For a thousand years, being born with magic was a death sentence. Hart and his twin have survived by hiding who they truly were until their time came. It started as a whisper, rumors, but when they find out there truly is a mage uprising, they join the fight, tilting the balance in the mages’ favor. The era of magicless mortals has passed in their multi-planetary kingdom. A war has started, and the mages will win it. Hart has lived and breathed for liberating their kind, thinking of nothing else, until Dara comes to his aid.
When Dara’s deluded father imprisons Kai Lor Hora’s ambassador, she knows there will be reprisals. Her world stands at the brink of destruction. She has no love for mages, but helping this one escape might just save her planet.
They’re two mortal enemies, who should never have met, and can never go back to a simpler time.
Warning: Strands of Starfire is a space fantasy romance series, and each book includes some explicit scenes.
Note that this series will only include standalone books.
May Sage is a USA Today Bestselling romance writer dabbling in different genres.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
This was a fast read, not as good as the first book but I really enjoyed it. As usual, May Sage's writing style takes you on an epic journey in space, albeit a quick one but still very well written.
Diplomacy isn't a sequel of Reign, more like a companion book. It follows Hart, Kai's second in command from book one, Dara, the heroine, we meet for the first time, and I loved them both. Their story overlaps with Kai and Nalini's.
As I've previously said, since it's a sort of novella, the story moves quite fast and their relationship evolves extremely fast as well, May does give them a few years apart but once they start to get into a physical relationship, they immediately fall in love with each other. Which I didn't hate but I'd have loved more development for both of them, I get that mages bond with people but I didn't feel the connection as strong as I felt it in the first book.
I will say one thing, May Sage has a talent for making you want the next book as soon as you finish the last sentence of the story. She always ends it with a little surprise that makes you want to get into her brain and figure out what she has in mind for all these amazing characters she created.
I fell deeply in love with this world and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third installment of this series. There are so many great characters in need of a story, so many small mysteries I can't wait to uncover!
Ok, I knew this wasn’t all romance but if it’s not a romance I not really know what this is ..... Did I read the first book ? No,but the weird way they do but don’t over lap I don’t know if that’s a problem or not... From what can tell the events of the first book ( as in almost where this book ends is where the first starts) Boy,is that confusing) soo I don’t necessarily think you need to have read the first book to understand what’s going on here......
Sure I was confused a bit but Not because I didn’t read the first book but I was confused because the characters seemed to have a lot to say but honestly not that much happened ... Ms.Sage is very talented at writing very Mesmerizing characters that is you could ear the speak I’m sure that have voices and personalities that could keep you entertained and happy if all they were doing was reading a phone book or giving watching a color commentary while you watched the grass grow or paint dry,Ms.Sage seriously knows who to keep your attention and keep you wanting more even if nothing is really happening ....
Ok,Dara is the neglected head strong daughter of a pompous fool who’s not a good guy in the least, Hart comes in sees in second Dara’s world is full of fools and she’s a diamond among lumps of moronic coal....There’s instant attraction neither understand... He’s bit pompous and arrogant and she’s scared,soo she runs and he can’t chase because he has now where to look.... Now Dara takes off w/her lil brother and they band with others and become mercenaries to survive,Dara and her brother seem to take to it like ducks to water..... Now Dara doesn’t see Hart again til about 62% of the book in between there we mainly get a few info dumps on Hart’s liked in the past,then they see each other for about 20 minutes and Dara runs again ... Now while we know Hart is on a mission to dismantle and destroy evil slavers and child killers ( a theme from another of Ms.Sage’s series) it’s just pieces here and there, it never really feels like the driver to the plot but then again neither is the romance either.... They don’t see each other again for a few more chapters,then at about 72% of the book they finally kiss and then by 75% of the book he’s got her bent over in the hanger bay where anyone could walk in on them.. ,.. He then begs her to stay on the planet they are on so he can find her later..... Supposedly like a theme from that same series I mentioned earlier they seem be “fated mates” but of course are utterly and completely clueless to it..... Hart on and off for about 80% of the book Dara for 90-95% of the book ..... They seem to have sexy few times one on page and one off and suddenly their finally a couple,near death experience at the very end and then suddenly they’ve “bonded” and engaged... And I’m left going WTH?!? They spend maybe , maybe 20% out of the whole book together, no relationship building AT ALL,most of the story is spent on other things where your told more than you see and then suddenly they become a couple in the last few chapters to embrace their HFN and the epilogue is about Dara waiting for her brother 15 years later to reappear in her life.. I. Repeat . What. Was. That ? The quote main story was mainly an info dump at times while the H obsessed over the h but then when he saw her was soo busy being an arrogant dominate idiot he kept lettg er in away and she was too scared to know her own mind..... It’s. Not a romance when the MC’s spend 80% of the book apart bd then Bam! Their suddenly a couple after a quick F... Your very talented Ms.Sage and I LOVE something about your style that is just simply delicious but I don’t enjoy the write your “so called “ romances because don’t really feel like one at all... thank you, but I’m out....
I didn’t think Diplomacy could possibly be as good as Reign (Strands of Starfire book 1) but the story is brilliant. It weaves into Reign well and you get to learn about Hart and a little more about Star (twins you first meet in Reign). They are a formidable pair and I hope we get to see Star’s, Loki’s, and Evi’s story soon!
SPOILERS... Dara was the third daughter of the King of Zeru. She was supposed to be the male heir he’d wanted after unfortunately having two daughters already. She felt unloved as she wasn’t the most beautiful or the cleverest but she found herself excelling at military strategy’s and upon graduating she finally was recognised by her father. After going on a job she returns to her fathers palace but something feels wrong. She finds herself in the throne room watching as her father refuses the generous deal the compelling mage has offered him. Hart thinks the Kings a fool. The King refuses the deal Hart makes him, sending them into a war they gave no hope of winning. The King locks Hart in the dungeon and he’s visited by the pretty princess he noticed arriving late in his dealings with the King. She asks one thing of him and he agrees after lecturing her a little. Dara doesn’t trust the mage, so she takes matters into her own hands... the question is what should she do now? She knows she can’t return to her home world, can’t risk her favourite sibling. When fate brings them together again, and again, what will they do?
I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Thank you for another amazing story with another truly beautiful cover May (and your amazing artist, editors etc...)! 😊
I loved the first book of Strands of Starfire. The second.... meh?
I don’t know what exactly it is about this one that felt so different. Dara and Hart are each compelling characters- the family dynamics between Hart and his twin are adorable and realistic, and considering how rare the development of family relationships are in romance books, I would love to read more of this in the genre.
Dara is also a kick ass, admirable, and relatable character. I’d want to hang out with her in real life. Her clear thinking, objectivity, survivalism, and affection for her crew/family are heartwarming and enjoyable to read.
But the interactions between Dara and Hart are.... boring, somewhat. The initial spark is there, the playfulness and seduction despite circumstances, and I was excited and eager to see what happened next between them. However while in Strands of Starfire #1 those initial playful/scared-of-attraction interactions gave way to deeper realizations and connections, in this book that didn’t quite happen. To be fair the characters had personal hangups to overcome, but the plot/adventure/relationship development just all seemed less intense, less significant, and less compelling.
I still love May Sage as an author and want to continue reading her stories. This one just didn’t seem as epic or enjoyable as the first book in the series.
Diplomacy is the second in the Strands of Starfire series - it takes place (for the most part) during the same timeline as Book # 1 (Reign) and focuses on a different couple, but I still recommend reading Reign first. Diplomacy is shorter than Reign and therefore things happen a little quicker and less comprehensively, but the tone/spirit is the same and something I like very much. I liked all of the characters, especially the main couple (Hart & Dara) and their siblings (Star and Kaur, respectively) and their relationships to each other. Hart and Dara's romance isn't as epic as that of the couple from the first book and I wish there had been more scenes between them (and about Dara and her team's life) in Vratis - but I still enjoyed the romance aspect of this story. I'm also a huge fan of space and magic in stories so the fact that this series combines all three really appeals to me, and I am looking forward to reading more stories set in this world. I read a free copy of this book and am voluntarily writing a review. 3.5 on GR scale
What a wasted money. The story drag, a lot of telling, and BORING. The intro start fooled me to buy this book showing a strong and badass princess. After I bought the book and then after the h showed up heroine became weak and with nothing. The h became homeless, a pirate, and only saw the h three times briefly up to 60% of the book.
A lot of telling about the places, the h and his sister connect ion, and about nothing that was interesting. Worst was the zero development in characters and romance. The storyline suck because there isn't a story. This was the worst of MS books. Too slow and BORING. Don't throw your money on this book. Gave up at 69% ...just couldn't continue anymore. I would give this zero rating.
Overall impression: not as epic as the first novel in the series but follows a similar formula and was enjoyable to read. The books are standalone but the timelines overlap a bit.
Best bits: ✅ Human Princess turned Mercenary / Warrior Mage ✅ Fated mates ✅ Bonding ✅ Slow-burn ✅ Sci-fi romance ✅ Hero falls first ✅ Chasing the heroine ✅ Hero saves heroine ✅ Well-developed funny supporting characters ✅ Some world-building ✅ HEA ✅ Book cover is pretty 💋
Worst bits: ❌ Plot was simple (esp. compared to depth of book 1) ❌ Chemistry between H + h was a bit forced
Loved this book. I would give it solid 5 stars if it was better in two aspects: 1. world building was a little sketchy (but maybe it's because it's the second book in series), 2. relationship between twins felt one dimensional and annoying. But that's all. Nothing more - it's really close to my ideal book. * It's a slow burn - it takes years of spare meetings and near hits and is so much better for it. * Both hero and heroine feel strong, capable, equal. * People around them have their own voice, history and strengths. * What little is in the world building is intriguing and uncommon in this type of books. Definitely one of my favorites.
I loved Diplomacy. This second book in the Strands of Starfire series was just as amazing as Reign (book one). It was entertaining, easy and quick to read and to love. And the romance... It was hot and fun. It was a little bit insta-love but Dara (badass and smart) and Hart (swoon worthy on top of smart) had such a great chemistry, I couldn't help but love them, and want more.
My only disappointment about Diplomacy was the ending. I liked it, but I thought it was a little too rushed. Otherwise, this story owns my soul. And I hope that one day May Sage will write Kaur's story.
I really love how several of her series are in the same universe but different timelines. This series is amazing. In this book, you find out more about the twins from.the 1st book and their life. This book is more about Hart. Hes cold, calculating and Kai's second. He meets Dara who is an unwanted Princess but has made a name for herself in the military. Their instant connection is sizzling. The story is action filled with a romantic story line. One of my favorite books!
This story had to much filler information for me. There were definitely some sections that I skipped and the ending felt rushed rather than developed. The whole story could have started in the middle and you would not have notified any difference to the story line. I liked the story but it could have been written better.
I bought this immediately after finishing the first book in the series, Reign. It is just as good! The two main characters are engaging, strong, and the sex is hot. I love the families that they’ve created for themselves, and I cannot wait for Loki’s story!
I liked how this was set during the same time frame as the first book. It was really wonderful to see Kai in another's point of view. I enjoyed Hart and Dara. This just adds to an already rich pot of story lines to follow. I want to see more of the inner circle find their love story! I need to know what Loki's story is! I can't wait for the next one!
The second book of the series focuses on Hart. The cold and calculating diplomat. This book was a continuation of the epic story of Raign, with much of the same pace and strategy. A fun journey, although I would have rather it being a bit longer and going in depth for some parts.
Hope to see the continuation of this world. I love space opera with a dash of romance I just wish this book was a little longer to explore some their relationships a bit more and the world changing items etc....
Beautifully written! I like how this book connected to the first one in the series. It shows what Hart and Dara were experiencing during the major events from Reign. The parallel story line enhances and expands on the story from the first book in the series. Well done! Can't wait for the next book!
I read this book straight through. Couldn't put it down. I was willing the two main characters to get together, but they kept twisting apart. A fun book.
A Good story set in Space. A Space opera with A LOT OF EVENTS. Read carefully so you wont miss Any event as There are things going on all The Time. And I need book 3!
Not quite as full plot wise as the first one....having said that I don’t think any book i’ve read had quite the info/plot dump that one had (lol) a fun read in an interesting world.
Kinda wanted more from the plot. I really enjoyed it since it was a fast read but I wanted more, more plot, more romance. I liked the world and will definitely be reading more!