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Starshell
As a newly freed prisoner, Lisia is ill-equipped to participate in the grueling training program that prepares the elite to venture offshore, though she must, as part of her probationary penance. It also happens to be the safest place to hide from another prisoner who is out for her blood.
Her situation doesn't improve when a chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers magic that illegally marks them both, a secret that could cost them their lives if discovered. The undeniable attraction she feels towards him exacerbates her surplus of problems. Graduating the training isn't the goal--it's the starting line in a fight for her life.
Her situation doesn't improve when a chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers magic that illegally marks them both, a secret that could cost them their lives if discovered. The undeniable attraction she feels towards him exacerbates her surplus of problems. Graduating the training isn't the goal--it's the starting line in a fight for her life.
422 pages, Hardcover
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Adara Vesper
1 book21 followersAdara Vesper is the pen name of a romantasy author living in the Mountain West area with her fiance and two dogs.
Her comfort genre is Romantasy, but she also reads and writes Contemporary, Paranormal, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Murder Mysteries, Romance, and Horror. Adara likes to write fantastical sprawling worlds and quirky flawed characters, usually in stories spanning multiple books with dark entangled plots.
Her comfort genre is Romantasy, but she also reads and writes Contemporary, Paranormal, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Murder Mysteries, Romance, and Horror. Adara likes to write fantastical sprawling worlds and quirky flawed characters, usually in stories spanning multiple books with dark entangled plots.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 30, 2026
I received an ARC from the author. Thank you Adara Vesper! What a fun read! I struggled to put this book down. Academy setting. Hot for teacher. Broody MMC. Mouthy, Stubborn FMC. I would not consider this an enemies to lovers as they just started out more annoyed with one another than actual enemies. Narcissistic family. The yearning was so good 🤌🏻The tattoo magic system was very cool. I wish there was a little more of it! The scene where Lisia gets tattooed… Steamy 🥵. I was heart broken for Lisia when I found out what happened to her. I can’t wait for the next book. I’m dying to find out the significance of the shared Skinscript! And for certain characters to get what they have coming!!! So many good twists in here that I don’t want to spoil anything. Such a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 17, 2026This is a review for an ARC from NetGalley.
I think what drew me into this book the most was that it wasn’t another copy and paste. It hooked me from the start with its dystopian treasure planet vibes. The way this is written will have you completely immersed in the story. There is a magic system that is based off of skinscript (kind of like tattoos) that are given with an ink that is made from the starshells. Everything about the world, down to the creatures in it, all felt new and intriguing.
I love that it has an academy setting that is a blend of the training in The Hunger Games mixed with a little Basgiath. It felt more mature than some of the other academic settings that I’ve read recently and that was a plus for me. The backstories of the characters are well thought out and relatable. The found family comes naturally and you care about what they’ve been through and who they are now.
The action is enough to grab your attention and hold it while not being so long that you get tired of it. The slow burn keeps you yearning but gives it enough time to feel right. Then the cliffhanger ending sets us up with enough curiosity to reach for book two!
I think what drew me into this book the most was that it wasn’t another copy and paste. It hooked me from the start with its dystopian treasure planet vibes. The way this is written will have you completely immersed in the story. There is a magic system that is based off of skinscript (kind of like tattoos) that are given with an ink that is made from the starshells. Everything about the world, down to the creatures in it, all felt new and intriguing.
I love that it has an academy setting that is a blend of the training in The Hunger Games mixed with a little Basgiath. It felt more mature than some of the other academic settings that I’ve read recently and that was a plus for me. The backstories of the characters are well thought out and relatable. The found family comes naturally and you care about what they’ve been through and who they are now.
The action is enough to grab your attention and hold it while not being so long that you get tired of it. The slow burn keeps you yearning but gives it enough time to feel right. Then the cliffhanger ending sets us up with enough curiosity to reach for book two!
June 16, 2026
Thank you Adara Vesper, for providing me with the advanced review copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is outstanding! It’s my first time reading a dystopian romance and high seas adventure altogether. And something makes me feel like I want it MORE? Like I never wanted this book to ever end. I just finished it in a day! It’s THAT good. I had no idea how immersed I was in it untill there was no next chapter to read.
It is about an academy on a dangerous island where miasma is the sea that surrounds the island but the turning point is that miasma is not like a normal water. Infact, it is poisonous, and whatever touches it gets burned into ashes. Moreover it is filled with different kinds of lethal animals that get triggered with blood.
The other thing I literally loved about this book was the skinscripts, which are like tattoos on the bodies of the characters, but they were not just some random designs they had on themselves. Those glyphs brought different kinds of power when used correctly. This reminded me alot of Shadowhunters and their runes, which gave them power.
So if you liked Shadowhunters, you're DEFINITELY gonna love this book. And it is not a t all similar, it's a totally different, original and such an interesting story, which you can't get enough of.
👫 Characters:-
Lisia, the female main character, is strong, kind, loyal, self-sacrificing (almost all the time), determined and sometimes a little stubborn to admit that she might need some help. But I LOVE her as I relate to her a lot. Sometimes when a person sacrifices for others, they start taking it for granted and I’m glad she realized it sooner that she does not have to do that anymore. Although there were still times when she felt bad when others realized how wrong they have been to her.
Zavriel Tyrell, the male main character, is grumpy, calm and a strong instructor at the academy who has alot more skinscripts than any other instructor or character. The story gets intense when both our MMC and FMC suddenly get an unknown skinscript on the same place at the same time! I really do not want to spoil the story so I won't speak much about it but I promise it will keep you addicted throughout.
Additionally, I love how Lisia finds friends who make her feel like family and make it easier for her to survive the trials they are put through at this academy (which are alot more exciting).
This book does end with a cliffhanger, but it's definitely worth waiting for the next one. I loved how this book teaches a lesson on how to speak for yourself. Even if no one else is standing with you, it does not mean you are wrong. And sometimes even family needs to understand that you are not born in this world to make their dreams come true or make them happy, but what matters is your own happiness.
🎬 Final thoughts:-
I would like to say that this book made me laugh, cry, feel shocked at times, and had me on edge during some plots, but you're definitely missing out by not reading it because I have read over 250 books, yet I have never read a Fantasy x Sea Adventure x Magic crossover. It's a crossover I never thought I needed and ended up finding this addictive.
Once again, thank you so much, Adara Vesper for choosing me as your ARC reviewer. I truly had so much fun reading and reviewing it. Oh, and yeah, I want to be the first one to read the next part of this book. I really can not wait for it.
This book is outstanding! It’s my first time reading a dystopian romance and high seas adventure altogether. And something makes me feel like I want it MORE? Like I never wanted this book to ever end. I just finished it in a day! It’s THAT good. I had no idea how immersed I was in it untill there was no next chapter to read.
It is about an academy on a dangerous island where miasma is the sea that surrounds the island but the turning point is that miasma is not like a normal water. Infact, it is poisonous, and whatever touches it gets burned into ashes. Moreover it is filled with different kinds of lethal animals that get triggered with blood.
The other thing I literally loved about this book was the skinscripts, which are like tattoos on the bodies of the characters, but they were not just some random designs they had on themselves. Those glyphs brought different kinds of power when used correctly. This reminded me alot of Shadowhunters and their runes, which gave them power.
So if you liked Shadowhunters, you're DEFINITELY gonna love this book. And it is not a t all similar, it's a totally different, original and such an interesting story, which you can't get enough of.
👫 Characters:-
Lisia, the female main character, is strong, kind, loyal, self-sacrificing (almost all the time), determined and sometimes a little stubborn to admit that she might need some help. But I LOVE her as I relate to her a lot. Sometimes when a person sacrifices for others, they start taking it for granted and I’m glad she realized it sooner that she does not have to do that anymore. Although there were still times when she felt bad when others realized how wrong they have been to her.
Zavriel Tyrell, the male main character, is grumpy, calm and a strong instructor at the academy who has alot more skinscripts than any other instructor or character. The story gets intense when both our MMC and FMC suddenly get an unknown skinscript on the same place at the same time! I really do not want to spoil the story so I won't speak much about it but I promise it will keep you addicted throughout.
Additionally, I love how Lisia finds friends who make her feel like family and make it easier for her to survive the trials they are put through at this academy (which are alot more exciting).
This book does end with a cliffhanger, but it's definitely worth waiting for the next one. I loved how this book teaches a lesson on how to speak for yourself. Even if no one else is standing with you, it does not mean you are wrong. And sometimes even family needs to understand that you are not born in this world to make their dreams come true or make them happy, but what matters is your own happiness.
🎬 Final thoughts:-
I would like to say that this book made me laugh, cry, feel shocked at times, and had me on edge during some plots, but you're definitely missing out by not reading it because I have read over 250 books, yet I have never read a Fantasy x Sea Adventure x Magic crossover. It's a crossover I never thought I needed and ended up finding this addictive.
Once again, thank you so much, Adara Vesper for choosing me as your ARC reviewer. I truly had so much fun reading and reviewing it. Oh, and yeah, I want to be the first one to read the next part of this book. I really can not wait for it.
June 2, 2026
**★★★★½ (4.5/5)**
*Starshell* by Adara Vesper delivers a fresh, addictive take on the dystopian YA genre. Imagine *Divergent* and *The Hunger Games* colliding with a tropical-island prisoner reform program, and you'll have a sense of the book's unique premise but *Starshell* carves out an identity all its own.
The story throws readers into a high-stakes environment where survival isn't just about physical endurance; it's about navigating power structures, trust, and the constant question of who deserves redemption. The island setting is one of the novel's greatest strengths. It feels beautiful and dangerous in equal measure, creating a vivid backdrop for the tension that drives the plot forward.
Vesper excels at building suspense. Just when you think you've figured out the rules of the system, new secrets emerge that raise the stakes even higher. The protagonist is easy to root for, balancing vulnerability with determination, while the supporting cast brings enough complexity to keep alliances and rivalries interesting.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its magic system. The concept feels genuinely unique and adds another layer of mystery to the world. Rather than relying on familiar fantasy tropes, Vesper introduces abilities and mechanics that stand out from many YA fantasy and dystopian novels. I'm especially anxious to see how the magic system develops and is utilized throughout the rest of the series, as it seems to have tremendous potential for both character growth and future plot twists.
What elevates *Starshell* beyond a standard dystopian adventure is its exploration of justice, rehabilitation, and second chances. The novel asks whether people can truly change when given the opportunity or whether systems designed to "fix" people are often more flawed than the individuals they seek to reform.
The reason this lands at 4.5 stars instead of a perfect 5 is that some secondary characters could have benefited from additional development, and a few plot points move so quickly that they don't get quite enough room to breathe. Even so, the pacing keeps the pages turning, and the emotional payoff is satisfying.
For fans of survival competitions, dystopian societies, morally gray choices, compelling character growth, and inventive magic systems, *Starshell* is an engaging read that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. It's the kind of book that makes you want to start the sequel as soon as you turn the final page.
*Starshell* by Adara Vesper delivers a fresh, addictive take on the dystopian YA genre. Imagine *Divergent* and *The Hunger Games* colliding with a tropical-island prisoner reform program, and you'll have a sense of the book's unique premise but *Starshell* carves out an identity all its own.
The story throws readers into a high-stakes environment where survival isn't just about physical endurance; it's about navigating power structures, trust, and the constant question of who deserves redemption. The island setting is one of the novel's greatest strengths. It feels beautiful and dangerous in equal measure, creating a vivid backdrop for the tension that drives the plot forward.
Vesper excels at building suspense. Just when you think you've figured out the rules of the system, new secrets emerge that raise the stakes even higher. The protagonist is easy to root for, balancing vulnerability with determination, while the supporting cast brings enough complexity to keep alliances and rivalries interesting.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its magic system. The concept feels genuinely unique and adds another layer of mystery to the world. Rather than relying on familiar fantasy tropes, Vesper introduces abilities and mechanics that stand out from many YA fantasy and dystopian novels. I'm especially anxious to see how the magic system develops and is utilized throughout the rest of the series, as it seems to have tremendous potential for both character growth and future plot twists.
What elevates *Starshell* beyond a standard dystopian adventure is its exploration of justice, rehabilitation, and second chances. The novel asks whether people can truly change when given the opportunity or whether systems designed to "fix" people are often more flawed than the individuals they seek to reform.
The reason this lands at 4.5 stars instead of a perfect 5 is that some secondary characters could have benefited from additional development, and a few plot points move so quickly that they don't get quite enough room to breathe. Even so, the pacing keeps the pages turning, and the emotional payoff is satisfying.
For fans of survival competitions, dystopian societies, morally gray choices, compelling character growth, and inventive magic systems, *Starshell* is an engaging read that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. It's the kind of book that makes you want to start the sequel as soon as you turn the final page.
June 5, 2026
Advanced reader copy review (TYSM!) but all opinions are my own and have not been swayed!
This book was the PERFECT summer read! I literally could not put it down and stayed up until 6am because I was that hooked (my boyfriend had to force me to put my kindle down)
The goods most people want to know:
🌶️: 1.5 / 5 - There is some spice in the book but it’s definetly not the main course of the book
👑Stubborn, opinionated FMC
🛡️Overprotective MMC
📚Trainee x Trainer
❤️🩹Imprint bond
🖋️Tattoo magic
💗Bickering to Romance (def a slow burn but oh so worth it)
The author did an OUTSTANDING job with the world building, I could see everything coming to life in my head so vividly. This was the first fantasy/dystopian book that I’ve read set on a tropical island, and it’s exactly the change of scenery I needed. 🌺🐚
Personally my favorite thing in the book was the “skinscript” element (their worlds version of magical tattoos) it was sort of a taboo topic in the book, and the way the author illustrated and brought the concept to life was absolutely phenomenal.
my absolute ONLY grievance with this book, is that I now have to wait for the next one! Thankfully, it has been set up to be a series so I cannot wait for the next one!!
This book was the PERFECT summer read! I literally could not put it down and stayed up until 6am because I was that hooked (my boyfriend had to force me to put my kindle down)
The goods most people want to know:
🌶️: 1.5 / 5 - There is some spice in the book but it’s definetly not the main course of the book
👑Stubborn, opinionated FMC
🛡️Overprotective MMC
📚Trainee x Trainer
❤️🩹Imprint bond
🖋️Tattoo magic
💗Bickering to Romance (def a slow burn but oh so worth it)
The author did an OUTSTANDING job with the world building, I could see everything coming to life in my head so vividly. This was the first fantasy/dystopian book that I’ve read set on a tropical island, and it’s exactly the change of scenery I needed. 🌺🐚
Personally my favorite thing in the book was the “skinscript” element (their worlds version of magical tattoos) it was sort of a taboo topic in the book, and the way the author illustrated and brought the concept to life was absolutely phenomenal.
my absolute ONLY grievance with this book, is that I now have to wait for the next one! Thankfully, it has been set up to be a series so I cannot wait for the next one!!
May 29, 2026
Before going into the review, I would just like to thank for the opportunity to read as an ARC. It has been a great experience and I wish the best to the writer as they continue their journey.
To get into the review, I will admit, it did take some time into the story to start catching my bearings of the story as the beginning had a lot of information. As the story continued, a lot of questions that I had at the beginning were starting to be answered.
As the storyline progressed, I was definitely becoming more interested and entertained. I think the humor and emotions from the characters were great throughout the story. But I do wish that the timeline of the story was slowed down just slightly to build in the dramatics of scenes but also to gain a bit more of an understanding to some of the characters own stories.
I am looking forward to how the author will continue this series for in the future.
To get into the review, I will admit, it did take some time into the story to start catching my bearings of the story as the beginning had a lot of information. As the story continued, a lot of questions that I had at the beginning were starting to be answered.
As the storyline progressed, I was definitely becoming more interested and entertained. I think the humor and emotions from the characters were great throughout the story. But I do wish that the timeline of the story was slowed down just slightly to build in the dramatics of scenes but also to gain a bit more of an understanding to some of the characters own stories.
I am looking forward to how the author will continue this series for in the future.
June 15, 2026
Thank you Adara Vesper for your ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.25⭐️
This was fun and very different from any other fantasy books I have read in a long time! Everything about this world and magic was original, or at least for me it was.
The MCs were interesting and by the end of the book o was invested in them, though I do wish they had been fleshed out a bit more. There are still so many secrets from each other and the reader! I would really like to know more about the politics of this world too! I do feel it will play a bigger part in the next book.
One area I hope to see some clarity on is the over arching plot of the book. This was fun, but it was so many small plot points that by the end I am trying to figure out what we are trying to achieve. Like what was the point to some of the characters and the events with them, or the wedding ( was a good laugh though haha)
There are many ways I could see this going and I am very intrigued to see the progression of this story with Lisia and Zevrial!
4.25⭐️
This was fun and very different from any other fantasy books I have read in a long time! Everything about this world and magic was original, or at least for me it was.
The MCs were interesting and by the end of the book o was invested in them, though I do wish they had been fleshed out a bit more. There are still so many secrets from each other and the reader! I would really like to know more about the politics of this world too! I do feel it will play a bigger part in the next book.
One area I hope to see some clarity on is the over arching plot of the book. This was fun, but it was so many small plot points that by the end I am trying to figure out what we are trying to achieve. Like what was the point to some of the characters and the events with them, or the wedding ( was a good laugh though haha)
There are many ways I could see this going and I am very intrigued to see the progression of this story with Lisia and Zevrial!
July 9, 2026
4.25 ✨
*NetGalley ARC Review*
“Being different was dangerous. And being right when
everyone around you was wrong was doubly dangerous.”
I absolutely loved the world-building and the journey this story took me on. From the setting and the monsters to the little breadcrumbs of mystery and hidden truths sprinkled throughout, every chapter kept me wanting more.
The chemistry between the MMCs was fantastic, and I loved how their personalities complemented each other (Hello good banter). The story was captivating from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment.
The ending of this one added many puzzles pieces that I can’t wait to put together! I have so many theories!
*NetGalley ARC Review*
“Being different was dangerous. And being right when
everyone around you was wrong was doubly dangerous.”
I absolutely loved the world-building and the journey this story took me on. From the setting and the monsters to the little breadcrumbs of mystery and hidden truths sprinkled throughout, every chapter kept me wanting more.
The chemistry between the MMCs was fantastic, and I loved how their personalities complemented each other (Hello good banter). The story was captivating from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment.
The ending of this one added many puzzles pieces that I can’t wait to put together! I have so many theories!
May 26, 2026
Advanced copy review-
This was a good read! It started off a bit slow but once it got moving I wanted to keep finding out what happens next. The world building and magic was unique and easy to follow. I enjoyed watching the flawed FMC grow into the tough, stabby character she was meant to be through all the threats and struggles she is forced to overcome. I also loved the side characters and the banter between Zevrial and Lisia was fun to watch.
The story had fun adventures and trials that had me rooting for the characters and wanting to wage war against others. And I loved the Wedding Bells chapter! Great job adding that fun bit in!
I can’t wait to see Lisia and Zevrial’s adventure continue!
This was a good read! It started off a bit slow but once it got moving I wanted to keep finding out what happens next. The world building and magic was unique and easy to follow. I enjoyed watching the flawed FMC grow into the tough, stabby character she was meant to be through all the threats and struggles she is forced to overcome. I also loved the side characters and the banter between Zevrial and Lisia was fun to watch.
The story had fun adventures and trials that had me rooting for the characters and wanting to wage war against others. And I loved the Wedding Bells chapter! Great job adding that fun bit in!
I can’t wait to see Lisia and Zevrial’s adventure continue!
June 5, 2026
This was more than I expected! Forbidden love, found family, games and trials, magic and an original world that was exciting to unfold with every chapter! A true masterpiece that I cannot wait to read more about!
June 8, 2026
This was such an original read! I love dystopian books and this was a different level, I loved it! Thank you for allowing me to be apart of the ARC TEAM!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ Rating: 4.75 Stars
✨ The Vibe
One of my favorite things about Starshell was the setting. Instead of the typical castles, kingdoms, and medieval-inspired fantasy world, we're thrown into a tropical, ocean-focused world where the sea and its creatures play a huge role.
I absolutely loved this vibe. While the story itself isn't similar to The Little Mermaid, some of the creatures gave me similar imagery while reading. Add in a little bit of Pirates of the Caribbean energy, and that's pretty much how I pictured this world. It felt adventurous, unique, and refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy books I've read recently.
📚 What It's About (No Spoilers)
As a newly freed prisoner, Lisia is forced to participate in an elite training program that prepares Voyagers to venture offshore. She's far from prepared for it, but she doesn't exactly have a choice.
Things get even more complicated when a chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers illegal magic that marks them both. Suddenly, she's juggling dangerous secrets, unwanted attention, life-threatening enemies, and a connection she doesn't fully understand.
And trust me, graduating from the training program is only the beginning of her problems.
🖤 What I Loved
Where do I even begin? I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and genuinely could not put it down.
Lisia was such an interesting FMC. She has a pretty unique backstory, and while we learn more throughout the book, it definitely feels like we're only scratching the surface. By the end, we finally start getting some of the juicier details, and honestly? The way she's been treated and the things she's been blamed for are beyond messed up. I desperately want to learn more about her past, her family, and how everything we've discovered will impact future books.
Then there's Zevrial. He's broody. He's intense. He's frustrating. He's surprisingly understanding at times. And I feel like we still know so little about him.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between him and Lisia and the mystery surrounding their connection. There are SO many unanswered questions about what happened between them and why, and I cannot wait to see them start uncovering those answers.
However... ZEVRIAL. Without spoiling anything, his reaction to some of the truths about Lisia had me staring at my Kindle in disappointment. Sir, you have some serious apologizing, groveling, and re-evaluating your opinions to do because that was NOT cool. At all.
Do I think he'll get there eventually? Probably. Am I still annoyed? Also yes.
The friend group was another huge highlight. I loved Lisia's older friendship(s), the new friendships she forms during training, and all the unexpected bonds that develop throughout the story. Watching her slowly find people she could trust and truly be herself around was so rewarding. The found-family vibes were fantastic, and I can't wait to see what this group gets up to next.
And her parents? Yeah... I don't like them.
The magic system was also really interesting. The whole Skinscript/glyph system felt unique, especially because there's still so much mystery surrounding it. There are secrets, hidden information, and rules that nobody seems to fully understand, and I loved slowly piecing things together alongside the characters. The fact that it immediately bound Lisia and Zevrial together without either of them understanding what was happening made it even more intriguing.
💭 What Didn't Fully Work for Me
My only real issue was that there were a few moments where the worldbuilding felt a little info-dumpy.
Obviously, some explanation is necessary, especially with such a unique world and magic system, but every now and then, I felt like I was sitting in the classroom right alongside Lisia getting a lecture. Thankfully, those sections were easy enough to skim through and didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Academy setting
- Instructor/student dynamic
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Adventure and danger
- Unique magic system
- Mysterious magical bond
- Secrets and hidden truths
👀 Who Should Read This?
If you enjoy an academy-type setting, with dangers and secrets but also found-family friend-groups, romantic tension, and a unique world + magic system, you'll love Starshell!
🫶 Final Thoughts
I had such a great time reading this book. Between the tropical setting, the unique magic system, the found-family friendships, the mystery surrounding Lisia's past, and all the unanswered questions about her connection with Zevrial, I was completely entertained the entire time.
This felt like the start of something much bigger, and now I desperately need the next book because I have questions. A lot of questions.
Spice Rating: 1.5/5 🌶️
Some serious romantic tension, one lightly descriptive, an interrupted intimate scene, and one on-page intimate scene.
📢 Disclosure: Thank you to Avesper Press and Adara Vesper for providing a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
✨ The Vibe
One of my favorite things about Starshell was the setting. Instead of the typical castles, kingdoms, and medieval-inspired fantasy world, we're thrown into a tropical, ocean-focused world where the sea and its creatures play a huge role.
I absolutely loved this vibe. While the story itself isn't similar to The Little Mermaid, some of the creatures gave me similar imagery while reading. Add in a little bit of Pirates of the Caribbean energy, and that's pretty much how I pictured this world. It felt adventurous, unique, and refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy books I've read recently.
📚 What It's About (No Spoilers)
As a newly freed prisoner, Lisia is forced to participate in an elite training program that prepares Voyagers to venture offshore. She's far from prepared for it, but she doesn't exactly have a choice.
Things get even more complicated when a chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers illegal magic that marks them both. Suddenly, she's juggling dangerous secrets, unwanted attention, life-threatening enemies, and a connection she doesn't fully understand.
And trust me, graduating from the training program is only the beginning of her problems.
🖤 What I Loved
Where do I even begin? I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and genuinely could not put it down.
Lisia was such an interesting FMC. She has a pretty unique backstory, and while we learn more throughout the book, it definitely feels like we're only scratching the surface. By the end, we finally start getting some of the juicier details, and honestly? The way she's been treated and the things she's been blamed for are beyond messed up. I desperately want to learn more about her past, her family, and how everything we've discovered will impact future books.
Then there's Zevrial. He's broody. He's intense. He's frustrating. He's surprisingly understanding at times. And I feel like we still know so little about him.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between him and Lisia and the mystery surrounding their connection. There are SO many unanswered questions about what happened between them and why, and I cannot wait to see them start uncovering those answers.
However... ZEVRIAL. Without spoiling anything, his reaction to some of the truths about Lisia had me staring at my Kindle in disappointment. Sir, you have some serious apologizing, groveling, and re-evaluating your opinions to do because that was NOT cool. At all.
Do I think he'll get there eventually? Probably. Am I still annoyed? Also yes.
The friend group was another huge highlight. I loved Lisia's older friendship(s), the new friendships she forms during training, and all the unexpected bonds that develop throughout the story. Watching her slowly find people she could trust and truly be herself around was so rewarding. The found-family vibes were fantastic, and I can't wait to see what this group gets up to next.
And her parents? Yeah... I don't like them.
The magic system was also really interesting. The whole Skinscript/glyph system felt unique, especially because there's still so much mystery surrounding it. There are secrets, hidden information, and rules that nobody seems to fully understand, and I loved slowly piecing things together alongside the characters. The fact that it immediately bound Lisia and Zevrial together without either of them understanding what was happening made it even more intriguing.
💭 What Didn't Fully Work for Me
My only real issue was that there were a few moments where the worldbuilding felt a little info-dumpy.
Obviously, some explanation is necessary, especially with such a unique world and magic system, but every now and then, I felt like I was sitting in the classroom right alongside Lisia getting a lecture. Thankfully, those sections were easy enough to skim through and didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Academy setting
- Instructor/student dynamic
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Adventure and danger
- Unique magic system
- Mysterious magical bond
- Secrets and hidden truths
👀 Who Should Read This?
If you enjoy an academy-type setting, with dangers and secrets but also found-family friend-groups, romantic tension, and a unique world + magic system, you'll love Starshell!
🫶 Final Thoughts
I had such a great time reading this book. Between the tropical setting, the unique magic system, the found-family friendships, the mystery surrounding Lisia's past, and all the unanswered questions about her connection with Zevrial, I was completely entertained the entire time.
This felt like the start of something much bigger, and now I desperately need the next book because I have questions. A lot of questions.
Spice Rating: 1.5/5 🌶️
Some serious romantic tension, one lightly descriptive, an interrupted intimate scene, and one on-page intimate scene.
📢 Disclosure: Thank you to Avesper Press and Adara Vesper for providing a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
-Was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this - thank you very much Adara Vesper!-
Where do I even begin with how amazing of a read this was?! - ABSOLUTELY loved it from start to finish, COULD not put it down (though sleep and needing to sleep for work did force me to put it down the first night of reading and make me wait the WHOLE day to be able to get home to finish it - I know, how rude) - and I already NEED books 2-5+ lol - (DEFINITELY hoping we get more than just the one sequel clearly set up at the end for us.)
The characters are fantastic and fun to get to know:
- Lisia has an interesting and pretty unique backstory that we've only finally started to get some of the juicier details about by the end of the book, but the light she's been painted in we learn is so beyond messed up it's not even funny and I DEFINITELY hope to see what we haven't yet gotten to learn, see how if at all it comes into play in future books, etc. Definitely wouldn't mind getting to see more of her family, though again, by the end of the book there's definitely some conflict so who knows.
- Zivrial was a very fun counterpoint/contradiction in many ways as well as complementary in others to our FMC -he's broody, intense at times, far more understanding than initial impressions would lead you to think, and there's a lot about his backstory I think we still don't know, but the connection between him and Lisia DEFINITELY still has some explaining to do that I can't wait to see, get to find out about, watch them discover/explore/begin to understand hopefully, etc. However, his reaction to some of Lisia's past/truths..... without giving any spoilers all I can say in a kind way is BAD Ziviral - you got some SERIOUS apologizing, groveling, and changing your mind/opinion/take on things because the way he reacted - NOT COOL, at all. I have a feeling resolution and figuring that all out will come, but definitely was a bit jarring that the take he had was the take he had with how they'd been around each other to that point. I know I am dancing around the proverbial bush here, but iykyk, and once you read it you'll know. I VERY much can't wait to see how that affects things moving forward and how they get past that and all.
- her friends - they are a fantastically fun and interesting group of characters for sure - one of her closest and oldest friends and his arc is definitely interesting, some of the friends she meets during their training and all and the unexpected bonds she finds forming that she hadn't expected to are fantastic - LOVED getting to see her finding people she could let in and be herself with and all, cannot wait to see how things go and what all they find and get to do as Voyagers.
The setting is amazing too - tropical/jungle island, corrosive/acidic/deadly miasmic sea surrounding them, horrifically aggressive and dangerous monsters lurking in the miasma more than happy to take out anyone they can, Starshells, a crazy cool and unique magic tattoo rune system, the revelation at the end of what the starshells are implied/appear to actually be/what they are from, some of the state secrets being kept from the residents, the Ascendency and it's rules and policies, there are SOOOOO many things I think we've only scratched the surface of and I cannot wait to get to learn more details and specifics, more of the history, where they go, how their missions out into the outer islands go, especially with where we see the story end with them at - how do they find their way back, is that actually water, I have sooo many questions!
I cannot wait for book 2, VERY much hope I get to be an ARC reader for it at well, and VERY much cannot recommend this one enough - 100000% would LOVE to see a pretty hardcover SE edition of this book to get post haste for my shelves, not gonna lie. Will 100% be pre-ordering or buying this asap for myself :D
Where do I even begin with how amazing of a read this was?! - ABSOLUTELY loved it from start to finish, COULD not put it down (though sleep and needing to sleep for work did force me to put it down the first night of reading and make me wait the WHOLE day to be able to get home to finish it - I know, how rude) - and I already NEED books 2-5+ lol - (DEFINITELY hoping we get more than just the one sequel clearly set up at the end for us.)
The characters are fantastic and fun to get to know:
- Lisia has an interesting and pretty unique backstory that we've only finally started to get some of the juicier details about by the end of the book, but the light she's been painted in we learn is so beyond messed up it's not even funny and I DEFINITELY hope to see what we haven't yet gotten to learn, see how if at all it comes into play in future books, etc. Definitely wouldn't mind getting to see more of her family, though again, by the end of the book there's definitely some conflict so who knows.
- Zivrial was a very fun counterpoint/contradiction in many ways as well as complementary in others to our FMC -he's broody, intense at times, far more understanding than initial impressions would lead you to think, and there's a lot about his backstory I think we still don't know, but the connection between him and Lisia DEFINITELY still has some explaining to do that I can't wait to see, get to find out about, watch them discover/explore/begin to understand hopefully, etc. However, his reaction to some of Lisia's past/truths..... without giving any spoilers all I can say in a kind way is BAD Ziviral - you got some SERIOUS apologizing, groveling, and changing your mind/opinion/take on things because the way he reacted - NOT COOL, at all. I have a feeling resolution and figuring that all out will come, but definitely was a bit jarring that the take he had was the take he had with how they'd been around each other to that point. I know I am dancing around the proverbial bush here, but iykyk, and once you read it you'll know. I VERY much can't wait to see how that affects things moving forward and how they get past that and all.
- her friends - they are a fantastically fun and interesting group of characters for sure - one of her closest and oldest friends and his arc is definitely interesting, some of the friends she meets during their training and all and the unexpected bonds she finds forming that she hadn't expected to are fantastic - LOVED getting to see her finding people she could let in and be herself with and all, cannot wait to see how things go and what all they find and get to do as Voyagers.
The setting is amazing too - tropical/jungle island, corrosive/acidic/deadly miasmic sea surrounding them, horrifically aggressive and dangerous monsters lurking in the miasma more than happy to take out anyone they can, Starshells, a crazy cool and unique magic tattoo rune system, the revelation at the end of what the starshells are implied/appear to actually be/what they are from, some of the state secrets being kept from the residents, the Ascendency and it's rules and policies, there are SOOOOO many things I think we've only scratched the surface of and I cannot wait to get to learn more details and specifics, more of the history, where they go, how their missions out into the outer islands go, especially with where we see the story end with them at - how do they find their way back, is that actually water, I have sooo many questions!
I cannot wait for book 2, VERY much hope I get to be an ARC reader for it at well, and VERY much cannot recommend this one enough - 100000% would LOVE to see a pretty hardcover SE edition of this book to get post haste for my shelves, not gonna lie. Will 100% be pre-ordering or buying this asap for myself :D
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to first thank the author for giving me an advance copy of her work. I am so grateful.
So, let’s get into it. I want to be honest so I will say this read for me is a 3.8-4 star read. I did enjoy the story and loved how unique it was.
The FMC is Lisia and she is a stubborn feisty woman but it doesn’t get in the way of her learning throughout the story. Her character development was so good. I think her character was written pretty realistic in the way her emotions developed and how she would handle situations thrown at her.
The MMC is Zevrial and he is the calm strong one. I would describe him as the lighthouse that Lisia needs at times. The one that knows what to say to her and how to not sugar coat things. I appreciated this because he knew she wasn’t someone that needed to be coddled. It took a bit but she did finally realize everything he was training her for even with the emotional aspects of the training was to keep her alive.
This story is full of adventure and trials. This is set in a very different world from ours in which people are born with certain destinies they must full-fill in order for their civilization to survive.
For Lisia her destiny is to become a Voyager and to find the Starshells that are needed to bring back home. Lisia is not so thrilled about this aspect considering that becoming a Voyager means long months of training and then of the possibility of never returning. Now why is this such a fear of hers you may wonder? In order to find the Starshells she must (along with a crew) fight against the beasts that live in the water and near by.
Now where does Zevrial come into the story?
She meets him prior to her training and wasn’t real impressed by his arrogant annoyingly handsome self. The day she leaves for training is when she finds out that he is one of the main instructors and a Voyager as well.
This is where the fun really is in the book. These two have tension that is so hot but of course training for such a dangerous mission is really important ( 😉 ) so they keep each other in check.
The side characters are so fun. I have a favorite side character but I don’t want to spoil the story.
The tropes:
Instructor/student
More annoyance to love
Tension is crazy between the two
Found Family
Skinscript/magic
Danger/Adventure
A new found purpose for the FMC
Both MMC are possessive of one another
Forced proximity
A magic system that is unique (not difficult to understand)
I gave this a 3.8-4 star rating due to the pacing of the storyline. The training seemed to have taken a really long time but I also understood why. I loved the trials and the missions. I loved the danger aspect of some of the characters and not just that the becoming a Voyager was the only dangerous thing Lisia had to overcome.
I don’t want to spoil things but I definitely did not like certain characters which I am pretty sure we weren’t supposed to like by the end lol. I was invested and tried to figure out some of the mysteries throughout the story.
I know this is so long and for that I apologize. I can go on even more so but if I do I’ll end up spoiling somethings so I’ll end it right here :)
This was a fun read and I enjoyed how different the storyline was. Thank you again for the chance to be able to read your work :)
So, let’s get into it. I want to be honest so I will say this read for me is a 3.8-4 star read. I did enjoy the story and loved how unique it was.
The FMC is Lisia and she is a stubborn feisty woman but it doesn’t get in the way of her learning throughout the story. Her character development was so good. I think her character was written pretty realistic in the way her emotions developed and how she would handle situations thrown at her.
The MMC is Zevrial and he is the calm strong one. I would describe him as the lighthouse that Lisia needs at times. The one that knows what to say to her and how to not sugar coat things. I appreciated this because he knew she wasn’t someone that needed to be coddled. It took a bit but she did finally realize everything he was training her for even with the emotional aspects of the training was to keep her alive.
This story is full of adventure and trials. This is set in a very different world from ours in which people are born with certain destinies they must full-fill in order for their civilization to survive.
For Lisia her destiny is to become a Voyager and to find the Starshells that are needed to bring back home. Lisia is not so thrilled about this aspect considering that becoming a Voyager means long months of training and then of the possibility of never returning. Now why is this such a fear of hers you may wonder? In order to find the Starshells she must (along with a crew) fight against the beasts that live in the water and near by.
Now where does Zevrial come into the story?
She meets him prior to her training and wasn’t real impressed by his arrogant annoyingly handsome self. The day she leaves for training is when she finds out that he is one of the main instructors and a Voyager as well.
This is where the fun really is in the book. These two have tension that is so hot but of course training for such a dangerous mission is really important ( 😉 ) so they keep each other in check.
The side characters are so fun. I have a favorite side character but I don’t want to spoil the story.
The tropes:
Instructor/student
More annoyance to love
Tension is crazy between the two
Found Family
Skinscript/magic
Danger/Adventure
A new found purpose for the FMC
Both MMC are possessive of one another
Forced proximity
A magic system that is unique (not difficult to understand)
I gave this a 3.8-4 star rating due to the pacing of the storyline. The training seemed to have taken a really long time but I also understood why. I loved the trials and the missions. I loved the danger aspect of some of the characters and not just that the becoming a Voyager was the only dangerous thing Lisia had to overcome.
I don’t want to spoil things but I definitely did not like certain characters which I am pretty sure we weren’t supposed to like by the end lol. I was invested and tried to figure out some of the mysteries throughout the story.
I know this is so long and for that I apologize. I can go on even more so but if I do I’ll end up spoiling somethings so I’ll end it right here :)
This was a fun read and I enjoyed how different the storyline was. Thank you again for the chance to be able to read your work :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arc Reader Review
Thank you to NetGalley and the author of Starshell for giving me an arc of this debut novel.
I would like to start this review by wishing the author the very best in their writing career beginning with this debut.
Firstly I would like to touch on what I enjoyed about this book. The setting of this novel is one that we don't see as often as I would like in many new fantasy books which I think is a refreshing change of scenery. The tropical environment the author creates is truly a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the way the author brought their world to life.
Another thing I quite liked was the FMC. She wasn't your typical flawless or overpowered FMC as she made mistakes and had challenges thrown her way which she wasn't always able to overcome which I really appreciate.
Now onto the things I didn't like.
I found it quite hard to connect with the world and its characters. The story in and of itself felt a tad bit too rushed for me hence why I found it a challenging feat to form a connection with it. Whilst this is my personal opinion I can understand that this pacing is preferable to other readers.
I felt as though there was a little bit too much info dump and as though we were being told things by the characters rather than shown them through the story itself. I felt as though the relationships between characters felt superficial at times and felt lost on me as a reader. In particular I found it hard to bond with the FMC and therefore didn't seem to care as much to what happened to her which is unfortunate.
Lastly the plot twists didn't hit the same for me as I feel they should have due to the fast pacing and lack of in depth descriptions. I will say, due to the book being fast paced it is extremely hooking and the right audience will enjoy this book a lot. Unfortunately that target audience is not me.
I truly do hope the best for the author in their future endeavours and would like to thank them again as well as NetGalley for the arc. Whilst this book was not for me if you are one who enjoys an action packed and fast paced read then I recommend this book to you as I'm sure you will love it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author of Starshell for giving me an arc of this debut novel.
I would like to start this review by wishing the author the very best in their writing career beginning with this debut.
Firstly I would like to touch on what I enjoyed about this book. The setting of this novel is one that we don't see as often as I would like in many new fantasy books which I think is a refreshing change of scenery. The tropical environment the author creates is truly a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed the way the author brought their world to life.
Another thing I quite liked was the FMC. She wasn't your typical flawless or overpowered FMC as she made mistakes and had challenges thrown her way which she wasn't always able to overcome which I really appreciate.
Now onto the things I didn't like.
I found it quite hard to connect with the world and its characters. The story in and of itself felt a tad bit too rushed for me hence why I found it a challenging feat to form a connection with it. Whilst this is my personal opinion I can understand that this pacing is preferable to other readers.
I felt as though there was a little bit too much info dump and as though we were being told things by the characters rather than shown them through the story itself. I felt as though the relationships between characters felt superficial at times and felt lost on me as a reader. In particular I found it hard to bond with the FMC and therefore didn't seem to care as much to what happened to her which is unfortunate.
Lastly the plot twists didn't hit the same for me as I feel they should have due to the fast pacing and lack of in depth descriptions. I will say, due to the book being fast paced it is extremely hooking and the right audience will enjoy this book a lot. Unfortunately that target audience is not me.
I truly do hope the best for the author in their future endeavours and would like to thank them again as well as NetGalley for the arc. Whilst this book was not for me if you are one who enjoys an action packed and fast paced read then I recommend this book to you as I'm sure you will love it!
June 14, 2026
I went into this one without any real sort of expectations and it was okay.
There are some things that I thought were done well and some things that I would say could have been done better.
I like that the FMC is actually flawed but isn’t making the worst decisions on the planet (no, this doesn’t mean she doesn’t make bad choices - this happens often enough), she doesn’t overcome every challenge thrown her way, but she is very determined (often to her detriment).
I am pretty sure that her and the MMC are fated mates although I don’t even know if that’s a thing in this world? A lot of things are still pretty unclear but it would explain a lot.
The MMC reminds me a lot of Draven Ryat, from the first book. The way he carries himself is definitely similar but I would say that this character doesn’t quite hit the mark the same way.
The side characters are interesting ish, but I found it hard to really get invested in any character - even the main ones. The twists that happen, other than the very last one are all very obvious. I can’t pinpoint exactly what is missing here for me, just that we don’t get a lot of depth for the characters. Because of that, when the villains do villain things, it’s a) not a surprise b) I don’t care too much about it and c) it doesn’t seem to really impact the overall plot.
The book is fast paced and a lot happens but at the same time we don’t make a lot of progress. I liked the book enough to finish it but I did not find it kept my attention 100% or the time. There are funny parts and there are what should be sad parts, but when we aren’t invested in the characters, it makes their deaths less meaningful.
If the following books have more depth to the characters I think that they will be better and have people more invested in the story in general. It’s not bad for a first book in the series.
3.25⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
There are some things that I thought were done well and some things that I would say could have been done better.
I like that the FMC is actually flawed but isn’t making the worst decisions on the planet (no, this doesn’t mean she doesn’t make bad choices - this happens often enough), she doesn’t overcome every challenge thrown her way, but she is very determined (often to her detriment).
I am pretty sure that her and the MMC are fated mates although I don’t even know if that’s a thing in this world? A lot of things are still pretty unclear but it would explain a lot.
The MMC reminds me a lot of Draven Ryat, from the first book. The way he carries himself is definitely similar but I would say that this character doesn’t quite hit the mark the same way.
The side characters are interesting ish, but I found it hard to really get invested in any character - even the main ones. The twists that happen, other than the very last one are all very obvious. I can’t pinpoint exactly what is missing here for me, just that we don’t get a lot of depth for the characters. Because of that, when the villains do villain things, it’s a) not a surprise b) I don’t care too much about it and c) it doesn’t seem to really impact the overall plot.
The book is fast paced and a lot happens but at the same time we don’t make a lot of progress. I liked the book enough to finish it but I did not find it kept my attention 100% or the time. There are funny parts and there are what should be sad parts, but when we aren’t invested in the characters, it makes their deaths less meaningful.
If the following books have more depth to the characters I think that they will be better and have people more invested in the story in general. It’s not bad for a first book in the series.
3.25⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy
ARC Review – Starshell by Adara Vesper
✨🌙💙 Starshell felt like stepping into a dream woven from starlight, adventure, and just a touch of heartbreak.
From the very beginning, Adara Vesper creates a world that feels magical and immersive, pulling readers into a story filled with mystery, discovery, and characters that are impossible not to care about. I found myself completely wrapped up in the journey, eager to uncover every secret and see where the stars would lead next.
One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere. There is something beautifully enchanting about the way the story unfolds, balancing moments of wonder with genuine emotional depth. The world felt vast and full of possibilities, yet the character-driven moments kept everything grounded and heartfelt.
The characters themselves were such a highlight. They felt flawed, determined, and wonderfully human despite the fantastical setting. I loved watching them navigate challenges, build relationships, and grow throughout the story. Their victories felt earned, their struggles felt real, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
There was also a lovely balance between adventure and emotion. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist or revelation would appear and pull me even deeper into the story. It kept me engaged from beginning to end and left me eager to see what would happen next.
While there were a few moments where I wanted a little more time spent on certain plot developments, it never diminished my enjoyment of the book as a whole. The story remained captivating, emotional, and incredibly easy to get lost in.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoy magical adventures, celestial themes, compelling characters, and stories that leave you staring at the ceiling thinking about them long after you've finished, Starshell is definitely worth picking up.
✨🌙💙 Starshell felt like stepping into a dream woven from starlight, adventure, and just a touch of heartbreak.
From the very beginning, Adara Vesper creates a world that feels magical and immersive, pulling readers into a story filled with mystery, discovery, and characters that are impossible not to care about. I found myself completely wrapped up in the journey, eager to uncover every secret and see where the stars would lead next.
One of my favorite things about this book was the atmosphere. There is something beautifully enchanting about the way the story unfolds, balancing moments of wonder with genuine emotional depth. The world felt vast and full of possibilities, yet the character-driven moments kept everything grounded and heartfelt.
The characters themselves were such a highlight. They felt flawed, determined, and wonderfully human despite the fantastical setting. I loved watching them navigate challenges, build relationships, and grow throughout the story. Their victories felt earned, their struggles felt real, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
There was also a lovely balance between adventure and emotion. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist or revelation would appear and pull me even deeper into the story. It kept me engaged from beginning to end and left me eager to see what would happen next.
While there were a few moments where I wanted a little more time spent on certain plot developments, it never diminished my enjoyment of the book as a whole. The story remained captivating, emotional, and incredibly easy to get lost in.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoy magical adventures, celestial themes, compelling characters, and stories that leave you staring at the ceiling thinking about them long after you've finished, Starshell is definitely worth picking up.
July 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10
🌶️ .75/5
I honestly don’t have any notes.
This was one of those books where every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it managed to surprise me. The pacing was phenomenal: something important was always happening, but it never felt rushed. I never found myself waiting for the plot to pick up or wishing scenes would move along.
The world-building deserves its own praise. Everything was explained exactly as much as it needed to be. The world felt immersive and descriptive without ever becoming an information dump, and I was never confused about what was happening.
The characters were another huge highlight. Every single one felt distinct, memorable, and entertaining in their own way. The banter was fantastic, the relationships developed naturally, and the side characters don’t even really feel like side characters, but rather family.
Also, have to single out Ms. “You’re both strangers to me” Lisia. And Mr. “You’re singularly the most stubbornly determined person I’ve ever met. The kind of woman a man would wage war’s over, just for the chance to know you.” Zevrial
The villains were genuinely intimidating, and I loved how much mystery surrounded everything. Every answer seemed to lead to another question, which kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
The romance is definitely more of a slow burn, but I loved the tension. There’s very little explicit spice, but what is there is oh-so-hot.
And then there’s the ending…
What.
The.
Hell.
That cliffhanger had me staring at my ceiling wondering if sacrificing Adara Vesper to the Devourer would somehow get me book two faster.
I’d have picked this book up even if it hadn’t been an ARC, and after finishing it, I’d absolutely buy it with my own money again. I can’t wait to continue this series.
🌶️ .75/5
I honestly don’t have any notes.
This was one of those books where every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it managed to surprise me. The pacing was phenomenal: something important was always happening, but it never felt rushed. I never found myself waiting for the plot to pick up or wishing scenes would move along.
The world-building deserves its own praise. Everything was explained exactly as much as it needed to be. The world felt immersive and descriptive without ever becoming an information dump, and I was never confused about what was happening.
The characters were another huge highlight. Every single one felt distinct, memorable, and entertaining in their own way. The banter was fantastic, the relationships developed naturally, and the side characters don’t even really feel like side characters, but rather family.
Also, have to single out Ms. “You’re both strangers to me” Lisia. And Mr. “You’re singularly the most stubbornly determined person I’ve ever met. The kind of woman a man would wage war’s over, just for the chance to know you.” Zevrial
The villains were genuinely intimidating, and I loved how much mystery surrounded everything. Every answer seemed to lead to another question, which kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
The romance is definitely more of a slow burn, but I loved the tension. There’s very little explicit spice, but what is there is oh-so-hot.
And then there’s the ending…
What.
The.
Hell.
That cliffhanger had me staring at my ceiling wondering if sacrificing Adara Vesper to the Devourer would somehow get me book two faster.
I’d have picked this book up even if it hadn’t been an ARC, and after finishing it, I’d absolutely buy it with my own money again. I can’t wait to continue this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 🌟/ 5
I want to thank the author of Starshel for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For lovers of academic settings and dystopia, I woukd definitely recommend this book.
The primary thing I loved was the magic system. It's a magic system based on tattoo art made with Starshell ink and each symbol allows a different magic.
The world building is interesting too. It's an island nation surrounded by what they call miasma that is incredibly deadly and full of incredibly deadly creatures. The while thing is set in a dystopian society and i do love a good dystopia.
This book also brings the side character energy. There is one scene that actually had me laughing out loud much to the amusement of my family.
The two areas that I liked less that had me rating this a little bit lower were pacing and some of the way information was presented. There were spots that moved really slow that I felt could have been shortened and some of the more intense scenes needing more time committed to them. There were also a couple times where our modern idioms were used in a way that took me out of the story. There was also a lot of info dumping where a bunch of characters all introduced all at once or the world building was dumped all in a lesson. But that was mostly the first half. The pacing was great in the second half.
I wouldn't let those negatives deter you though. It felt a little bit like the price of admission because by the end I was completely invested in the characters and the ending had me so intrigued that I cannot wait to dive into the next book, especially because it's clear the story is hitting it's stride!
I want to thank the author of Starshel for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For lovers of academic settings and dystopia, I woukd definitely recommend this book.
The primary thing I loved was the magic system. It's a magic system based on tattoo art made with Starshell ink and each symbol allows a different magic.
The world building is interesting too. It's an island nation surrounded by what they call miasma that is incredibly deadly and full of incredibly deadly creatures. The while thing is set in a dystopian society and i do love a good dystopia.
This book also brings the side character energy. There is one scene that actually had me laughing out loud much to the amusement of my family.
The two areas that I liked less that had me rating this a little bit lower were pacing and some of the way information was presented. There were spots that moved really slow that I felt could have been shortened and some of the more intense scenes needing more time committed to them. There were also a couple times where our modern idioms were used in a way that took me out of the story. There was also a lot of info dumping where a bunch of characters all introduced all at once or the world building was dumped all in a lesson. But that was mostly the first half. The pacing was great in the second half.
I wouldn't let those negatives deter you though. It felt a little bit like the price of admission because by the end I was completely invested in the characters and the ending had me so intrigued that I cannot wait to dive into the next book, especially because it's clear the story is hitting it's stride!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚 Starshell by Adara Vesper
⭐ 4/5
🌶️🌶️
📖 Advanced Reader Copy
🚨 Releases June 23, 2026 🚨
As a newly freed prisoner, Lisia is forced to participate in a grueling training program that prepares the elite to venture offshore. While she sees the program as a way to stay safe from an enemy who wants her dead, things quickly become more complicated when she attracts the attention of a dangerous acquaintance and a mysterious stranger.
After a chance encounter triggers an illegal magical bond between them, Lisia finds herself tangled in secrets, danger, and an attraction that could cost them both their lives.
💭 My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading this book.
We were definitely kept in the dark about one of the first major things that happens between Lisia and Zevrial. I need to know what that connection means.
Lisia is a very likeable FMC. She plays hard to get, but honestly, she's all gooey inside when it comes to this man. 😂💜
And Zevrial?
Book boyfriend material. 💯
Strong, masculine, protective, bossy, charming... just yes. All the way around.
I also appreciated the author's writing style. The world felt immersive, the pacing kept me engaged, and there were more than a few vocabulary words that sent me reaching for the dictionary. 📖✨
Most importantly, this book left me wanting more. I'm anxiously waiting for the next installment because I NEED to know what happens next.
I would absolutely recommend this one to romantasy readers looking for an engaging story, intriguing magic, and a romance that leaves you wanting more.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️🌶️
📖 Advanced Reader Copy
🚨 Releases June 23, 2026 🚨
As a newly freed prisoner, Lisia is forced to participate in a grueling training program that prepares the elite to venture offshore. While she sees the program as a way to stay safe from an enemy who wants her dead, things quickly become more complicated when she attracts the attention of a dangerous acquaintance and a mysterious stranger.
After a chance encounter triggers an illegal magical bond between them, Lisia finds herself tangled in secrets, danger, and an attraction that could cost them both their lives.
💭 My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed reading this book.
We were definitely kept in the dark about one of the first major things that happens between Lisia and Zevrial. I need to know what that connection means.
Lisia is a very likeable FMC. She plays hard to get, but honestly, she's all gooey inside when it comes to this man. 😂💜
And Zevrial?
Book boyfriend material. 💯
Strong, masculine, protective, bossy, charming... just yes. All the way around.
I also appreciated the author's writing style. The world felt immersive, the pacing kept me engaged, and there were more than a few vocabulary words that sent me reaching for the dictionary. 📖✨
Most importantly, this book left me wanting more. I'm anxiously waiting for the next installment because I NEED to know what happens next.
I would absolutely recommend this one to romantasy readers looking for an engaging story, intriguing magic, and a romance that leaves you wanting more.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of Starshell, and I could not stop thinking about it. It was like when you are watching a show on TV and have to stop even though you are not done watching it. Then, you keep thinking about it and can’t wait to turn your TV back on and watch some more. After I finished Starshell, I could not stop wanting to “turn it back on” and keep reading it.
Starshell is a fantasy romance book set on a tropical island with a big mountain in the middle. The island is surrounded by miasma, which is acidic water full of monstrous creatures ready to kill if you get too close. Why does the miasma exist? Why are there glyphs all over the island? There are so many questions and secrets on this island.
Lisia, the FMC, is fresh out of prison or Reformatory and has limited choices for what she can do next. She must become a Voyager to collect Starshells off of the islands nearby. The Starshells are special, they are ground up and used to fertilize their crops, otherwise, nothing will grow. Voyaging through the miasma is very dangerous work. While Lisia is in training to become a Voyager, she meets Zevrial.
Zevrial, the broody MMC, is a sexy skinscripted/tatooed man who has a past and many secrets. He is one of the teachers and a Voyager himself. He has a connection with Lisia right away and they immediately have secrets they must hide from everyone else. There are so many secrets held by the Ascendancy (governing body) of the island that I was trying to figure out throughout the book. I felt like a detective.
The ending had me shook! I am excitedly waiting for book 2!!
Starshell is a fantasy romance book set on a tropical island with a big mountain in the middle. The island is surrounded by miasma, which is acidic water full of monstrous creatures ready to kill if you get too close. Why does the miasma exist? Why are there glyphs all over the island? There are so many questions and secrets on this island.
Lisia, the FMC, is fresh out of prison or Reformatory and has limited choices for what she can do next. She must become a Voyager to collect Starshells off of the islands nearby. The Starshells are special, they are ground up and used to fertilize their crops, otherwise, nothing will grow. Voyaging through the miasma is very dangerous work. While Lisia is in training to become a Voyager, she meets Zevrial.
Zevrial, the broody MMC, is a sexy skinscripted/tatooed man who has a past and many secrets. He is one of the teachers and a Voyager himself. He has a connection with Lisia right away and they immediately have secrets they must hide from everyone else. There are so many secrets held by the Ascendancy (governing body) of the island that I was trying to figure out throughout the book. I felt like a detective.
The ending had me shook! I am excitedly waiting for book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
“𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉.”
🌺📚🌴
Before I get into what I didn’t like about this book, I would like to say I wish this author the best of luck with their writing.
The idea of a fantasy taking place in a tropical environment is something refreshingly new, which I really appreciate.
Not only that, but the FMC wasn’t your typical overpowered, perfect-in-every-way and completely flawless FMC, which I believe books could do with more of so applause to the author for that!
I believe the concept of this story was very intriguing, the world, creatures and general plot. The premise is amazing, I just had a few small issues with the execution which is no hate at all to the author.
What I didn’t like?
The story felt a little rushed, in my personal opinion, though I know that pace is perfect for some people.
To me, it seemed as if the goal was to dump as much information about the world in as possible, which is great for readers to imagine the world and its creatures in depth, however, the descriptions were more like throwaway comments rather than detail and in an attempt to achieve this, relationships between the characters and even the characters to me as a reader were lost.
I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters the way I should have been, especially with such a unique plot. I didn’t have time to bond with the FMC enough to care when things happened to her. I didn’t know enough information about the villains to be surprised when they turned out to be… well, villains.
The plot twists, as a result of this, became dull and I found myself struggling to read to the end. I am glad I did and I pray the author gets more support as I know there will undoubtedly be so many people who adore this, but personally, it wasn’t enough for me to enjoy: world-building, characters and even the prose altogether.
On the topic of the writing style (apologies in advance if that is just how the author writes), but I honestly felt like I was reading an AI novel which I personally do not support at all and this idea was further by the fact the author’s Goodreads profile picture is also created by AI. Again, apologies if that is not the case, just speaking from what I’m seeing and what my opinions are :)
No hate to the author, though! If you like fast-paced action and an easy read then I would definitely recommend this, it just wasn’t my cup of tea 🙂↕️
“𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉.”
🌺📚🌴
Before I get into what I didn’t like about this book, I would like to say I wish this author the best of luck with their writing.
The idea of a fantasy taking place in a tropical environment is something refreshingly new, which I really appreciate.
Not only that, but the FMC wasn’t your typical overpowered, perfect-in-every-way and completely flawless FMC, which I believe books could do with more of so applause to the author for that!
I believe the concept of this story was very intriguing, the world, creatures and general plot. The premise is amazing, I just had a few small issues with the execution which is no hate at all to the author.
What I didn’t like?
The story felt a little rushed, in my personal opinion, though I know that pace is perfect for some people.
To me, it seemed as if the goal was to dump as much information about the world in as possible, which is great for readers to imagine the world and its creatures in depth, however, the descriptions were more like throwaway comments rather than detail and in an attempt to achieve this, relationships between the characters and even the characters to me as a reader were lost.
I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters the way I should have been, especially with such a unique plot. I didn’t have time to bond with the FMC enough to care when things happened to her. I didn’t know enough information about the villains to be surprised when they turned out to be… well, villains.
The plot twists, as a result of this, became dull and I found myself struggling to read to the end. I am glad I did and I pray the author gets more support as I know there will undoubtedly be so many people who adore this, but personally, it wasn’t enough for me to enjoy: world-building, characters and even the prose altogether.
On the topic of the writing style (apologies in advance if that is just how the author writes), but I honestly felt like I was reading an AI novel which I personally do not support at all and this idea was further by the fact the author’s Goodreads profile picture is also created by AI. Again, apologies if that is not the case, just speaking from what I’m seeing and what my opinions are :)
No hate to the author, though! If you like fast-paced action and an easy read then I would definitely recommend this, it just wasn’t my cup of tea 🙂↕️
Review of advance copy received from Author
For fantasy lovers looking for well-written unique worlds, this book checks all boxes!
The world building in this book was so unique and creative and I loved every bit of it! From the beginning, the book was very engaging and hooking, and I just couldn't put it down. The concept of this world is unlike any other I've read before and that is what drew me to read more and more. The chapters are also short which is a personal preference.
The characters in this book are raw and flawed which is amazing! They learn from their mistakes and grow over the course of this book and you can see it throughout. Confirmed victory isn't a thing in this book which kept me at the edge of my seat all the time and I felt the need to know what happens next immediately. The side characters were also really well written and the MCs were just chef's kiss. I loved the tension and the slow burn in the book, especially because it was written so well. The emotions, the fights, the tension...it was all really good.
The plot of the book was also really unique, just like the world itself. I couldn't guess it at all and even the ending left me with an insufferable amount of impatience to read the next book.
The only reason I rated this book four stars and not five is because some aspects of the writing threw me off a bit, for example, real life slang like, "the math isn't mathing" being used by the FMC and just a few little things here and there. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next!
The world building in this book was so unique and creative and I loved every bit of it! From the beginning, the book was very engaging and hooking, and I just couldn't put it down. The concept of this world is unlike any other I've read before and that is what drew me to read more and more. The chapters are also short which is a personal preference.
The characters in this book are raw and flawed which is amazing! They learn from their mistakes and grow over the course of this book and you can see it throughout. Confirmed victory isn't a thing in this book which kept me at the edge of my seat all the time and I felt the need to know what happens next immediately. The side characters were also really well written and the MCs were just chef's kiss. I loved the tension and the slow burn in the book, especially because it was written so well. The emotions, the fights, the tension...it was all really good.
The plot of the book was also really unique, just like the world itself. I couldn't guess it at all and even the ending left me with an insufferable amount of impatience to read the next book.
The only reason I rated this book four stars and not five is because some aspects of the writing threw me off a bit, for example, real life slang like, "the math isn't mathing" being used by the FMC and just a few little things here and there. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First off, thank you to the author for early access to Starshell. This was such a fun read!
Starshell scratches the itch in the best ways if your favorite fantasy tropes are trials, military academy, unique magic system, found family, and of course a hot MMC instructor that leads to lots of tension and yearning.
What really set this story apart for me was the almost fanatic religious aspect of the established civilization. We're first introduced to a coastal world in which their entire way of life is centered around the "ocean" and the terrifying, legendary creatures that live in it. There is a very structured population hierarchy with incredibly strict rules and laws that govern all aspect of life like job assignments, marriage, and family sizes. But when the FMC starts her training, we see the fractures in the system. Why are we blindly believing everything we're told? What do the leaders and priests know vs what knowledge has been lost to history?
Then there's the magic system. Once again, we're working off the limited knowledge that has been shared with the FMC, but clearly there's so much more to it. Why is so much knowledge and information being kept from the general public, including the military...the only people who can tap into this power?!
I didn't have any expectations going into the story, but wow does the story take off running once you hit that first trial. I can't wait to learn more about this world in book 2!
Starshell scratches the itch in the best ways if your favorite fantasy tropes are trials, military academy, unique magic system, found family, and of course a hot MMC instructor that leads to lots of tension and yearning.
What really set this story apart for me was the almost fanatic religious aspect of the established civilization. We're first introduced to a coastal world in which their entire way of life is centered around the "ocean" and the terrifying, legendary creatures that live in it. There is a very structured population hierarchy with incredibly strict rules and laws that govern all aspect of life like job assignments, marriage, and family sizes. But when the FMC starts her training, we see the fractures in the system. Why are we blindly believing everything we're told? What do the leaders and priests know vs what knowledge has been lost to history?
Then there's the magic system. Once again, we're working off the limited knowledge that has been shared with the FMC, but clearly there's so much more to it. Why is so much knowledge and information being kept from the general public, including the military...the only people who can tap into this power?!
I didn't have any expectations going into the story, but wow does the story take off running once you hit that first trial. I can't wait to learn more about this world in book 2!
Review of advance copy
Arc review from Booksirens 🤗📖 Thank you for the opportunity!
Well this was an interesting start to a series!
What we have here is a unique world, interesting characters, a good start to a romantasy!
The story follows Lisia on here way from a sort of prison/juvenile detention center to becoming a Voyager. I won't be giving too much, or anything away as I think it is worth to read.
We have an academy sort of setting. An FMC full of secrets and an MMC brooding as hell! This is a student - teacher romance, so anyone not liking that premise, be aware of what your getting yourself into 😉😉 I for one liked it!
What I disliked is how characters were introduced, for example a female character before the end of the book, who all of sudden is Lisia's BFF.
The language is more modern, when the setting does not require it. Also, there was one part where they almost made it seem like there was something non-consensual between the FMC and MMC and then it was quickly explained away.
The reason for my 4⭐ and not 5⭐ is because it is not a perfect story. There are plot holes here and there, for example the story about her family and the reason she gets sent to prison - should have been something that does not come out of nowhere.
I will be continuing on with the series, as I am interested in story in general! 🤗
Well this was an interesting start to a series!
What we have here is a unique world, interesting characters, a good start to a romantasy!
The story follows Lisia on here way from a sort of prison/juvenile detention center to becoming a Voyager. I won't be giving too much, or anything away as I think it is worth to read.
We have an academy sort of setting. An FMC full of secrets and an MMC brooding as hell! This is a student - teacher romance, so anyone not liking that premise, be aware of what your getting yourself into 😉😉 I for one liked it!
What I disliked is how characters were introduced, for example a female character before the end of the book, who all of sudden is Lisia's BFF.
The language is more modern, when the setting does not require it. Also, there was one part where they almost made it seem like there was something non-consensual between the FMC and MMC and then it was quickly explained away.
The reason for my 4⭐ and not 5⭐ is because it is not a perfect story. There are plot holes here and there, for example the story about her family and the reason she gets sent to prison - should have been something that does not come out of nowhere.
I will be continuing on with the series, as I am interested in story in general! 🤗
Review of advance copy received from Author
First and foremost, Thank you Adara for the reaching out to me with this ARC. It's a joy to be on your street/Arc team!!
What a neat book, I've only read a couple of dystopian novels so far, but I've learned that I love the genre and I will say this one is refreshingly different. Such neat, might I say original ideas, not a copy and paste of other dystopian novels and I love that.
We have our FMC Lisia who is opinionated and stubborn, but strong willed, determined, vulnerable. She deals with a lot of struggles and threats, but her strengths get her through. Her family is....well, I don't like them but I don't think we're supposed to.
Our MMC Zevrial, he's a broody, overprotective instructor. He's frustrating and intense, but also understanding. I think we have a LOT more to learn about him.
The story is an academy setting, on a tropical, beautiful but dangerous island. I will say it was a slow start for me, but it definitely picks up and the world building is AMAZING in my opinion.
The author did so well with the back stories, so well thought out.
Our MMC Zevrial is an instructor at the academy, and when he and Lisia meet up, they are marked with the same skin script(I type of magical tattoo) the ink is made from the Starshells. They don't understand why they've been marked, but it's magic and it's not legal. Every time they run into each other after, it's intense and there is an attraction between them. There is a mystery around their connection because of the skin script.
Throughout the story, they go through tests and trials and they're about strength, physical endurance and trust, and navigating. This leads the characters to found family, friendships and tight bonds.
There is some fun banter throughout the story and I'm a sucker for banter.
The skin script magic system is one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, the author did such a wonderful job with this book as her debut and I can't wait to see where they story takes us, because we are left on a CLIFFHANGER! I do think the start was a little slow for me and some of the side characters needed a little more explanation...other than that I LOVED it!! I can't wait for book 2!!
Tropes:
✨️Found family
✨️Trainer/trainee
✨️Tattoo Magic
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Hot for teacher
✨️Magic systems
✨️Competition
Thank you again, Adara Vesper for the eARC copy of this book!!!
What a neat book, I've only read a couple of dystopian novels so far, but I've learned that I love the genre and I will say this one is refreshingly different. Such neat, might I say original ideas, not a copy and paste of other dystopian novels and I love that.
We have our FMC Lisia who is opinionated and stubborn, but strong willed, determined, vulnerable. She deals with a lot of struggles and threats, but her strengths get her through. Her family is....well, I don't like them but I don't think we're supposed to.
Our MMC Zevrial, he's a broody, overprotective instructor. He's frustrating and intense, but also understanding. I think we have a LOT more to learn about him.
The story is an academy setting, on a tropical, beautiful but dangerous island. I will say it was a slow start for me, but it definitely picks up and the world building is AMAZING in my opinion.
The author did so well with the back stories, so well thought out.
Our MMC Zevrial is an instructor at the academy, and when he and Lisia meet up, they are marked with the same skin script(I type of magical tattoo) the ink is made from the Starshells. They don't understand why they've been marked, but it's magic and it's not legal. Every time they run into each other after, it's intense and there is an attraction between them. There is a mystery around their connection because of the skin script.
Throughout the story, they go through tests and trials and they're about strength, physical endurance and trust, and navigating. This leads the characters to found family, friendships and tight bonds.
There is some fun banter throughout the story and I'm a sucker for banter.
The skin script magic system is one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, the author did such a wonderful job with this book as her debut and I can't wait to see where they story takes us, because we are left on a CLIFFHANGER! I do think the start was a little slow for me and some of the side characters needed a little more explanation...other than that I LOVED it!! I can't wait for book 2!!
Tropes:
✨️Found family
✨️Trainer/trainee
✨️Tattoo Magic
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Hot for teacher
✨️Magic systems
✨️Competition
Thank you again, Adara Vesper for the eARC copy of this book!!!
June 22, 2026
Lisia has been knocked down a lot by life, other people and even herself but "down doesn't mean done". She fights back against her memories, her fears and the future that has been planned and laid out before her by her parents. Then he walks in - Zevria and suddenly she's fighting against what the Tide seems to have planned for her. Thank you Adara V. for this ARC book. I truly enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting with their flaws and their past issues that come creeping back. I also liked the humor/sarcasm and probably my favorite part of any story is the found family - that's always fun to watch how they eventually come together. The imagery was also done well, The isle of Mesmoria sounded beautiful (and scary) and one scene with a giant sea creature was so vivid I had to stop eating my supper while I read it. I would have loved to have learned more about the interesting magic system and the runes carved all over the island and I'm really curious about why the Skinskript is kept hidden on their skin and from public knowledge. I'm sure these answers and more are coming in the next book. The ending felt abrupt but it has definitely left me wishing and waiting for book two!
July 11, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and original this story felt from the very first chapter. The tropical dystopian setting, dangerous miasma-filled seas, and unique Skinscript magic system made the world feel immersive and unlike anything I've read before. Lisia was a compelling heroine whose resilience, flaws, and personal growth made her easy to root for. I also really enjoyed Zevrial's broody personality, and the slow-burn romance between them was full of great tension and banter without overshadowing the main story. The academy setting, challenging trials, and unfolding mysteries kept me invested from beginning to end. I especially liked how the supporting characters and found-family dynamic added warmth and depth to the adventure. While a few moments felt a little rushed, they didn't take away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience. The twists, secrets, and world-building kept me guessing, and I loved slowly piecing everything together alongside the characters. The ending left me eager for the next book, and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique romantasy with adventure, mystery, and heart. Thanks to Adara Vesper and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 12, 2026
Starshell had an interesting new concept in a sea of similar sounding romantasy novels. The land is barren, requiring Starshells as fertilizer. To acquire these Starshells, brave Voyagers must travel on boats across the toxic miasma fighting off deadly creatures as they traverse to the outer islands. Our main character, Lisia, is gunning to become one of these Voyagers - but first, she has to pass Voyager training.
I really enjoyed this novel and its dystopian but fantastical ‘Divergent’ meets ‘The Empyrean Series’ feel. However, I wish that the main trials Lisia had to overcome (Mistrun, the midterm, the final) were more involved. Each felt like they came and passed really quickly, and I would’ve like to have had more time to explore the danger and skills utilized to survive each trial.
The magic system of this universe, Skinscript, was also rather unique and interesting. While not much info is provided given it’s a secretive topic in universe, I’m excited to think of how it can be expanded upon in future books. I’m especially interested in if it will be divulged on how the Skinscript ink is created, since there’s so much secrecy surrounding it.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the series!
I really enjoyed this novel and its dystopian but fantastical ‘Divergent’ meets ‘The Empyrean Series’ feel. However, I wish that the main trials Lisia had to overcome (Mistrun, the midterm, the final) were more involved. Each felt like they came and passed really quickly, and I would’ve like to have had more time to explore the danger and skills utilized to survive each trial.
The magic system of this universe, Skinscript, was also rather unique and interesting. While not much info is provided given it’s a secretive topic in universe, I’m excited to think of how it can be expanded upon in future books. I’m especially interested in if it will be divulged on how the Skinscript ink is created, since there’s so much secrecy surrounding it.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advance copy review 📖
I absolutely ate this book up!
🌎 I loved the fantasy world the author created with a tropical/jungle aesthetic that was unlike anything I've read before. The environments and different creatures were so unique and interesting. I love when a world is so well described that I can picture it in my mind as I read - and that was the case with Starshell.
🪄 Starshell has a completely unique tattoo-based magic system that was so intriguing. There's heavy political significance and tons of mystery surrounding the magic and its wielders. The author did such a good job giving enough information to understand the basics of the magic, while having so much left to develop in future books.
❤️ The slow-burn, forbidden romance had me HOOKED and left me absolutely wanting more. The banter, the tension, the will-they-won't-they... I just loved it all. There are a few instances of spicy on-page description, but Starshell is mostly plot forward with the spice enhancing the storyline. I also loved the cast of side characters the author developed throughout the story.
Overall, such a good read! My only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting the next book IMMEDIATELY.
I absolutely ate this book up!
🌎 I loved the fantasy world the author created with a tropical/jungle aesthetic that was unlike anything I've read before. The environments and different creatures were so unique and interesting. I love when a world is so well described that I can picture it in my mind as I read - and that was the case with Starshell.
🪄 Starshell has a completely unique tattoo-based magic system that was so intriguing. There's heavy political significance and tons of mystery surrounding the magic and its wielders. The author did such a good job giving enough information to understand the basics of the magic, while having so much left to develop in future books.
❤️ The slow-burn, forbidden romance had me HOOKED and left me absolutely wanting more. The banter, the tension, the will-they-won't-they... I just loved it all. There are a few instances of spicy on-page description, but Starshell is mostly plot forward with the spice enhancing the storyline. I also loved the cast of side characters the author developed throughout the story.
Overall, such a good read! My only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger that left me wanting the next book IMMEDIATELY.
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