What do you think?
Rate this book
Trial by Starlight
Not yet published
Expected 20 Apr 26Polaris demands lineage, obedience, and control. And Vanguard is the forge. The Outsider wants to stay. The Ranger wants to rise.
Cast back to Earth as an infant, his magic bound and forgotten, he is returned years later to a world that never wanted him-and fears what it cannot control.
Danica has trained her entire life to earn a place among the great houses. Without the blood of the Five, every step toward apprenticeship demands perfection, discipline, and sacrifice.
At Vanguard, Pledges are forged into Paragons and tested by the Starlight Trials that promise glory and the coveted title of Apprentice. Yet behind the discipline, ancient houses maneuver for control, and the future of Polaris is shaped long before any trial is won.
Between grueling training and stolen moments, something in Faber begins to shift-in ways Polaris will not accept. And Danica finds herself pulled toward a life she never allowed herself to want, with Faber becoming an unwelcome distraction she cannot afford-and cannot ignore.
Cast back to Earth as an infant, his magic bound and forgotten, he is returned years later to a world that never wanted him-and fears what it cannot control.
Danica has trained her entire life to earn a place among the great houses. Without the blood of the Five, every step toward apprenticeship demands perfection, discipline, and sacrifice.
At Vanguard, Pledges are forged into Paragons and tested by the Starlight Trials that promise glory and the coveted title of Apprentice. Yet behind the discipline, ancient houses maneuver for control, and the future of Polaris is shaped long before any trial is won.
Between grueling training and stolen moments, something in Faber begins to shift-in ways Polaris will not accept. And Danica finds herself pulled toward a life she never allowed herself to want, with Faber becoming an unwelcome distraction she cannot afford-and cannot ignore.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 20, 2026
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Lombardo
7 books23 followersJoin My Fantasy Newsletter for Exclusive Extras on my website: https://www.adlombardo.com/lombaroo-c...
Angela Lombardo grew up in Akron, Ohio, where her grandparents raised her on a farm. Her affection for animals and the rural lifestyle resonates deep within her, as she has always been a tomboy at heart. When Angela was not reading or writing, she engaged in various activities like playing the piano, participating in sports, and casting a rod, hoping for the ultimate catch.
Her fascination with comics took root with iconic characters like Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. Much of her childhood was spent alongside her older brother, racing dirt bikes and three-wheelers.
In the fall of 2017, Angela's creative journey exploded when a restless night sparked the inception of "The Half-Light" after contemplating the absence of a mother figure in a story she had crafted for her son. This initial spark led her to dedicate an entire weekend to unraveling the mystery of the missing mother. This poignant experience proved to be transformative, propelling Angela into the creation of the Katori Chronicles, an enthralling five-book series: The Katori Chronicles, includes The Half-Light, Mariana’s Secret, Rayna’s Sacrifice, The Traitor, and Keegan’s Wrath.
Angela Lombardo grew up in Akron, Ohio, where her grandparents raised her on a farm. Her affection for animals and the rural lifestyle resonates deep within her, as she has always been a tomboy at heart. When Angela was not reading or writing, she engaged in various activities like playing the piano, participating in sports, and casting a rod, hoping for the ultimate catch.
Her fascination with comics took root with iconic characters like Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and Superman. Much of her childhood was spent alongside her older brother, racing dirt bikes and three-wheelers.
In the fall of 2017, Angela's creative journey exploded when a restless night sparked the inception of "The Half-Light" after contemplating the absence of a mother figure in a story she had crafted for her son. This initial spark led her to dedicate an entire weekend to unraveling the mystery of the missing mother. This poignant experience proved to be transformative, propelling Angela into the creation of the Katori Chronicles, an enthralling five-book series: The Katori Chronicles, includes The Half-Light, Mariana’s Secret, Rayna’s Sacrifice, The Traitor, and Keegan’s Wrath.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ARC . If you want to read a fantasy book filled with all kind of different creatures, witches and dragons in an academy setting I recommend you read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trial by Starlight by A.D. Lombardo is an absolute triumph of fantasy storytelling! For fans of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, this book is an instant must-read. With its vivid world filled with witches, dragons, goblins, and countless other magical wonders, Lombardo has created a universe that feels alive and endlessly fascinating.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The pacing is perfect, each twist and revelation pulls you deeper into the story. The relationship between Danica and Faber is sheer perfection; watching it evolve felt both natural and deeply satisfying. Their bond adds emotional depth to an already breathtaking adventure.
The world of Polaris feels massive, like it could stretch forever, thanks to Lombardo’s incredible attention to detail. Every scene sparks the imagination, making it easy to lose yourself completely in this universe. Honestly, this is the Harry Potter for adults, filled with wonder, danger, and heart.
I can’t wait to see what A.D. Lombardo releases next. Trial by Starlight isn’t just a book, it’s an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The pacing is perfect, each twist and revelation pulls you deeper into the story. The relationship between Danica and Faber is sheer perfection; watching it evolve felt both natural and deeply satisfying. Their bond adds emotional depth to an already breathtaking adventure.
The world of Polaris feels massive, like it could stretch forever, thanks to Lombardo’s incredible attention to detail. Every scene sparks the imagination, making it easy to lose yourself completely in this universe. Honestly, this is the Harry Potter for adults, filled with wonder, danger, and heart.
I can’t wait to see what A.D. Lombardo releases next. Trial by Starlight isn’t just a book, it’s an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly this book hooked me from the start , I finished it in one sitting. We start with Faber, he's a foster kid who is turning 21 and whose foster parents want him to start his own life. He has gone through life feeling unwanted and not belonging. Then we have Jenna, she of the purple hair catches Faber's attention. He thinks she goes to the same college as he does, until the fateful night when she shows she is more and tries to bring him home.
What follows in an intense world building story with magic, dragons, witches and more.
Faber is brought to Polaris to compete in the trials. Along the way he meets Danica ( shown to be important to him in his omen reading), Isolde, Conelth and Jenna. Faber is labeled as UNWANTED
He fight to prove his worth and earns the respect of his Chord.
The building of this world and story is intense and so good.
This is definitely a book that should be on your must read.
What follows in an intense world building story with magic, dragons, witches and more.
Faber is brought to Polaris to compete in the trials. Along the way he meets Danica ( shown to be important to him in his omen reading), Isolde, Conelth and Jenna. Faber is labeled as UNWANTED
He fight to prove his worth and earns the respect of his Chord.
The building of this world and story is intense and so good.
This is definitely a book that should be on your must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished this book and can honestly say wow...what a ride! This story has everything that you want in a fantasy, its action packed and the author made Polaris absolutely beautiful. There was dragon bonding, trials and games, found family, suspense, academy setting and the very beginning stages of a loving adult relationship. Characters that I began not liking I fell in love with by the end. The pacing was great and the world building is magical. If you like a fantasy setting with magic, found family and secrets...give this book a try. I cannot wait to see where we go in book two after that ending!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews