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The Aldarfall Saga #1
The Shape of Stars Unknown
World domination is the least of their problems.
A STRANDED DEMIGOD. Lau of the House of Feofar, troubled and headstrong, screwed up. Royally. Now he lives out his days in exile on Earth – the very planet he once tried to exterminate.
A RUDDERLESS MORTAL WOMAN. Silver Laing leads the ordinary life of a white-collar worker. Lonely and desperately in search of purpose and new horizons, she gets more than she bargained for when she is offered a mysterious job.
A CATACLYSMIC PLAN BILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING. When a deadly visitor from Lau’s shrouded past threatens to lay the world in ashes, Silver and Lau must form an unlikely alliance against ancient and far superior forces.
An alliance with the potential to shake the very foundation of the Universe.
Shimmering new worlds? Sizzling tension? Secrets as old as time? Splashes of humour?
If your answer to all of the above is ‘Hell, yeah!’ then The Shape of Stars Unknown is your guy. This first book in Sybil Le Pyrmont’s new urban fantasy adventure series, The Aldarfall Saga , will take you from Germany to Tibet, from Japan to Iceland and all the way to the other end of the Universe. Grab your copy now and escape to join Silver and Lau on their epic journey!
Contains adult themes. Not suitable for younger or sensitive readers. Just sayin’.
Oh, and British spelling has been used throughout this book.
A STRANDED DEMIGOD. Lau of the House of Feofar, troubled and headstrong, screwed up. Royally. Now he lives out his days in exile on Earth – the very planet he once tried to exterminate.
A RUDDERLESS MORTAL WOMAN. Silver Laing leads the ordinary life of a white-collar worker. Lonely and desperately in search of purpose and new horizons, she gets more than she bargained for when she is offered a mysterious job.
A CATACLYSMIC PLAN BILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING. When a deadly visitor from Lau’s shrouded past threatens to lay the world in ashes, Silver and Lau must form an unlikely alliance against ancient and far superior forces.
An alliance with the potential to shake the very foundation of the Universe.
Shimmering new worlds? Sizzling tension? Secrets as old as time? Splashes of humour?
If your answer to all of the above is ‘Hell, yeah!’ then The Shape of Stars Unknown is your guy. This first book in Sybil Le Pyrmont’s new urban fantasy adventure series, The Aldarfall Saga , will take you from Germany to Tibet, from Japan to Iceland and all the way to the other end of the Universe. Grab your copy now and escape to join Silver and Lau on their epic journey!
Contains adult themes. Not suitable for younger or sensitive readers. Just sayin’.
Oh, and British spelling has been used throughout this book.
543 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2020
4 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Sybil Le Pyrmont
1 book30 followersSybil Le Pyrmont was born in Germany and was raised on the Canary Islands (that Gallic name is a pseudonym – her actual name has as much flair as a tax return). Although she now resides in Frankfurt, Germany, her heart has been beating for Tokyo ever since she spent a year in that city and discovered her epic love for all things Japan. That includes, to her acute embarrassment, the Shinagawa train station jingle she has installed as her ringtone. When Sybil isn’t writing, or dreaming of the anonymous donor who will some day gift her a house in Japan, she splits her time between her airline day job and long rants about the sunshine and the always-too-hot weather.
Sybil writes urban fantasy adventure to whisk her readers away to realms of imagination that have a distinct possibility of existing somewhere in the depths of the Universe.
Sybil writes urban fantasy adventure to whisk her readers away to realms of imagination that have a distinct possibility of existing somewhere in the depths of the Universe.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2021
This review and more at I Wish I Owned A Bookstore.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wasn’t sure where this book was going when I started but I’m so glad I went along for the ride. This new urban fantasy was thoroughly enjoyable with a side helping of distant worlds, god-like beings with billions of years worth of issues, and a brave witty mortal woman with secrets of her own.
This book has a slow beginning, full of witty dialogue, pop-culture and historical references, a lot of which probably went over my head, but the complex world-building, or rather universe-building, sucked me right in. At times violent, intimate and sombre this book is certainly unique, and I would recommend it if you like your fantasy with a bit more substance than your typical UF.
While this book has a slow beginning, by the midway point I was thoroughly hooked, especially by that slow burn romance. Phew! The sexual tension! I’m glad this was an adult book, it’s nice to read about a protagonist my own age (and her quasi-immortal love interest of course). I want more of Lau and Silver please! The aeons old friendship between Rafe and Lau is both heart-breaking and full of hope, and I hope to see a lot more of these two troublemakers.
There is still a lot to reveal with plots spanning millennia, and enigmas by the truckload and I look forward to finding out more of this universe’s dirty little secrets in the next book.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really wasn’t sure where this book was going when I started but I’m so glad I went along for the ride. This new urban fantasy was thoroughly enjoyable with a side helping of distant worlds, god-like beings with billions of years worth of issues, and a brave witty mortal woman with secrets of her own.
This book has a slow beginning, full of witty dialogue, pop-culture and historical references, a lot of which probably went over my head, but the complex world-building, or rather universe-building, sucked me right in. At times violent, intimate and sombre this book is certainly unique, and I would recommend it if you like your fantasy with a bit more substance than your typical UF.
While this book has a slow beginning, by the midway point I was thoroughly hooked, especially by that slow burn romance. Phew! The sexual tension! I’m glad this was an adult book, it’s nice to read about a protagonist my own age (and her quasi-immortal love interest of course). I want more of Lau and Silver please! The aeons old friendship between Rafe and Lau is both heart-breaking and full of hope, and I hope to see a lot more of these two troublemakers.
There is still a lot to reveal with plots spanning millennia, and enigmas by the truckload and I look forward to finding out more of this universe’s dirty little secrets in the next book.
August 7, 2023
THE SHAPE OF STARS UNKNOWN is the first book in the Aldarfall series, and settle yourself down because this is a hefty book!
We start off with Silver - she is alone in the world and kind of drifting. She is making do and trying to pay off debt, but nothing really zings for her. Then she meets Julian, who may be her saviour, maybe not. He leads her into a world where things are not as they appear.
Living just outside of Frankfurt myself, I loved reading about local places, even if the people are imaginary! I've never been to Tokyo, but I now have a better understanding of the place, given how in-depth the details were.
The pacing is perfect for this book. It is slow in places, even with action almost constantly going on, and yet is never too slow. Nor is it rushed, there are enough details that you need to read. This book is not for skim readers!
The world-building is excellent and I loved the characters. Lau is my favourite (obviously), but I love the relationship he has with Rafe, Julian, and then Silver. Each one is completely different and yet helps to make up who Lau is.
The epilogue was no surprise, but I really can't wait to see what happens next after the ending - yes, two different occasions.
It is unusual to find a book as long as this one but trust me when I tell you that you will be gripped for all 500+ pages. A surprisingly brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait for book 2! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 27, 2021
We start off with Silver - she is alone in the world and kind of drifting. She is making do and trying to pay off debt, but nothing really zings for her. Then she meets Julian, who may be her saviour, maybe not. He leads her into a world where things are not as they appear.
Living just outside of Frankfurt myself, I loved reading about local places, even if the people are imaginary! I've never been to Tokyo, but I now have a better understanding of the place, given how in-depth the details were.
The pacing is perfect for this book. It is slow in places, even with action almost constantly going on, and yet is never too slow. Nor is it rushed, there are enough details that you need to read. This book is not for skim readers!
The world-building is excellent and I loved the characters. Lau is my favourite (obviously), but I love the relationship he has with Rafe, Julian, and then Silver. Each one is completely different and yet helps to make up who Lau is.
The epilogue was no surprise, but I really can't wait to see what happens next after the ending - yes, two different occasions.
It is unusual to find a book as long as this one but trust me when I tell you that you will be gripped for all 500+ pages. A surprisingly brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait for book 2! Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 27, 2021
November 1, 2021
Such a fabulous book!
What an intellectually stimulating read and I enjoyed every second that it shook loose my mental cobwebs. I was surprised to see the number of pages and I celebrated as I sank my teeth into every single one of them. The author’s writing style took me back to days when it was my norm to read books of this length and caliber. I hadn’t realised how many books I read these days that don’t challenge my reading level.
The plot takes us to many locations and cultures across Earth and into space. The story flowed easily with twists and turns to keep us guessing. I enjoyed the moments where the author immersed us in another country and culture.
All the characters, demi-gods and humans alike, are fun and likeable (except for when they’re supposed to be very unlikeable, like Fabiyn). The relationships were beautifully written and I rooted for most of the characters, regardless of their good or bad affiliation.
The author did a superb job with this book. I’m not one for reading a book twice but I can see myself reading this one again. I thoroughly enjoyed The Shape of Stars Unknown. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.
What an intellectually stimulating read and I enjoyed every second that it shook loose my mental cobwebs. I was surprised to see the number of pages and I celebrated as I sank my teeth into every single one of them. The author’s writing style took me back to days when it was my norm to read books of this length and caliber. I hadn’t realised how many books I read these days that don’t challenge my reading level.
The plot takes us to many locations and cultures across Earth and into space. The story flowed easily with twists and turns to keep us guessing. I enjoyed the moments where the author immersed us in another country and culture.
All the characters, demi-gods and humans alike, are fun and likeable (except for when they’re supposed to be very unlikeable, like Fabiyn). The relationships were beautifully written and I rooted for most of the characters, regardless of their good or bad affiliation.
The author did a superb job with this book. I’m not one for reading a book twice but I can see myself reading this one again. I thoroughly enjoyed The Shape of Stars Unknown. I will definitely read book 2 when it comes out.
June 13, 2021
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only*
Like the Doctor and the Master or Aziraphale and Crowley, Rafyal and Laurean are best enemies. Confined to a supposedly desolate Earth after some gross vandalism, the demigod Lau has been whiling away the millennia by inflicting wars and disasters on the global population. Rafe on the other hand has been trying to ameliorate Lau’s grievous ministrations without drawing attention to himself.
Silver Laing, despite her sterling name, has a tarnished past. Employed in a marketing position by an airline she is working to pay off inherited debts and has no real goals. It is on one of her many business trips that she meets the mysterious Julian Watkins, and this leads to an introduction to his secretive boss, a strange interview and an even odder job offer. Get close to Lau and find out how bad he really is.
This is a hefty read and possibly not for the faint of heart. With 530 plus pages of story, the author has seemingly used every word in the English language and has branched out into French and Japanese as well; exotic and esoteric words popping on the pages like bubbles in one of Silver’s glasses of champagne. The book is absolutely loaded to the gunwales with descriptive phrasing, with some paragraphs having a sentence climb pirate-like over the stern with an adjective clenched between its teeth.
I was expecting an urban fantasy along the lines of Tom Holt’s Expecting Someone Taller or Neil Gaiman’s American Gods but it’s nothing like that, as a lot of the time is spent on mountaintops or in penthouse apartments. It’s more a slow building romance story but once the halfway point is reached the pace (and the intensely interpersonal relationships) pick up.
As it’s the first book in the Aldarfall trilogy it leaves the reader with a lot of unanswered questions. Do I want to read the rest of the series? Probably not, as it isn’t my kind of story but I would possibly discuss it with someone who did.
Like the Doctor and the Master or Aziraphale and Crowley, Rafyal and Laurean are best enemies. Confined to a supposedly desolate Earth after some gross vandalism, the demigod Lau has been whiling away the millennia by inflicting wars and disasters on the global population. Rafe on the other hand has been trying to ameliorate Lau’s grievous ministrations without drawing attention to himself.
Silver Laing, despite her sterling name, has a tarnished past. Employed in a marketing position by an airline she is working to pay off inherited debts and has no real goals. It is on one of her many business trips that she meets the mysterious Julian Watkins, and this leads to an introduction to his secretive boss, a strange interview and an even odder job offer. Get close to Lau and find out how bad he really is.
This is a hefty read and possibly not for the faint of heart. With 530 plus pages of story, the author has seemingly used every word in the English language and has branched out into French and Japanese as well; exotic and esoteric words popping on the pages like bubbles in one of Silver’s glasses of champagne. The book is absolutely loaded to the gunwales with descriptive phrasing, with some paragraphs having a sentence climb pirate-like over the stern with an adjective clenched between its teeth.
I was expecting an urban fantasy along the lines of Tom Holt’s Expecting Someone Taller or Neil Gaiman’s American Gods but it’s nothing like that, as a lot of the time is spent on mountaintops or in penthouse apartments. It’s more a slow building romance story but once the halfway point is reached the pace (and the intensely interpersonal relationships) pick up.
As it’s the first book in the Aldarfall trilogy it leaves the reader with a lot of unanswered questions. Do I want to read the rest of the series? Probably not, as it isn’t my kind of story but I would possibly discuss it with someone who did.
March 10, 2021
I received a reading copy for an honest review.
The story of the book takes place in the present time on Earth. To me, it is a somewhat unusual UF book. Earth was developed by beings who have god-like abilities, but are not gods. They belong to a race of immortals and they created many planets in different systems.
Lau, a main character, lives and acts in exile on Earth after interfering in the Earth's planetary development of someone else. He disagreed with the way of civilisation building and wiped out most of the people through the flood. He was degraded in terms of strength and therefore can no longer leave the Earth.
Silver is a 33-year-old woman who, on a flight to Frankfurt, meets Julian, who later offers her a very unusual job. Although she fundamentally bases her life in safety, she is so strongly attracted to the offer that she accepts it. This begins a life-changing journey where she meets Lau and their story together begins.
You can somehow say that the earth story told here sounds logical. It is an exciting world building. The main and secondary characters are drawn with depth and are quite interesting. The author uses expressive language with words that you don't read often and they fit the storytelling well.
It is the first in a series and I look forward to more. I hope the good storytelling continues.
The story of the book takes place in the present time on Earth. To me, it is a somewhat unusual UF book. Earth was developed by beings who have god-like abilities, but are not gods. They belong to a race of immortals and they created many planets in different systems.
Lau, a main character, lives and acts in exile on Earth after interfering in the Earth's planetary development of someone else. He disagreed with the way of civilisation building and wiped out most of the people through the flood. He was degraded in terms of strength and therefore can no longer leave the Earth.
Silver is a 33-year-old woman who, on a flight to Frankfurt, meets Julian, who later offers her a very unusual job. Although she fundamentally bases her life in safety, she is so strongly attracted to the offer that she accepts it. This begins a life-changing journey where she meets Lau and their story together begins.
You can somehow say that the earth story told here sounds logical. It is an exciting world building. The main and secondary characters are drawn with depth and are quite interesting. The author uses expressive language with words that you don't read often and they fit the storytelling well.
It is the first in a series and I look forward to more. I hope the good storytelling continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
The shape of stars unknown is a fantasy adventure story filled with drama and supernatural elements. It all begins with Silver Laing meeting Julian and coming across a paranormal revelation that changes everything.
Silver is lonely and lives a very everyday life. When she meets Julian, he invites her to an interview and offers her a job with this organization on a nameless Tibetan mountain. There she meets Rafyal, a demigod from House of Feofar, informing her that the Universe has been created by the Auctors, a godlike race from the remote world of Aldarfall. When Silver remains skeptical, the demigod offers her a choice: return to her life as it was with no memories of him or stay and find meaning, purpose, and new horizons. She decides to stay. With the decision she makes, the story then takes you on an epic journey of action-adventure.
I enjoyed reading about Silver and Lau. Their relationship very well meshed together. The added romance was delightful to read. The literature was beautiful and easy to visualize. It was descriptive and exciting. The book contains sexual content and graphic violence. It is suited for a more adult audience.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy stories.
Silver is lonely and lives a very everyday life. When she meets Julian, he invites her to an interview and offers her a job with this organization on a nameless Tibetan mountain. There she meets Rafyal, a demigod from House of Feofar, informing her that the Universe has been created by the Auctors, a godlike race from the remote world of Aldarfall. When Silver remains skeptical, the demigod offers her a choice: return to her life as it was with no memories of him or stay and find meaning, purpose, and new horizons. She decides to stay. With the decision she makes, the story then takes you on an epic journey of action-adventure.
I enjoyed reading about Silver and Lau. Their relationship very well meshed together. The added romance was delightful to read. The literature was beautiful and easy to visualize. It was descriptive and exciting. The book contains sexual content and graphic violence. It is suited for a more adult audience.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy stories.
August 12, 2021
This is an offering from Voracious Readers and honestly, one I might never have chosen for myself. What a really nice surprise and I want to know the next part of the story.
It comes under the heading of fantasy, but like the best fantasy plot lines, it starts off with something as normal as being on a flight. Silver Laing, who works for the airline, is on a flight home when she strikes up a conversation with another passenger, Julian Watkins. Life will never be the same again as she is offered a new job. As she learns more, so do we. Alderfall and it's influence on the world are something you want to know about and delightfully, you get a large part of the story before it comes to the final page. I'm ready for the next instalment.
It comes under the heading of fantasy, but like the best fantasy plot lines, it starts off with something as normal as being on a flight. Silver Laing, who works for the airline, is on a flight home when she strikes up a conversation with another passenger, Julian Watkins. Life will never be the same again as she is offered a new job. As she learns more, so do we. Alderfall and it's influence on the world are something you want to know about and delightfully, you get a large part of the story before it comes to the final page. I'm ready for the next instalment.
July 3, 2021
Silver thought her world was one thing, and discovers it is so much more then she ever believed possible.
This was a long and complex story, but I found the history of the universe to be intriguing.
I enjoyed the different characters' personalities and attitudes throughout. Powerful and intelligent beings, but also with a sense of humour (and some sass, on Silver's part).
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, I'd love to see what comes next.
This was a long and complex story, but I found the history of the universe to be intriguing.
I enjoyed the different characters' personalities and attitudes throughout. Powerful and intelligent beings, but also with a sense of humour (and some sass, on Silver's part).
I look forward to reading the next book in this series, I'd love to see what comes next.
February 3, 2022
Thank you voraciousreadersonly and the author Sybil Le Prymont for this free copy.
Give me magic, the cosmos, the hot hot (fanning myself) descriptions, the heart a flutter
and the expansion of my mind and you my dear author have my deepest respect.
...I loved the writing, the stories intertwined, and the surprises. I did however guess the true relations of a few before it was revealed in detail.
I want MORE MORE MORE!!!
Give me magic, the cosmos, the hot hot (fanning myself) descriptions, the heart a flutter
and the expansion of my mind and you my dear author have my deepest respect.
...I loved the writing, the stories intertwined, and the surprises. I did however guess the true relations of a few before it was revealed in detail.
I want MORE MORE MORE!!!
March 1, 2022
I have to admit, reading the prologue, I thought maybe I had made a mistake - Lau's introduction was little more intense than what I was expecting. However, I was soon rooting for him and the team. Sybil's has the most amazing gift for drawing you in, as is if you were literally witnessing the story play out in front of you. I couldn't help but need to know what was going to happen next. Looking forward to Book 2!!
March 24, 2021
Great story.
Sybil Le Pyrmont sliwly built her characters and connections, but left enough intrigue, for you, to want to know more.
Last half of book just flies.
Could easily have prequel or sequel.
Look forward to reading more of Sybil Le Pyrmont.
Sybil Le Pyrmont sliwly built her characters and connections, but left enough intrigue, for you, to want to know more.
Last half of book just flies.
Could easily have prequel or sequel.
Look forward to reading more of Sybil Le Pyrmont.
June 27, 2021
I am incredibly happy to have received a review copy of this book from voracious readers only. This book's ending (or middle for that matter) absolutely cannot be guessed from its beginnings. It is truly a story whose depth and characters develop the further you read.
September 6, 2021
I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable story with good writing. The author created an interesting cosmology and I enjoyed the deepening of the story as things progessed.
Overall a great read.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable story with good writing. The author created an interesting cosmology and I enjoyed the deepening of the story as things progessed.
Overall a great read.
May 14, 2021
I got this book through voracious readers. I am really struggling with this book. Very hard going and I afraid to say I gave up after 35%.
June 6, 2021
I LOVED this book! Good storyline, characters with depth, mystery, and gorgeous immortals.
June 23, 2022
I put it in my did not finished pile only because science is not my favorite. However, if you like a bit of mystery and science, this book is for you!
May 13, 2021
**NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review**
YouTube Book Review: https://youtu.be/_8HJLM4F1xk
I tried, three times, to get past the first 20% of this book, but I just can't continue to read it. I read, a lot, and quickly, and I always try my best to read at least half a book if not all of it, even if it is hard going, but I couldn't with this one.
I found it dry - I found it hard to get into and the whole mystery at the beginning wore thin when page after page, I am still not at the main crux of where this girl is going. I don't like either of the two characters and the author has spent some time finding words I, as a proof reader and voracious reader, had to look up on my Kindle, which didn't find meanings for them!
I'm so sorry, I tried, I really did, but this book is one of the hardest I've ever had to try and read.
YouTube Book Review: https://youtu.be/_8HJLM4F1xk
I tried, three times, to get past the first 20% of this book, but I just can't continue to read it. I read, a lot, and quickly, and I always try my best to read at least half a book if not all of it, even if it is hard going, but I couldn't with this one.
I found it dry - I found it hard to get into and the whole mystery at the beginning wore thin when page after page, I am still not at the main crux of where this girl is going. I don't like either of the two characters and the author has spent some time finding words I, as a proof reader and voracious reader, had to look up on my Kindle, which didn't find meanings for them!
I'm so sorry, I tried, I really did, but this book is one of the hardest I've ever had to try and read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews