong hands.
The Empress has unleashed the dragon-gods from the abyss to seek vengeance on humanity. Yet one of them has already been slain.
Zael and Aniyah don’t understand the powers they wield; all they know is that such things are unprecedented. In the heart of the mountains where the stargems are forged, they learn that they are capable of far more than they ever thought possible.
Aniyah becomes a beacon of hope, uniting her people against the Empire.
Zael searches for the hidden path back to Kirantel.
A traitorous figure from the past lies in wait.
And the power of the stargems could fall into the wrong hands.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
6 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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May 6, 2026
I have to say, after reading this arc I was a bit stunned in writing this review because I don’t know where to start.
I have to be brutally honest, I’m a bit disappointed that this book didn’t give me the same excitement that I felt with the first book. There are a few good and bad points I’ll later point out as why I rated this a three star book.
This book is the second book of The Stargem Chronicles, a romantasy let’s say. A bit different from the first one which has more world building. This one has more character building and plots unraveling finally.
The story follows up with Aniyah and Zael finally getting together and slaying there very first dragon. Aniyah gets her memory back and remembers her wonderful time she had with Zael 5 years ago. The adventure themselves to Dwarves Paradise and meet Tomiden, a new character that you’ll going to love. They finally wed in the dwarves caves with the blessing of the dwarves king and the spice starts here. As two virgin newlyweds, the spice is a bit awkward in the beginning but they get the hang out of it later on with much practice.
They fight off a second dragon that shows up from the lava within the mountains and Aniyah, Zael and Tomiden slay that one as well, with the help of the kings gifts: a new sword for Zael and a two bracers for Aniyah, both encrusted with all 12 stargems that give them many abilities.
They decide to travel to Senzanden where Aniyah has some trinkets she needs (her Pearl earring, her birthstone stargem) and then they’ll travel back to Kirantel. Zael’s hometown.
Tomiden is assigned to join them for his request to the king for a journey of adventure.
Along the way, they meet many other characters and the book does show a little bit of a comardery and a whole lot of adventure with fighting and more plots unraveling. Some characters from the previous book also show up again in this one.
Now for the reason of my rating. The positive aspects is that finally I see Aniyah and Zael grow individually and become stronger characters. I love seeing several chapters with different povs. And overall, the last 40% of the book had me enthralled in the plot with the villain (Aniyah brother), darkspawns and the last lethal dragon.
The negative aspects, I have to be honest, the first 60% was hard for me to grasp because of the pace. A little slow and lots of “talking” between characters. I wish there were more chapters and development with Lindu (female mortal) married to Aquila (male fae); and Zornitsa, the fae woman who is behind all of this chaos. Loved her actually, bad bitch energy.
Overall, it was a lovely adventure and have to wait for book 3 🤭
I have to be brutally honest, I’m a bit disappointed that this book didn’t give me the same excitement that I felt with the first book. There are a few good and bad points I’ll later point out as why I rated this a three star book.
This book is the second book of The Stargem Chronicles, a romantasy let’s say. A bit different from the first one which has more world building. This one has more character building and plots unraveling finally.
The story follows up with Aniyah and Zael finally getting together and slaying there very first dragon. Aniyah gets her memory back and remembers her wonderful time she had with Zael 5 years ago. The adventure themselves to Dwarves Paradise and meet Tomiden, a new character that you’ll going to love. They finally wed in the dwarves caves with the blessing of the dwarves king and the spice starts here. As two virgin newlyweds, the spice is a bit awkward in the beginning but they get the hang out of it later on with much practice.
They fight off a second dragon that shows up from the lava within the mountains and Aniyah, Zael and Tomiden slay that one as well, with the help of the kings gifts: a new sword for Zael and a two bracers for Aniyah, both encrusted with all 12 stargems that give them many abilities.
They decide to travel to Senzanden where Aniyah has some trinkets she needs (her Pearl earring, her birthstone stargem) and then they’ll travel back to Kirantel. Zael’s hometown.
Tomiden is assigned to join them for his request to the king for a journey of adventure.
Along the way, they meet many other characters and the book does show a little bit of a comardery and a whole lot of adventure with fighting and more plots unraveling. Some characters from the previous book also show up again in this one.
Now for the reason of my rating. The positive aspects is that finally I see Aniyah and Zael grow individually and become stronger characters. I love seeing several chapters with different povs. And overall, the last 40% of the book had me enthralled in the plot with the villain (Aniyah brother), darkspawns and the last lethal dragon.
The negative aspects, I have to be honest, the first 60% was hard for me to grasp because of the pace. A little slow and lots of “talking” between characters. I wish there were more chapters and development with Lindu (female mortal) married to Aquila (male fae); and Zornitsa, the fae woman who is behind all of this chaos. Loved her actually, bad bitch energy.
Overall, it was a lovely adventure and have to wait for book 3 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked the world-building in this book. The stargem magic system felt unique and well thought out, and the world itself was beautiful. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the creatures, all of that was really nicely done.
What didn’t fully work for me was the tone compared to how the book is presented. It’s described as a high fantasy romance, so I was expecting more tension, higher stakes, and stronger character dynamics. Instead, it reads much more like a cosy, fairytale-like story.
Because of that, the pacing felt quite slow, and a lot of the conversations between Aniyah and Zael didn’t really move things forward. I kept waiting for more emotional depth, especially when it came to Zael’s past choices, but those moments never really turned into proper confrontation. Everything felt very soft and quickly resolved.
The romance is sweet and over-protective, but for me it leaned a bit too much into that. It felt more like insta-love, without much tension or build-up, so the emotional payoff didn’t quite land.
I ended up DNFing this at around 30%. The moment that made me stop was the scene where they defeat the second dragon god. It all happens very quickly and smoothly, even though the characters don’t really have any battle experience, especially Aniyah. That made it hard for me to stay immersed, and it lowered the sense of stakes quite a bit.
I can see how this would work really well for someone looking for a cosy fantasy with a romantic line. It just wasn’t fully what I was expecting going in.
What didn’t fully work for me was the tone compared to how the book is presented. It’s described as a high fantasy romance, so I was expecting more tension, higher stakes, and stronger character dynamics. Instead, it reads much more like a cosy, fairytale-like story.
Because of that, the pacing felt quite slow, and a lot of the conversations between Aniyah and Zael didn’t really move things forward. I kept waiting for more emotional depth, especially when it came to Zael’s past choices, but those moments never really turned into proper confrontation. Everything felt very soft and quickly resolved.
The romance is sweet and over-protective, but for me it leaned a bit too much into that. It felt more like insta-love, without much tension or build-up, so the emotional payoff didn’t quite land.
I ended up DNFing this at around 30%. The moment that made me stop was the scene where they defeat the second dragon god. It all happens very quickly and smoothly, even though the characters don’t really have any battle experience, especially Aniyah. That made it hard for me to stay immersed, and it lowered the sense of stakes quite a bit.
I can see how this would work really well for someone looking for a cosy fantasy with a romantic line. It just wasn’t fully what I was expecting going in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars, 3 rounded down.
Very grateful to receive a copy in exchange for a review in anticipation of this book's release. Thank you for the digital copies of both your books.
My biggest struggle with this book was that the really amazing element of the world-building from book 1 wasn't really expanded upon. Minorly, sure, but not enough to make up for the biggest issue in Wither's writing, repeating herself. Both these books should have been condensed into one book, simply by removing every instance where the author repeats information that we, the reader, already know.
Another issue I have with this book specifically is that everything comes way too easily to the characters through the power of the star gems. There is an endless cycle of travel, battle monsters without any issue, drink and bard at the bar, without any question of 'will the characters struggle?'. This doesn't change until 80% of the book, when there starts to be a change in plot, and because of this, it was really hard to push myself to keep going.
I also need to mention that the intamacy scenes really detracted from the story because they were written with language that was so out of tune from the rest of the light hearted and fluffy style of the rest of the story. The cursing and graphic details felt out of place in comparison to books that use this language throughout their whole story.
The premise of this story is very interesting, and I wanted to love it more than I did. You can tell the author has a love for artistic expression and some really cool ideas.
Very grateful to receive a copy in exchange for a review in anticipation of this book's release. Thank you for the digital copies of both your books.
My biggest struggle with this book was that the really amazing element of the world-building from book 1 wasn't really expanded upon. Minorly, sure, but not enough to make up for the biggest issue in Wither's writing, repeating herself. Both these books should have been condensed into one book, simply by removing every instance where the author repeats information that we, the reader, already know.
Another issue I have with this book specifically is that everything comes way too easily to the characters through the power of the star gems. There is an endless cycle of travel, battle monsters without any issue, drink and bard at the bar, without any question of 'will the characters struggle?'. This doesn't change until 80% of the book, when there starts to be a change in plot, and because of this, it was really hard to push myself to keep going.
I also need to mention that the intamacy scenes really detracted from the story because they were written with language that was so out of tune from the rest of the light hearted and fluffy style of the rest of the story. The cursing and graphic details felt out of place in comparison to books that use this language throughout their whole story.
The premise of this story is very interesting, and I wanted to love it more than I did. You can tell the author has a love for artistic expression and some really cool ideas.
April 28, 2026
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this instalment and couldn’t be more thrilled!
This book lingers. The strength of this story lives and breathes in its characters. Both the FMC and MMC feel carved rather than written—layered, deliberate, and achingly human beneath the weight of whatever fate is tightening around their throats. Their chemistry isn’t rushed; it simmers, sharp and patient, the kind that leaves a mark instead of a moment.
And the side characters? Not ghosts in the background, but echoes that matter. The kind you grow attached to without realizing until you’d bleed a little if they disappeared.
The pacing walks that delicate line between slow and steady—hovering in that middle space where tension coils instead of snaps. It may not sprint, but it stalks, and for this story, that restraint works.
But that ending… cruel, precise, and utterly intoxicating.
A cliffhanger that doesn’t just ask for the next book… it demands it.
And now the question that lingers in the dark - who is truly wearing the villain’s crown?
There’s something deliciously unsettling about how it’s been set up. The lines feel blurred, intentions shadowed, and I can’t tell if the danger is lurking in plain sight or waiting to be unmasked. If this story leans into betrayal, it could cut deep—and I’m equal parts excited and wary to see who falls into that role, and how devastating that reveal will be.
Verdict: A slow-burning ascent to something darker, sharper, and far from finished. I’m already bracing for what comes next - and I have a feeling it won’t be merciful 🖤
This book lingers. The strength of this story lives and breathes in its characters. Both the FMC and MMC feel carved rather than written—layered, deliberate, and achingly human beneath the weight of whatever fate is tightening around their throats. Their chemistry isn’t rushed; it simmers, sharp and patient, the kind that leaves a mark instead of a moment.
And the side characters? Not ghosts in the background, but echoes that matter. The kind you grow attached to without realizing until you’d bleed a little if they disappeared.
The pacing walks that delicate line between slow and steady—hovering in that middle space where tension coils instead of snaps. It may not sprint, but it stalks, and for this story, that restraint works.
But that ending… cruel, precise, and utterly intoxicating.
A cliffhanger that doesn’t just ask for the next book… it demands it.
And now the question that lingers in the dark - who is truly wearing the villain’s crown?
There’s something deliciously unsettling about how it’s been set up. The lines feel blurred, intentions shadowed, and I can’t tell if the danger is lurking in plain sight or waiting to be unmasked. If this story leans into betrayal, it could cut deep—and I’m equal parts excited and wary to see who falls into that role, and how devastating that reveal will be.
Verdict: A slow-burning ascent to something darker, sharper, and far from finished. I’m already bracing for what comes next - and I have a feeling it won’t be merciful 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read the book as an ARC-reader! May contain spoilers but not big ones.
I read City of Skies right before I dove into The Chosen Throne, so I could see if there was differences. And in my opinion there was - as the CoS was building the world and getting to know the characters, TCT felt like a game set up in the world of the first book.
The characters were either good or bad, it felt, there really was no in between great hues. Our main pair gets new friends to wander with and help with their task. The game-like feeling came from the many obstacles and monsters met on the way that were quite easily overcome either with strength or with witt.
This book had more spice in it than the very suttle first book, after all our FMC and MMC have finally found each other and are very tightly together. Not too much spice tough, just in a couple of occasions.
I felt like the first book was more describing, and this second part was much more talk, which would not probably been necessary.
More POV's and also some time-jumping was done, and these things confused me a bit. Maybe because English is not my first language even I think myself as a fluent user.
I do like very much the magic system based on gems, and I wish there will be more depth of that one in the coming book!
I read City of Skies right before I dove into The Chosen Throne, so I could see if there was differences. And in my opinion there was - as the CoS was building the world and getting to know the characters, TCT felt like a game set up in the world of the first book.
The characters were either good or bad, it felt, there really was no in between great hues. Our main pair gets new friends to wander with and help with their task. The game-like feeling came from the many obstacles and monsters met on the way that were quite easily overcome either with strength or with witt.
This book had more spice in it than the very suttle first book, after all our FMC and MMC have finally found each other and are very tightly together. Not too much spice tough, just in a couple of occasions.
I felt like the first book was more describing, and this second part was much more talk, which would not probably been necessary.
More POV's and also some time-jumping was done, and these things confused me a bit. Maybe because English is not my first language even I think myself as a fluent user.
I do like very much the magic system based on gems, and I wish there will be more depth of that one in the coming book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 31, 2026Elle Wither’s The Chosen Throne is a masterclass in high-fantasy world-building, seamlessly expanding the stakes of The Stargem Chronicles without falling into the "middle-book slump." Wither excels at balancing intimate character growth with an escalating global conflict, particularly as Zael and Aniyah’s exploration of their unprecedented powers adds a profound, almost mystical weight to their journey. The narrative tension is expertly maintained by the looming threat of the dragon-gods and the shadow of a traitorous past, making the continent-spanning trek feel both urgent and earned. While the complex lore of the stargems requires a focused reader, the payoff is a rich, atmospheric epic that successfully transitions Aniyah from a survivor into a compelling beacon of resistance. It is a rare sequel that manages to be more ambitious than its predecessor while keeping its emotional core perfectly intact.
April 12, 2026
This is an ARC read review! I really enjoyed this book! It kept me reading the whole time. I do love romance novels with spice and this was very romance novel. I also loved the characters in the book.
As I was reading there were a few things that I felt could have been elaborated more on! I wish that there was more about the dragons in it and maybe a little research on the main characters part about them. Maybe more information on why they were banished and the point in bringing them back. It also felt that they kind of popped up out of nowhere with no rhyme or reason.
I felt that in the fantasy department it was lacking. It had magical gems, dragons, and dwarves, but aside from that there wasn’t a lot of fantasy in it. The brother of the MFC could have had a little more depth to him, with possibly explaining what happened to him after Ginan burned. It could help with the reason behind why he became a soldier for the bad people as well as why he felt he needed to be all powerful.
As I was reading there were a few things that I felt could have been elaborated more on! I wish that there was more about the dragons in it and maybe a little research on the main characters part about them. Maybe more information on why they were banished and the point in bringing them back. It also felt that they kind of popped up out of nowhere with no rhyme or reason.
I felt that in the fantasy department it was lacking. It had magical gems, dragons, and dwarves, but aside from that there wasn’t a lot of fantasy in it. The brother of the MFC could have had a little more depth to him, with possibly explaining what happened to him after Ginan burned. It could help with the reason behind why he became a soldier for the bad people as well as why he felt he needed to be all powerful.
May 6, 2026
4.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was full of adventure and a unique magic system guided by the Stargems. I devoured this book in just 3 days.
I was really hooked by the immersive world building with the mythical creatures. This was the most beautiful part of this book. I really liked the idea of Stargem constellation in book 1 and the detailed explanation of the magic responsible for different stargems in book 2.
Zael and Aniyah fought like real warriors. The full scenario of the adventure from the Goantar to Sonala was so much entertaining, but I was distracted after 70% and I felt some scenes were not necessary. It started dragging the story and became too slow. But the story caught its pace again with a satisfying ending.
• Some unnecessary scenes slowed the pacing of the story. Otherwise, it was a brilliant book. I really loved this one. I would love to recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, magic, mythical creatures and music.
This book was full of adventure and a unique magic system guided by the Stargems. I devoured this book in just 3 days.
I was really hooked by the immersive world building with the mythical creatures. This was the most beautiful part of this book. I really liked the idea of Stargem constellation in book 1 and the detailed explanation of the magic responsible for different stargems in book 2.
Zael and Aniyah fought like real warriors. The full scenario of the adventure from the Goantar to Sonala was so much entertaining, but I was distracted after 70% and I felt some scenes were not necessary. It started dragging the story and became too slow. But the story caught its pace again with a satisfying ending.
• Some unnecessary scenes slowed the pacing of the story. Otherwise, it was a brilliant book. I really loved this one. I would love to recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, magic, mythical creatures and music.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of the advance copy received from the Author
I haven't read the first book, so this was a new author to me. Elle Wither advertised the book as high fantasy first and romance second. Personally, I thought it was more romance than fantasy. Even a bit heavy on the romance. I wasn't prepared for the spice at the beginning of the book, as most books I've read usually introduce the spice later in the story.
It was difficult for me to get into the story. Maybe because I haven't read the first one? Usually, a fantasy would take me 2-3 days to read. This one took me ten. I almost ended up DNF'ing it, but I felt I owed it to Mrs Wither to finish it. Once I got past about 60% of the book, I got into the story. It felt rushed in some scenes and too slow-paced in others.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice: 3.9
I haven't read the first book, so this was a new author to me. Elle Wither advertised the book as high fantasy first and romance second. Personally, I thought it was more romance than fantasy. Even a bit heavy on the romance. I wasn't prepared for the spice at the beginning of the book, as most books I've read usually introduce the spice later in the story.
It was difficult for me to get into the story. Maybe because I haven't read the first one? Usually, a fantasy would take me 2-3 days to read. This one took me ten. I almost ended up DNF'ing it, but I felt I owed it to Mrs Wither to finish it. Once I got past about 60% of the book, I got into the story. It felt rushed in some scenes and too slow-paced in others.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice: 3.9
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
Picking up where we left off, Book 2 gets right into it with Zael and Aniyah reaffirming their love for each other and continuing their quest for Kirantel, the City of Skies. As they learn more about each of the stargems and what gifts they bestow those who can wield their power, more questions open up for our heroes and the reader alike.
I really enjoyed exloring this magic system, and hope to see more of what the other stargems can do in subsequent books! I also love foreshadowing, especially through dreams, and love seeing how that plays/will play out in the story. I couldn't put it down!
Do look over the trigger warnings, and while Book 1 has a bit of steam, this one really ramps up the actual spice (about 2-3🌶).
Thank you again for gifting me this ARC!
I really enjoyed exloring this magic system, and hope to see more of what the other stargems can do in subsequent books! I also love foreshadowing, especially through dreams, and love seeing how that plays/will play out in the story. I couldn't put it down!
Do look over the trigger warnings, and while Book 1 has a bit of steam, this one really ramps up the actual spice (about 2-3🌶).
Thank you again for gifting me this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book, and overall I really enjoyed it. The magic system—especially the stargems—felt fresh and unique, and I loved how it set this world apart from other romantasy books.
The romance between Zael and Aniyah is really sweet but it did feel a little rushed with little build up and yearning. However, I did feel like something was missing when it came to the overall tension. Most of battle scenes seem to happen so fast and easily, there was no real struggle until around the 80% mark. It felt like there was a change in the story here and I’m interested to see where this goes!
The romance between Zael and Aniyah is really sweet but it did feel a little rushed with little build up and yearning. However, I did feel like something was missing when it came to the overall tension. Most of battle scenes seem to happen so fast and easily, there was no real struggle until around the 80% mark. It felt like there was a change in the story here and I’m interested to see where this goes!
April 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off, thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this and book one as ARCs. This was a fun follow-on, continuing Aniyah and Zael’s journey and their adventures together.
The spice was definitely turned up a notch, and I really enjoyed the world-building, especially the stargems, which felt quite unique. There are also far more magical beings than you typically see in romantasy, which gave it a bit of a Lord of the Rings–meets-romance kind of feel.
It was an easy, enjoyable read, though it didn’t completely blow me away. That said, this is a new author, and I’m genuinely interested to see where her writing journey goes from here.”
First off, thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this and book one as ARCs. This was a fun follow-on, continuing Aniyah and Zael’s journey and their adventures together.
The spice was definitely turned up a notch, and I really enjoyed the world-building, especially the stargems, which felt quite unique. There are also far more magical beings than you typically see in romantasy, which gave it a bit of a Lord of the Rings–meets-romance kind of feel.
It was an easy, enjoyable read, though it didn’t completely blow me away. That said, this is a new author, and I’m genuinely interested to see where her writing journey goes from here.”
April 30, 2026
I loved the magical system in this book, the secret kingdom and the stargems were unique and really interesting.
The middle of the book became a little repetitive and hard to read - easily fought and won battles that seemed a little rushed and the characters were perfectly skilled to fight with no history or training of fighting before. The sex scenes were too much also, they did not fit the tone of the book at all. The book felt more like a teen/YA fairytale style and the language during these scenes was so different it just didn’t work.
I did enjoy the ending, it rounded out the story nicely.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
The middle of the book became a little repetitive and hard to read - easily fought and won battles that seemed a little rushed and the characters were perfectly skilled to fight with no history or training of fighting before. The sex scenes were too much also, they did not fit the tone of the book at all. The book felt more like a teen/YA fairytale style and the language during these scenes was so different it just didn’t work.
I did enjoy the ending, it rounded out the story nicely.
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!
April 7, 2026
I really enjoyed the world-building in this book. The stargem magic system felt unique and well thought out, and the world itself was beautiful.
I was expecting a more high fantasy vibe.
The mythical creatures are great but it does seem unlikely they would be conquered so easily. And so quickly.
I was hoping for a bit more tension in the story especially when the past was brought up. The romance is sweet, even with the spice scenes.
Overall great series so far for sweet friends to lovers romance with unique magic system and mythical creatures.
I was expecting a more high fantasy vibe.
The mythical creatures are great but it does seem unlikely they would be conquered so easily. And so quickly.
I was hoping for a bit more tension in the story especially when the past was brought up. The romance is sweet, even with the spice scenes.
Overall great series so far for sweet friends to lovers romance with unique magic system and mythical creatures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
I wasn't expecting this to be spicier than City of Skies but here we are. Outside of the heat I liked it. The world building is beautiful, the Star Gem magical system well thought out but in terms of story this felt more like a cozy romantasy than a Fantasy First Romance Second sort of book. Nothing wrong in that just not what I thought I was getting into. Overall seeing Zael and Aniyah's story continue was lovely.
April 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this sequel. It followed City of Skies up nicely, there was a bit more action and new characters introduced. I want the next one already so I can see how things play out with the Adarians and Zornitsa with her evil plans. The love between Zael and Aniyah is so sweet. This series is very much a cozy adventure read in my opinion and easy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of this book. It had me hooked. The story continues flawlessly from the first book and the adventure of Zael and Aniyah brings many moments of love and shock.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book two was a fantastic read, the characters and romance make for a well written story. The world building and magic like book one really make it hard to put down. The book has some wonderful well written spicy scenes, I can not wait for readers to get their hands on the book.
Did Not Finish
April 25, 2026Received this ARC from the author, I loved the first one and was really excited to see how the world and magic built in the second book..I dnfd at 25%, the characters fell flat for me and I decided I wasn’t loving the direction it was taking
April 29, 2026
The chilli 🌶️ rating certainly revved up in the 2nd book. Great world building. The character development has come such a long way since first meeting them in book one. The world is expanding and it’s wonderful to read about. Great fantasy, love the feel of lord of the rings vibe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an arc read. I really enjoyed it and think you will as well. The stargem magic system is very unique.
I do not want to give spoilers, so just read it!
I do not want to give spoilers, so just read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this as an ARC from the author. Overall I enjoyed it. The stargem magic system is unique and well thought out. Thank you for the digital copies of both your books! I enjoyed them both.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to start with how much I appreciate receiving this as an ARC. I enjoyed book one it was a green flags romantasy and I was really looking forward to book two.
Book two was okay. It is advertised as high fantasy and I definitely found it very heavy on the romance. It was a little bit of a slow read and I found myself skimming about halfway through. It felt rushed when it came to the fantasy aspect but the spicy scenes and romance went on awhile. The spicy scenes were a little surprising after how YA book one felt.
If you’re looking for a cozy romance green flag happy ending story set in a fantasy world with some spice this is the book for you. I liked the characters and the story but just didn’t hit how I was hoping it would.
Book two was okay. It is advertised as high fantasy and I definitely found it very heavy on the romance. It was a little bit of a slow read and I found myself skimming about halfway through. It felt rushed when it came to the fantasy aspect but the spicy scenes and romance went on awhile. The spicy scenes were a little surprising after how YA book one felt.
If you’re looking for a cozy romance green flag happy ending story set in a fantasy world with some spice this is the book for you. I liked the characters and the story but just didn’t hit how I was hoping it would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
This was definitely a level up from book one! There are more characters to get to know, which makes the adventure more engaging and adds depth to the story.
The romance also deepens as their love grows stronger. There’s a really beautiful spicy scene that’s also soft, tender, and makes consent feel romantic and sexy in a way you don’t always see in this genre.
One of the biggest differences with this book is that it leans more toward star-crossed lovers rather than the typical enemies-to-lovers trope. The way they speak to each other is less filthy banter (still love that too, don’t get me wrong!) and more total devotion and reverence, which was beautiful.
I also loved the underlying message of the book. The idea that light will always rise to overcome the darkness feels especially meaningful right now and sets an inspiring and hopeful tone.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 stars
🌶️ Spice: Mild (2🌶️)
🍇 Tropes: Star-crossed lovers, found family, quest/journey adventures, good vs evil/light vs darkness, secret big bad (puppet master villain)
💭 Would I recommend?
Yes! Especially for readers who want a softer, more devoted romance with adventure elements.
This was definitely a level up from book one! There are more characters to get to know, which makes the adventure more engaging and adds depth to the story.
The romance also deepens as their love grows stronger. There’s a really beautiful spicy scene that’s also soft, tender, and makes consent feel romantic and sexy in a way you don’t always see in this genre.
One of the biggest differences with this book is that it leans more toward star-crossed lovers rather than the typical enemies-to-lovers trope. The way they speak to each other is less filthy banter (still love that too, don’t get me wrong!) and more total devotion and reverence, which was beautiful.
I also loved the underlying message of the book. The idea that light will always rise to overcome the darkness feels especially meaningful right now and sets an inspiring and hopeful tone.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5 stars
🌶️ Spice: Mild (2🌶️)
🍇 Tropes: Star-crossed lovers, found family, quest/journey adventures, good vs evil/light vs darkness, secret big bad (puppet master villain)
💭 Would I recommend?
Yes! Especially for readers who want a softer, more devoted romance with adventure elements.
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