What do you think?
Rate this book
The Children of Lyr #2
Sister of the Stars
A Cure to End a Curse
It’s been two months since Captain Keira Mathonwy learned the god of death’s price the hard way. Two months since she saved her husband Ronan from a horrific death, only to ensure her own slow demise. Abandoned by the sea, banished from the only home she’s ever known, and marked by the Dark God, Keira is desperate for a cure. To make matters worse, storms are brewing across the Deyrnas. Famine, plague, and whispers of war spread like wildfire, the growing unrest visible everywhere. Her Captain’s coat weighing heavy on her shoulders, Keira must swim against the current to keep her crew afloat.
Yet not all is lost. Even amidst the darkest night, there are stars on the horizon. A slave that whispers to the wind. A forgotten sisterhood forged from salt and steel. An unlikely ally hidden in fox fur. To save their world—and themselves—the crew must journey to the ends of the earth for answers, and dive deep within their hearts for the courage to do what is right. No matter what it costs.
Not even fate can outrun death.
It’s been two months since Captain Keira Mathonwy learned the god of death’s price the hard way. Two months since she saved her husband Ronan from a horrific death, only to ensure her own slow demise. Abandoned by the sea, banished from the only home she’s ever known, and marked by the Dark God, Keira is desperate for a cure. To make matters worse, storms are brewing across the Deyrnas. Famine, plague, and whispers of war spread like wildfire, the growing unrest visible everywhere. Her Captain’s coat weighing heavy on her shoulders, Keira must swim against the current to keep her crew afloat.
Yet not all is lost. Even amidst the darkest night, there are stars on the horizon. A slave that whispers to the wind. A forgotten sisterhood forged from salt and steel. An unlikely ally hidden in fox fur. To save their world—and themselves—the crew must journey to the ends of the earth for answers, and dive deep within their hearts for the courage to do what is right. No matter what it costs.
Not even fate can outrun death.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2021
21 people are currently reading
1625 people want to read
About the author
Lina C. Amarego
7 books223 followersGrowing up on the east coast in small-town New Jersey, Lina spent her early days playing pretend and making up stories for her friends and family, a pastime that would soon turn into a lifelong passion for storytelling in all its forms. A recovering theatre kid at heart and a therapist by profession, Lina loves the study of human behavior and relationships, infusing both into her writing craft. When she's not scribbling ideas about fictional worlds into the margins of her notebooks, Lina spends her time reading anything she can get her hands on, driving her husband crazy with her wild daydreams, and snuggling her adorable pup.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 29, 2020
If the call of man is to do and dare greatly, SISTER OF THE STARS has most men beat.
This book is everything a sequel should be - an homage to its predecessor's strengths, but also an expansion of lore and cast, a deeper dive into themes and conflicts often darker, grittier, and even more compelling and human than the first.
No fear of the dreaded middle book syndrome here; SOTS joins the sparing ranks of trilogy second-installment greats that somehow manage to surpass their predecessors without diminishing them in any way. It explores the trauma and repercussions of DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP'S twisty hunt and revenge plot without riding heavy on its coattails; references to the first book are visited in a way that honors without belaboring. Throughout, the lyrical prose and keen dialogue keeps things well paced and engaging, delivering powerhouse lines and lessons without feeling boring or heavy handed in any way.
All told, SOTS was everything I hoped for: introspective, action packed, romantic, reflective, dark, lovely, thrilling, riveting, heart pounding and soul stirring. It was respectful of its heavy tone and darker themes without shying away from them. Nothing felt gratuitous, even when at its most sobering and sad. This book was a wild voyage, beginning to end, and I can't wait for Book 3!
This book is everything a sequel should be - an homage to its predecessor's strengths, but also an expansion of lore and cast, a deeper dive into themes and conflicts often darker, grittier, and even more compelling and human than the first.
No fear of the dreaded middle book syndrome here; SOTS joins the sparing ranks of trilogy second-installment greats that somehow manage to surpass their predecessors without diminishing them in any way. It explores the trauma and repercussions of DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP'S twisty hunt and revenge plot without riding heavy on its coattails; references to the first book are visited in a way that honors without belaboring. Throughout, the lyrical prose and keen dialogue keeps things well paced and engaging, delivering powerhouse lines and lessons without feeling boring or heavy handed in any way.
All told, SOTS was everything I hoped for: introspective, action packed, romantic, reflective, dark, lovely, thrilling, riveting, heart pounding and soul stirring. It was respectful of its heavy tone and darker themes without shying away from them. Nothing felt gratuitous, even when at its most sobering and sad. This book was a wild voyage, beginning to end, and I can't wait for Book 3!
February 10, 2021
Version: E-ARC
Rating: 5 Stars
An Adventure Continues...and it's everything I hoped for and more.
Daughter of the Deep (the first in the Children of Lyr series) pulled me out of a long reader's slump and dropped me into a world of adventure and action that I simply couldn't put down. I was honored enough to get an Advanced Reader Copy of Sister of the Stars and I devoured it from start to finish.
As a sequel, SotS is everything I hope for as a reader. Many middle books in a trilogy can get bogged down and feel superfluous, but rest assured, Sister of the Stars is not one of those sequels. Right away, we're dropped back into this voyage with our favorite crew members and I felt the immediate rush of being reunited with old friends. New characters, locations, and conflicts were seamlessly woven in with the familiarity of DotD without feeling too heavy-handed.
The story evolves in such a natural and beautiful way. Don't get me wrong, SotS is darker and more emotional than book one, but in a way that had me completely invested in these characters and their journeys. Our MC Keira lives and breathes throughout this second installment in a way many authors don't allow for in their female characters. Strong female characters are allowed to be flawed in this book and I admire Lina's ability to show every side to femininity in a very true-to-life way. This story has a plethora of engaging male characters but this book is titled Sister of the Stars for a reason. It is filled to the brim with women from all walks of life and I think many will find one or more versions of themselves amongst these pages.
Lina's prose is effortless and it shows how much of her heart and soul bleeds out onto the page. SotS is an adventure that hit all the right spots for me. It was exciting, an excellent balance between emotion and humor, warm and soft, whilst also being dark and inviting. There is so much to love about this book and I highly recommend grabbing a copy for your collection.
Looking forward to book 3!
Rating: 5 Stars
An Adventure Continues...and it's everything I hoped for and more.
Daughter of the Deep (the first in the Children of Lyr series) pulled me out of a long reader's slump and dropped me into a world of adventure and action that I simply couldn't put down. I was honored enough to get an Advanced Reader Copy of Sister of the Stars and I devoured it from start to finish.
As a sequel, SotS is everything I hope for as a reader. Many middle books in a trilogy can get bogged down and feel superfluous, but rest assured, Sister of the Stars is not one of those sequels. Right away, we're dropped back into this voyage with our favorite crew members and I felt the immediate rush of being reunited with old friends. New characters, locations, and conflicts were seamlessly woven in with the familiarity of DotD without feeling too heavy-handed.
The story evolves in such a natural and beautiful way. Don't get me wrong, SotS is darker and more emotional than book one, but in a way that had me completely invested in these characters and their journeys. Our MC Keira lives and breathes throughout this second installment in a way many authors don't allow for in their female characters. Strong female characters are allowed to be flawed in this book and I admire Lina's ability to show every side to femininity in a very true-to-life way. This story has a plethora of engaging male characters but this book is titled Sister of the Stars for a reason. It is filled to the brim with women from all walks of life and I think many will find one or more versions of themselves amongst these pages.
Lina's prose is effortless and it shows how much of her heart and soul bleeds out onto the page. SotS is an adventure that hit all the right spots for me. It was exciting, an excellent balance between emotion and humor, warm and soft, whilst also being dark and inviting. There is so much to love about this book and I highly recommend grabbing a copy for your collection.
Looking forward to book 3!
February 14, 2021
Oh Keira Girl, you’ve got yourself into a fine mess this time haven’t you...
I thought the book started with Keira, her husband and her crew in dire straits, but Lyr’s beard do things get even worse! Her small triumphs and acts of kindness are turned on their head. However, I secretly loved how things got properly jumbled because I couldn’t see how this would unfold and could not predict the twists and turns.
“Maybe we all deserved the Dark God’s wrath for all that we’d done, or worse, the things we hadn’t. But maybe there was hope, too. Maybe, if we all held onto each other a little tighter, the special magic that wove my crew together would be enough to stitch the frayed pieces of the rest of our family back together.”
One of my favorite things: the crew and their beautiful family bond. I basked in the warmth of their camaraderie. It was cleverly used to reel me in and then dash me on the rocks. I won’t say too much more but Keira’s family and chosen family are highlights for me but are also wielded sharply throughout.
“Aye, we know that.” Saeth caught on first, her voice low and dangerous, like the way the tide pulled back from the shore before a tidal wave. In the lanternlight, the sharp lines of her face seemed even more severe. “But he doesn’t...”
Also the new characters that were introduced are exciting and add a certain vigor to the tale. However, this story does go to deeper depths and darker places than before. Be prepared for more grit, more guts and even higher stakes. Many questions are answered but many remain. Sorry to be so vague but I do not want to remotely spoil anything! Part of the thrill is uncovering the tale for yourself and trust me: you will not be disappointed.
“...this was what war really looked like: tired faces, ink scratched against parchment, two friends bickering as the morning light blinded them. Councilmembers bartering lives in exchange for coin. People bartering loyalty for scraps of bread. Sailors bartering sleep for precious time.”
This sequel flew by so quickly and it was quite the romp of a ride. I enjoyed the journey and I became even more invested in the characters. There were innumerable suspenseful moments and heart clenching scenarios. Exciting developments in Keira’s power and wonderful world building. I enjoyed seeing more of the Deyrnas and more magic! Also to see Ronan’s perspective was a compelling lens to gaze through and added more depth to the story.
“A weapon made woman. A goddess made flesh.
It was a cruel, wicked trick.”
Overall another rollicking adventure that grew my heart and broke it in equal measures. I cannot wait for the third installment: to do it all over again.
*I was given this e-arc by the author AND I had the distinct pleasure of being a beta reader prior to this e-arc. I was not officially asked to give a review but it is my pleasure to do so!*
I thought the book started with Keira, her husband and her crew in dire straits, but Lyr’s beard do things get even worse! Her small triumphs and acts of kindness are turned on their head. However, I secretly loved how things got properly jumbled because I couldn’t see how this would unfold and could not predict the twists and turns.
“Maybe we all deserved the Dark God’s wrath for all that we’d done, or worse, the things we hadn’t. But maybe there was hope, too. Maybe, if we all held onto each other a little tighter, the special magic that wove my crew together would be enough to stitch the frayed pieces of the rest of our family back together.”
One of my favorite things: the crew and their beautiful family bond. I basked in the warmth of their camaraderie. It was cleverly used to reel me in and then dash me on the rocks. I won’t say too much more but Keira’s family and chosen family are highlights for me but are also wielded sharply throughout.
“Aye, we know that.” Saeth caught on first, her voice low and dangerous, like the way the tide pulled back from the shore before a tidal wave. In the lanternlight, the sharp lines of her face seemed even more severe. “But he doesn’t...”
Also the new characters that were introduced are exciting and add a certain vigor to the tale. However, this story does go to deeper depths and darker places than before. Be prepared for more grit, more guts and even higher stakes. Many questions are answered but many remain. Sorry to be so vague but I do not want to remotely spoil anything! Part of the thrill is uncovering the tale for yourself and trust me: you will not be disappointed.
“...this was what war really looked like: tired faces, ink scratched against parchment, two friends bickering as the morning light blinded them. Councilmembers bartering lives in exchange for coin. People bartering loyalty for scraps of bread. Sailors bartering sleep for precious time.”
This sequel flew by so quickly and it was quite the romp of a ride. I enjoyed the journey and I became even more invested in the characters. There were innumerable suspenseful moments and heart clenching scenarios. Exciting developments in Keira’s power and wonderful world building. I enjoyed seeing more of the Deyrnas and more magic! Also to see Ronan’s perspective was a compelling lens to gaze through and added more depth to the story.
“A weapon made woman. A goddess made flesh.
It was a cruel, wicked trick.”
Overall another rollicking adventure that grew my heart and broke it in equal measures. I cannot wait for the third installment: to do it all over again.
*I was given this e-arc by the author AND I had the distinct pleasure of being a beta reader prior to this e-arc. I was not officially asked to give a review but it is my pleasure to do so!*
April 12, 2023
I am officially in love with this series.
Even though this book had the classic second book slump for a trilogy I wanted to give it a fair chance solely because of the first book being a 5 star read after so long and I’m so glad I gave it this fighting chance.
The book obviously has it’s flaws and is too much of an info dump sometimes but I am way too enamored by the world they have built to let it hinder my rating or my perception!
Half of the book has Keira and Ronan separated and pining and whining over each other but around the 53% mark the story picks up speed to the point where I felt like there was something huge happening on every page I turned. If the author had spread it out since the beginning of the book people might not have gotten annoyed with this book as much as they did. Because i started this book almost 20 days back but from 57-100% was read today in the last 4 hours it was just that good.
I don’t want to spoil stuff for anyone but can we take a moment of silence for the harrowing DEATHS??? I am shaking crying spinning throwing up. WHY DID THE AUTHOR HAVE TO DO THIS TO ME??? I hate hate hate hate it when they decide to kill off a sweet loving warm character for a surprise GOTCHA factor. How am i supposed to recover from this?
Ronan is totally the loml but when he said “Sometimes, it felt like my whole world revolved around Keira, like she was the sun and we were only planets in her solar system” 😭 i passed tf out because HOW DARE HE.
I am so excited to read the 3rd and final book but I am not ready to say goodbye to my beloved crew. Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Side note: I totally called the mother revelation 💅🏼(I am not smart, it was just very obvious)
Even though this book had the classic second book slump for a trilogy I wanted to give it a fair chance solely because of the first book being a 5 star read after so long and I’m so glad I gave it this fighting chance.
The book obviously has it’s flaws and is too much of an info dump sometimes but I am way too enamored by the world they have built to let it hinder my rating or my perception!
Half of the book has Keira and Ronan separated and pining and whining over each other but around the 53% mark the story picks up speed to the point where I felt like there was something huge happening on every page I turned. If the author had spread it out since the beginning of the book people might not have gotten annoyed with this book as much as they did. Because i started this book almost 20 days back but from 57-100% was read today in the last 4 hours it was just that good.
I don’t want to spoil stuff for anyone but can we take a moment of silence for the harrowing DEATHS??? I am shaking crying spinning throwing up. WHY DID THE AUTHOR HAVE TO DO THIS TO ME??? I hate hate hate hate it when they decide to kill off a sweet loving warm character for a surprise GOTCHA factor. How am i supposed to recover from this?
Ronan is totally the loml but when he said “Sometimes, it felt like my whole world revolved around Keira, like she was the sun and we were only planets in her solar system” 😭 i passed tf out because HOW DARE HE.
I am so excited to read the 3rd and final book but I am not ready to say goodbye to my beloved crew. Anyway, onwards and upwards.
Side note: I totally called the mother revelation 💅🏼(I am not smart, it was just very obvious)
February 8, 2021
I was so excited when I got sent a copy of Sister of the Stars, after finishing book one I needed the second book immediately. Thank you, Lina, for sending it to me!
Sister of Stars was a wild ride from the beginning and I did know what to expect. It was quite darker from the first book, with the Kiera’s curse hanging over them and the threat of Conner but there was still so much sea adventure, drama and thankfully steamy scenes! It had all the magic and mythical things you could ask from a pirate book. I loved the world building, you got to see new amazing places you wish were real but also destinations where you got a deeper view into them. I felt the writing and pacing were similar with book one, the descriptions were amazing, and we got to meet some new faces. This book was defiantly more gruesome than the last and had some disturbing scenes I weren’t expecting, but they fuelled the story and I can expect will make a big impact on the third book and it will probably be even darker.
In this book Keira was not the same badass she was in the first book, she defiantly seemed more matured. Probably to do with being married and taking the responsibly of Captain, but she lost her spark a bit. It seemed to mostly be because of her curse, but I did miss the badass she was. Although she did make up for it at the end. Ronan’s character didn’t change much, he was still the hard-headed pirate he was. He defiantly went through a lot this book and his ‘change’ at the end of the book was defiantly surprising. A big thing I loved about the book was the side characters, you got to see more of the people they were, and it made the book funnier.
There was lots of plot twists and revelations that left me shocked in the book. I didn’t see a lot of it coming. The ending is what shocked me the most! Now I cannot wait for book 3, I’m looking forward to the next chapter of this series so much! This book was a crazy voyage, beginning to end, and it left me with s many questions. If you are a pirate adventure lover those series is for you!
Sister of Stars was a wild ride from the beginning and I did know what to expect. It was quite darker from the first book, with the Kiera’s curse hanging over them and the threat of Conner but there was still so much sea adventure, drama and thankfully steamy scenes! It had all the magic and mythical things you could ask from a pirate book. I loved the world building, you got to see new amazing places you wish were real but also destinations where you got a deeper view into them. I felt the writing and pacing were similar with book one, the descriptions were amazing, and we got to meet some new faces. This book was defiantly more gruesome than the last and had some disturbing scenes I weren’t expecting, but they fuelled the story and I can expect will make a big impact on the third book and it will probably be even darker.
In this book Keira was not the same badass she was in the first book, she defiantly seemed more matured. Probably to do with being married and taking the responsibly of Captain, but she lost her spark a bit. It seemed to mostly be because of her curse, but I did miss the badass she was. Although she did make up for it at the end. Ronan’s character didn’t change much, he was still the hard-headed pirate he was. He defiantly went through a lot this book and his ‘change’ at the end of the book was defiantly surprising. A big thing I loved about the book was the side characters, you got to see more of the people they were, and it made the book funnier.
There was lots of plot twists and revelations that left me shocked in the book. I didn’t see a lot of it coming. The ending is what shocked me the most! Now I cannot wait for book 3, I’m looking forward to the next chapter of this series so much! This book was a crazy voyage, beginning to end, and it left me with s many questions. If you are a pirate adventure lover those series is for you!
February 1, 2021
I was lucky to have received an e-ARC for this 2nd book of The Children of Lyr series. Thank you Lina for your trust and for this incredible work!
Unlike Daughter of the Deep, SotS is a bit more darker, has so much sea adventure, drama, action, romance, steamy scenes (which I actually wished to have more in DotD😅) and mythical vibes you could ever want from a pirate book. World building, new character introductions, revelations and plot twists were perfectly put into considerations making you crave for more pages to read! It certainly was a page-turner.
Although, Keira was not as “bad-ass” as she was in the first book, (might be because of the curse and her responsibilities as the captain she’s carrying at the same time on her shoulders not to mention Ronan’s pitying situation 😢) i liked her better here in SotS. I see her as “more human” than ever. But then I was deniably mistaken! That revelation at the end, as her being that certain “high entity” was a total shock! 😱 I mean, can it get even better??
To Lina, I am so looking forward for that more darker 3rd book. Yes, i know! It would only get even more darker than this! Tell me if am wrong otherwise! Hehe 🙈
I find this book enjoyable and entertaining! I hope other readers would feel the same way too.
Unlike Daughter of the Deep, SotS is a bit more darker, has so much sea adventure, drama, action, romance, steamy scenes (which I actually wished to have more in DotD😅) and mythical vibes you could ever want from a pirate book. World building, new character introductions, revelations and plot twists were perfectly put into considerations making you crave for more pages to read! It certainly was a page-turner.
Although, Keira was not as “bad-ass” as she was in the first book, (might be because of the curse and her responsibilities as the captain she’s carrying at the same time on her shoulders not to mention Ronan’s pitying situation 😢) i liked her better here in SotS. I see her as “more human” than ever. But then I was deniably mistaken! That revelation at the end, as her being that certain “high entity” was a total shock! 😱 I mean, can it get even better??
To Lina, I am so looking forward for that more darker 3rd book. Yes, i know! It would only get even more darker than this! Tell me if am wrong otherwise! Hehe 🙈
I find this book enjoyable and entertaining! I hope other readers would feel the same way too.
November 29, 2022
It felt good to be back in the world of the Deyrnas and sailing the seas again with the crew. Amarego writes in such a way that makes you really fall for the characters and the crew dynamic. Their banter with one another is priceless and it really couldn’t feel more like a true family. The world building was probably one of my favorite aspects of the book and it was done so well. There were a lot of new areas to explore, as well as new characters to learn about.
The ending was very intense and heavy. Now that the stakes have changed, I am excited to see where these characters will take us in the final book. I love Keira’s energy and how she fights for what she wants and her loved ones. This was still a great continuation of the story and I would recommend to anyone that loves a good seafaring adventure!
The ending was very intense and heavy. Now that the stakes have changed, I am excited to see where these characters will take us in the final book. I love Keira’s energy and how she fights for what she wants and her loved ones. This was still a great continuation of the story and I would recommend to anyone that loves a good seafaring adventure!
March 30, 2021
Another stellar novel by Lina! Sister of the Stars feels like such a natural continuation of its predecessor, and all the characters feel as though they've grown and changed, but also remained true to who they are. There are definitely some standout characters for me here (such as Finna), but let's talk about Keira and Ronan. I love how their relationship has evolved, and how it continues to develop throughout this book.
Their individual storylines are also incredibly compelling. Keira learns more about her history and her heritage, Ronan also has his own path to follow, and they're just as strong apart as they are together (but of course I, selfishly, prefer them together).
Lina also adds just the right amount of menace and foreboding that lends to the often secretive magic of her world, and there's no denying that this story has a bit of a darker feel than the one before. Nonetheless, this was a wonderful read, and I'm truly looking forward to more!
Their individual storylines are also incredibly compelling. Keira learns more about her history and her heritage, Ronan also has his own path to follow, and they're just as strong apart as they are together (but of course I, selfishly, prefer them together).
Lina also adds just the right amount of menace and foreboding that lends to the often secretive magic of her world, and there's no denying that this story has a bit of a darker feel than the one before. Nonetheless, this was a wonderful read, and I'm truly looking forward to more!
March 12, 2021
Read an Early Copy, but since I know changes have been made, I'll write an official review when I've read the final version.
April 2, 2025
After the ominous ending of this novel's predecessor, Daughter of The Deep, I was exited to dive back into Keira's next chapter. I REALLY enjoyed the first part of Sister of the Stars. In the midst of Keira's banishment, we got to experience much more of the world, while still feeling the tension and ripple effect of what was transpiring in Porthladd. The political and economic happenings paired with Keira's ticking time bomb on her shoulder, made for a great high stakes ride. I wasn't sure which was going to be conquered first and thought the author did a great job weaving the two obstacles together.
The story slowed for me during the middle because I didn't care for the siren aspects as much. The author introduced such a massive cast in the first installment, that I would've liked to got to know those characters on a deeper level instead of meeting a new community of people. For me, the island felt more like a detour from the story I thought I'd be reading. On the flip side, I absolutely LOVED seeing the crew's growing pains without their captain. And Ronan. Yes, we need to talk about Ronan. I liked him fine in the first, but he really came alive for me in SotS. I loved reading his POV and watching him take a more active role. I connected with him easily and thought his perspectives brought even more interest/value to Keira's story.
The ending did feel a bit too abrupt. HOWEVER, predicting where we're going and who we get to meet in the next book, cliffhanger or not, I'm ready! 😂
The story slowed for me during the middle because I didn't care for the siren aspects as much. The author introduced such a massive cast in the first installment, that I would've liked to got to know those characters on a deeper level instead of meeting a new community of people. For me, the island felt more like a detour from the story I thought I'd be reading. On the flip side, I absolutely LOVED seeing the crew's growing pains without their captain. And Ronan. Yes, we need to talk about Ronan. I liked him fine in the first, but he really came alive for me in SotS. I loved reading his POV and watching him take a more active role. I connected with him easily and thought his perspectives brought even more interest/value to Keira's story.
The ending did feel a bit too abrupt. HOWEVER, predicting where we're going and who we get to meet in the next book, cliffhanger or not, I'm ready! 😂
June 10, 2022
2,5 Stars.
This was better than the first and I only read it because I purchased both books together. The writing was a lot better than in the first book (still not a pirate book) but there were so many issues. Firstly, the characters were not well developed and just went to whatever trait suited them at the moment. Like, Kiera was brave and strong but then she abandoned her family/crew? Doesn't really fit her IMO. Then, where did Ronan get the Serpent Prince nickname? Wasn't explained, didn't make sense, just sounded cool and made him more equal to the disaster of NightMare Keira.
Then Keira is like three days on Hiareth and wham, the Sirens are her new family? She just about liked like three of them when she left. Her mother being who she was was obvious (and where she was from was even clear in the first book).
That whole bunch of deaths at the end hopefully won't be cast aside in the next book because some of it felt unnecessary and I really hope the author will do something with that. Also what the hell is wrong with all of the Branwen brothers that they always have to be traitors? At this point I am waiting for Cedric to come out of his grave so he can join his brothers and they can be the legendary Branwen traitor brothers or smth.
Also Kiera being pregnant at the end is just too much of a cliche..
I was really disappointed when I realized this was not a duology and that there will be a third book. I don't know yet if I'll read that
This was better than the first and I only read it because I purchased both books together. The writing was a lot better than in the first book (still not a pirate book) but there were so many issues. Firstly, the characters were not well developed and just went to whatever trait suited them at the moment. Like, Kiera was brave and strong but then she abandoned her family/crew? Doesn't really fit her IMO. Then, where did Ronan get the Serpent Prince nickname? Wasn't explained, didn't make sense, just sounded cool and made him more equal to the disaster of NightMare Keira.
Then Keira is like three days on Hiareth and wham, the Sirens are her new family? She just about liked like three of them when she left. Her mother being who she was was obvious (and where she was from was even clear in the first book).
That whole bunch of deaths at the end hopefully won't be cast aside in the next book because some of it felt unnecessary and I really hope the author will do something with that. Also what the hell is wrong with all of the Branwen brothers that they always have to be traitors? At this point I am waiting for Cedric to come out of his grave so he can join his brothers and they can be the legendary Branwen traitor brothers or smth.
Also Kiera being pregnant at the end is just too much of a cliche..
I was really disappointed when I realized this was not a duology and that there will be a third book. I don't know yet if I'll read that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
October 18, 2022This should be a duology, max. Based on the first book, where will we get enough materials for the series? And trust me, no one likes a confusing infodumping complex fantasy series.
Not so intrigued, but keeping it in my tbr, who knows🙎
Not so intrigued, but keeping it in my tbr, who knows🙎
June 27, 2021
The beginning wasn’t as good but the more I read it the better it got. By the end I was on the edge of my seat.
August 11, 2022
My favourite quotes from this book:
- "She was stone. She was the moon, both bright and lifeless. She was steel. A weapon without a soul. And Lyr below did I love her." (p. 350)
- "And on his back, the guard lay dead, his face melted off. Never before had Keira frightened me, but the moment our eyes met, all I could feel was sheer, unadulterated terror toward the corporeal curse I called my wife." (p. 354)
- "I felt the moment the darkness won. Felt it crawl up my arm and into my heart, finally strangling the last piece I’d held onto for so long. Whatever primordial, ancient light I’d wielded flickered out like it nolonger belonged to me. Like it too was disgusted by me, monstrous and wicked as I was. There was no going back. No redemption. And yet, I’d never felt so light. Like the glassy surface of the spring, my choice was suddenly clear. There was no small victory, no salvation. Not for me, anyway. But I could trade my wicked, black soul for Reagan’s without any hesitation, nothing left to tie me to the world of the light and the living. I looked to the one person I needed most, to the cousin who carried me on his back when we were little. To the Captain who would carry my crew home after.
Griffin’s eyes were bloodshot as they met mine, his rage and pain clear as mine. His hatred and readiness were my mirror. My brother didn’t need words to understand my signal, the silent command carrying through the thread that tied us together as kin. Take care of them." (p. 361-362)
- "Reagan crashed onto the wood, yelping as her hands and knees scraped hard, but she’d heal. She’d live. Connor’s gaze was laced with fury as he pointed the blade beneath my chin. But it was a mere inconvenience. I already won. “No, don’t you touch her!” Ronan bellowed as he tore through guard
after guard to get to me, sapphire eyes ablaze. A god of destruction himself, rotten and wicked. And mine. “Keira! Keira, no…remember what Finna said!” I allowed myself one last long look at him, tuning out the clatter and the chaos. I had never deserved him. Gold hair like sunshine, a smile that
could make you feel just as warm and loved. Eyes bluer than the sea, a wit just as impetuous and deadly. The crooked slant of his nose, the gentle roughness of his hands, the determined set of his chin…. Rotten and wicked and perfect. No one would ever deserve him. And yet he loved me, had shared his world with me, had let me pretend like I was good enough to stay by his side. Later, I would mourn the life we might have lived together. There was no time now. If I lingered any longer, my will would shatter easier than glass.
“Ronan Francis Mathonwy, loving you was my single good deed, and I will love you until the world stops turning.” I held back my tears, offering a smile I hoped conveyed the fathomless depth of my love for him. Maybe in a different world, in a different life, it would’ve been enough.
“I’ll wait for you in the Otherworld.” I heard him screaming, but I blocked it out, tearing my eyes away before I could change my mind, before I lost the strength to do what came next. The guard that held my left arm might have expected me to reach for Connor, for the dagger. He didn’t think to stop me from reaching the silver pistol in my coat pocket. I fired it straight into Connor’s heart, my debt to the Dark God finally paid. Shock and surprise as red stained his dark tunic. It bloomed like a
rose, the fairest one I’d ever seen. Black eyes met mine, rage simmering in their depths. Defiance. Cockroaches didn’t die easily. Not without company. (...) “I’m not afraid of death. My master will welcome me with open arms,” he coughed, clutching his chest, grinning with crimson teeth. “But
you used the gun. Your soul is his now. Let’s go home, Mrs. Mathonwy.”" (p. 364)
- "Two pyres. Two funerals fit for queens, and for the little prince one carried. One pyre was missing. We didn’t have a body to burn. “No, she’s not gone.” My voice was distant, unrecognizable. Creatures like Keira Branwen-Mathonwy did not just wink out of existence, consumed by a cloud of smoke and disappeared forever. No, she was still alive somewhere. Still breathing. Still fighting." (p. 365)
- "Two pyres, not three. Only two deaths I would mourn today. I’ll wait for you in the Otherworld." (p. 366)
- "I stood, the compass warm to the touch, a lifeline to my lost wife. Its face stared up at me, like Cedric Branwen himself was watching, the careful inscription daring me to believe. All that are lost shall be found." (p. 366)
- "“No, she’s not dead. She’s just lost. She doesn’t feel dead.” “Because she’s not.” Nelle delicately placed rose petals on Reina’s pyre, one gentle queen’s homage to another. But when her gaze met mine, there was no softness. Only violet gemstone, hard and impenetrable, sharp enough to cut yourself on. “She can’t die.” Not dead. Alive. Alive and waiting. Alive and maybe hurting. Alive and scared. “What does that mean, hmm?” Griffin crossed his arms, dwarfing her as he stood in her face. “Why would you say something like that. Do you see the state he’s in?” Nelle opened her mouth to protest, but Siobhan stepped between them, baring her teeth. “That slimeball weasel of a creature who took her could never dream of killing Keira,” she snarled, voice sure and straight as the staff she carried. I was surprised at the respect and reverence that coated my wife’s name on her tongue. “Only a god can kill a god.” Some still say the gods walk among us. My heart dropped down my throat to my toes. I gaped at her, the words taking a moment to register. Brilliant, glorious hope filled my lungs
as I breathed in, the realization like water after a drought. The beast in my heart stirred, called by its master. “What?” Saeth perked up, tears drying, the same foolish hope blossoming in her eyes. “Keira’s gift? I thought the mark—” Nelle shook her head. “Not a gift…her power. It has always been hers. She is her own source.” “Duweni,” Vian hummed from a shadow, his form bleeding into it. “It means godsborn. She is a goddess, just as her mother before her. Ariannad.” The name rattled through me like windchimes, melodious and alluring, and I realized I knew the story. Danura, the light-bringer herself, had told it once on the island, her magic enchanting me as she wove her web.
Ariannad. Goddess of the silver wheel. The guide to all who were lost, the master of fate herself. Keira had always been more. I had worshipped her as divine from the moment I first saw her, standing on the deck of her father’s ship, raven hair carried by the wind, wild grin carved into her face"(p. 367)
- "And I would fight the Dark God himself to see my wife shine again. “No!” Laureli burst forth from below deck, falling over her long green skirt. Her knees hit the ground, and she hung her head in her hands, a creature of death bowing before the sobs took over. “Oh, Serenhi’s breath, no!” “What’s wrong?” Nelle rushed to her, kneeling next to her, rubbing her back. “What did you see?” “We have to get her, we have to go now!” Laureli dragged her hands from her face, expression distraught despite the soft warmth of Nelle’s calming power. She crawled toward me, body convulsing as her eyes turned pure white again, the next vision wracking through her. “No, we have to get them both.” Another stone fell in my gut, heavy enough to drag me all the way to the sunken god’s keep. “Both?” “No, no no no,” Laureli muttered, sniffling, savage tears raining onto the wood. “Ronan, I’m so sorry—” “What did you see?” I knelt before her, panic surging, the dragon roaring and raging, desperate to break free. “The ritual, the Branwen curse...he’s going to use her for it. Soul of the innocent...your daughter.” Laureli spat the words onto the deck, the ice in her eyes echoing the frozen parts of my heart. “Keira is pregnant.”" (p. 369)
- "She was stone. She was the moon, both bright and lifeless. She was steel. A weapon without a soul. And Lyr below did I love her." (p. 350)
- "And on his back, the guard lay dead, his face melted off. Never before had Keira frightened me, but the moment our eyes met, all I could feel was sheer, unadulterated terror toward the corporeal curse I called my wife." (p. 354)
- "I felt the moment the darkness won. Felt it crawl up my arm and into my heart, finally strangling the last piece I’d held onto for so long. Whatever primordial, ancient light I’d wielded flickered out like it nolonger belonged to me. Like it too was disgusted by me, monstrous and wicked as I was. There was no going back. No redemption. And yet, I’d never felt so light. Like the glassy surface of the spring, my choice was suddenly clear. There was no small victory, no salvation. Not for me, anyway. But I could trade my wicked, black soul for Reagan’s without any hesitation, nothing left to tie me to the world of the light and the living. I looked to the one person I needed most, to the cousin who carried me on his back when we were little. To the Captain who would carry my crew home after.
Griffin’s eyes were bloodshot as they met mine, his rage and pain clear as mine. His hatred and readiness were my mirror. My brother didn’t need words to understand my signal, the silent command carrying through the thread that tied us together as kin. Take care of them." (p. 361-362)
- "Reagan crashed onto the wood, yelping as her hands and knees scraped hard, but she’d heal. She’d live. Connor’s gaze was laced with fury as he pointed the blade beneath my chin. But it was a mere inconvenience. I already won. “No, don’t you touch her!” Ronan bellowed as he tore through guard
after guard to get to me, sapphire eyes ablaze. A god of destruction himself, rotten and wicked. And mine. “Keira! Keira, no…remember what Finna said!” I allowed myself one last long look at him, tuning out the clatter and the chaos. I had never deserved him. Gold hair like sunshine, a smile that
could make you feel just as warm and loved. Eyes bluer than the sea, a wit just as impetuous and deadly. The crooked slant of his nose, the gentle roughness of his hands, the determined set of his chin…. Rotten and wicked and perfect. No one would ever deserve him. And yet he loved me, had shared his world with me, had let me pretend like I was good enough to stay by his side. Later, I would mourn the life we might have lived together. There was no time now. If I lingered any longer, my will would shatter easier than glass.
“Ronan Francis Mathonwy, loving you was my single good deed, and I will love you until the world stops turning.” I held back my tears, offering a smile I hoped conveyed the fathomless depth of my love for him. Maybe in a different world, in a different life, it would’ve been enough.
“I’ll wait for you in the Otherworld.” I heard him screaming, but I blocked it out, tearing my eyes away before I could change my mind, before I lost the strength to do what came next. The guard that held my left arm might have expected me to reach for Connor, for the dagger. He didn’t think to stop me from reaching the silver pistol in my coat pocket. I fired it straight into Connor’s heart, my debt to the Dark God finally paid. Shock and surprise as red stained his dark tunic. It bloomed like a
rose, the fairest one I’d ever seen. Black eyes met mine, rage simmering in their depths. Defiance. Cockroaches didn’t die easily. Not without company. (...) “I’m not afraid of death. My master will welcome me with open arms,” he coughed, clutching his chest, grinning with crimson teeth. “But
you used the gun. Your soul is his now. Let’s go home, Mrs. Mathonwy.”" (p. 364)
- "Two pyres. Two funerals fit for queens, and for the little prince one carried. One pyre was missing. We didn’t have a body to burn. “No, she’s not gone.” My voice was distant, unrecognizable. Creatures like Keira Branwen-Mathonwy did not just wink out of existence, consumed by a cloud of smoke and disappeared forever. No, she was still alive somewhere. Still breathing. Still fighting." (p. 365)
- "Two pyres, not three. Only two deaths I would mourn today. I’ll wait for you in the Otherworld." (p. 366)
- "I stood, the compass warm to the touch, a lifeline to my lost wife. Its face stared up at me, like Cedric Branwen himself was watching, the careful inscription daring me to believe. All that are lost shall be found." (p. 366)
- "“No, she’s not dead. She’s just lost. She doesn’t feel dead.” “Because she’s not.” Nelle delicately placed rose petals on Reina’s pyre, one gentle queen’s homage to another. But when her gaze met mine, there was no softness. Only violet gemstone, hard and impenetrable, sharp enough to cut yourself on. “She can’t die.” Not dead. Alive. Alive and waiting. Alive and maybe hurting. Alive and scared. “What does that mean, hmm?” Griffin crossed his arms, dwarfing her as he stood in her face. “Why would you say something like that. Do you see the state he’s in?” Nelle opened her mouth to protest, but Siobhan stepped between them, baring her teeth. “That slimeball weasel of a creature who took her could never dream of killing Keira,” she snarled, voice sure and straight as the staff she carried. I was surprised at the respect and reverence that coated my wife’s name on her tongue. “Only a god can kill a god.” Some still say the gods walk among us. My heart dropped down my throat to my toes. I gaped at her, the words taking a moment to register. Brilliant, glorious hope filled my lungs
as I breathed in, the realization like water after a drought. The beast in my heart stirred, called by its master. “What?” Saeth perked up, tears drying, the same foolish hope blossoming in her eyes. “Keira’s gift? I thought the mark—” Nelle shook her head. “Not a gift…her power. It has always been hers. She is her own source.” “Duweni,” Vian hummed from a shadow, his form bleeding into it. “It means godsborn. She is a goddess, just as her mother before her. Ariannad.” The name rattled through me like windchimes, melodious and alluring, and I realized I knew the story. Danura, the light-bringer herself, had told it once on the island, her magic enchanting me as she wove her web.
Ariannad. Goddess of the silver wheel. The guide to all who were lost, the master of fate herself. Keira had always been more. I had worshipped her as divine from the moment I first saw her, standing on the deck of her father’s ship, raven hair carried by the wind, wild grin carved into her face"(p. 367)
- "And I would fight the Dark God himself to see my wife shine again. “No!” Laureli burst forth from below deck, falling over her long green skirt. Her knees hit the ground, and she hung her head in her hands, a creature of death bowing before the sobs took over. “Oh, Serenhi’s breath, no!” “What’s wrong?” Nelle rushed to her, kneeling next to her, rubbing her back. “What did you see?” “We have to get her, we have to go now!” Laureli dragged her hands from her face, expression distraught despite the soft warmth of Nelle’s calming power. She crawled toward me, body convulsing as her eyes turned pure white again, the next vision wracking through her. “No, we have to get them both.” Another stone fell in my gut, heavy enough to drag me all the way to the sunken god’s keep. “Both?” “No, no no no,” Laureli muttered, sniffling, savage tears raining onto the wood. “Ronan, I’m so sorry—” “What did you see?” I knelt before her, panic surging, the dragon roaring and raging, desperate to break free. “The ritual, the Branwen curse...he’s going to use her for it. Soul of the innocent...your daughter.” Laureli spat the words onto the deck, the ice in her eyes echoing the frozen parts of my heart. “Keira is pregnant.”" (p. 369)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. This is the second book in the Children of Lyr series. The first book is Daughter of the Deep and I fell in love with the story and characters pretty quickly.
This book broke my heart, but it was also very exciting and I felt like a lot of my questions from the first book were answered, but now I have a new set of questions and cannot wait for the third book to come out.
Sister of the Stars is mainly told from Keira's perspective, but we also see Ronan's POV as well which I really enjoyed. Ronan is one of many book crushes.
As far as the plot goes I thought it moved along pretty well. I didn't find myself bored during any parts. There were a few things that were predictable, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I really felt like Keira and Ronan grew in this book. Even though they are faced with many obstacles their love and respect for one another is unyielding.
Writing one book is hard enough, but writing a sequel for it is even harder. I am pleased that Lina did not fall into the sophomore slump. I could tell she worked hard not his book and I am glad that I stuck around to see the journey continue.
I am curious to see how it all plays out in the end. I also look forward to her future works.
This book broke my heart, but it was also very exciting and I felt like a lot of my questions from the first book were answered, but now I have a new set of questions and cannot wait for the third book to come out.
Sister of the Stars is mainly told from Keira's perspective, but we also see Ronan's POV as well which I really enjoyed. Ronan is one of many book crushes.
As far as the plot goes I thought it moved along pretty well. I didn't find myself bored during any parts. There were a few things that were predictable, but it didn't ruin the story for me. I really felt like Keira and Ronan grew in this book. Even though they are faced with many obstacles their love and respect for one another is unyielding.
Writing one book is hard enough, but writing a sequel for it is even harder. I am pleased that Lina did not fall into the sophomore slump. I could tell she worked hard not his book and I am glad that I stuck around to see the journey continue.
I am curious to see how it all plays out in the end. I also look forward to her future works.
March 31, 2021
This stunning sequel to Lina Amarego's Daughter of the Deep is everything a sequel should be. Darker and grittier than book one this book will take readers on a journey with many new places and characters.
Keira finds herself in a whole new set of troubles. What I love most about Keira (really all of Lina's characters) is that she is flawed. She will not always make the right decision, she messes up, she strives to better. She feels so real to me. This story has many strong and flawed female characters who are all their own people. It is an amazing cast of characters. But don't worry all of those characters you loved from book one are here too. You will be laughing and crying and cheering them on through the whole novel.
Lina writes in such a way that I am instantly transported into her worlds and not let go until long after I have set the book down. Most importantly though, Lina is not afraid to take her characters on journeys that are HARD! I truly fear for them and pray to Lyr that they will make it out okay.
I don't know how I will survive until book three.
Keira finds herself in a whole new set of troubles. What I love most about Keira (really all of Lina's characters) is that she is flawed. She will not always make the right decision, she messes up, she strives to better. She feels so real to me. This story has many strong and flawed female characters who are all their own people. It is an amazing cast of characters. But don't worry all of those characters you loved from book one are here too. You will be laughing and crying and cheering them on through the whole novel.
Lina writes in such a way that I am instantly transported into her worlds and not let go until long after I have set the book down. Most importantly though, Lina is not afraid to take her characters on journeys that are HARD! I truly fear for them and pray to Lyr that they will make it out okay.
I don't know how I will survive until book three.
May 9, 2021
So im confused. There were parts i reeeeeally loved. The Crew is priceless and it's growing. There r Bi and Queer characters left and right. The world is interesting, Pirates, actual sailing, MerMAN!/siren, sea-Dragon, wind-whisperer, ghost-sea-horse, Sisterhood, Gods! But then the story is like a straight line. The beginning was kinda sorta dumb. Aand there is the Martyr factor of certain characters that made me roll my eyes out of my head. And i HATE it when the sole Crusty old Man is always outsmarts everyone and why is he STILL alive again?? But it's still good! Aaand then the annoying no good for anything mean character stabbing herself and her unborn child in the stomach.. And they still don't kill without question the annoying crusty old man. But then it's good and im kinda crying because Keira.. And sexy Ronan deserves everything. And again the potential for the next book. And damn where IS the next book?? Sooo how one rates This Mess?¡¿?! 3.5⭐? 3.8⭐? A solid 4⭐? If it makes sense im Not sure.
November 9, 2023
3.5 Stars
This book was simply not my cup of tea. It could be because it's been roughly three years since I had read Daughter of the Deep, or because I've been in a bit of a reading slump. Who knows, I might come back to this book and give it a higher rating later on.
I wasn't exactly a fan of the characters this time around, their moping personalities making it hard to root for them.
For me, it felt as though nothing happened up until the 75% mark, only becoming invested in the stakes so late in the book.
On the other hand, my biggest praise was how much I loved the prose at a lot of points, painting beautiful analogies. (My favorite being the sun and moon analogy on page 403, iykyk)
The cliff hanger that the book left off on was predictable to say the least, from about the second chapter I had a hunch that that was where the book would be headed. Nonetheless, I do imagine myself eventually reading Mother of the Moon as I'm a little too invested to stop now.
CW: Open door sex scenes, mention of assault, explicit swearing throughout
This book was simply not my cup of tea. It could be because it's been roughly three years since I had read Daughter of the Deep, or because I've been in a bit of a reading slump. Who knows, I might come back to this book and give it a higher rating later on.
I wasn't exactly a fan of the characters this time around, their moping personalities making it hard to root for them.
For me, it felt as though nothing happened up until the 75% mark, only becoming invested in the stakes so late in the book.
On the other hand, my biggest praise was how much I loved the prose at a lot of points, painting beautiful analogies. (My favorite being the sun and moon analogy on page 403, iykyk)
The cliff hanger that the book left off on was predictable to say the least, from about the second chapter I had a hunch that that was where the book would be headed. Nonetheless, I do imagine myself eventually reading Mother of the Moon as I'm a little too invested to stop now.
CW: Open door sex scenes, mention of assault, explicit swearing throughout
July 7, 2021
Lina has done it again and captivated me from the first page. The story continues with our favorite crew and we are introduced to new favorites as well. There is more magic this time around, along with more secrets and more danger. The ONLY reason I am not super angry about this cliffhanger is that I know there is a third book coming. Here's hoping the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
January 2, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars
Okay, I think this book suffered a bit from second book syndrome. There was a lot of build-up and nothing major really happens until the end of the book. I also didn’t like how Keira was separated from her crew for about a third of the book. I wasn’t invested in the whole sirens storyline and was just waiting for her to reunite with everyone.
Now, Keira. I honestly don’t know where to begin with how frustrated I was with her. Throughout the entire story, she went from feeling very confident to then doubting herself and letting her guilt consume her. I would be alright if it happened once or twice, but no it kept happening. And actually not just for her but for Ronan as well. It got really annoying and it felt like I was going in circles instead of seeing real growth for these characters from the first book. One step forward and two steps back would be an accurate description of the characters’ journey.
However, the last couple chapters were so good though that I ended up giving it a half rating. There were a lot of deaths and twists that I didn’t see coming or expect. I honestly don’t know how the author will wrap everything up in the final book. Despite my complaints, I’ll still be checking out how the trilogy ends.
Okay, I think this book suffered a bit from second book syndrome. There was a lot of build-up and nothing major really happens until the end of the book. I also didn’t like how Keira was separated from her crew for about a third of the book. I wasn’t invested in the whole sirens storyline and was just waiting for her to reunite with everyone.
Now, Keira. I honestly don’t know where to begin with how frustrated I was with her. Throughout the entire story, she went from feeling very confident to then doubting herself and letting her guilt consume her. I would be alright if it happened once or twice, but no it kept happening. And actually not just for her but for Ronan as well. It got really annoying and it felt like I was going in circles instead of seeing real growth for these characters from the first book. One step forward and two steps back would be an accurate description of the characters’ journey.
However, the last couple chapters were so good though that I ended up giving it a half rating. There were a lot of deaths and twists that I didn’t see coming or expect. I honestly don’t know how the author will wrap everything up in the final book. Despite my complaints, I’ll still be checking out how the trilogy ends.
November 7, 2023
4.3 out of 5
We continue Keira's and Ronan's story in Sister of the Stars. Keira is marked by the Dark God for death unless they find a way to counteract the effects of the wound she suffered saving Ronan. Deyrnas is in trouble. Connor Yorath has made things unbearable for the people she loves and is determined to bring her back whatever the cost.
What I liked:
I always enjoy the worldbuilding and the fantastical aspects of Ms. Amerego's writing. There are lots of colorful turns of phrase. The banter is fun and each character's voice is distinct and interesting. I especially enjoyed the newcomer, Vian. I hope we see more of him in the next book.
What I didn't like:
Generally, she does well with large casts of characters, but with the addition of the residents of Hireath, things did get a bit overwhelming for me as a reader. The story didn't pack as much of a punch. I guessed the true villain early on, which made the big reveal not so big. But that being said there are still shocking surprises that had me exclaiming out loud.
Overall:
A solid second book of the series that will leave you entertained. I will definitely be adding the third book to my TBR list.
We continue Keira's and Ronan's story in Sister of the Stars. Keira is marked by the Dark God for death unless they find a way to counteract the effects of the wound she suffered saving Ronan. Deyrnas is in trouble. Connor Yorath has made things unbearable for the people she loves and is determined to bring her back whatever the cost.
What I liked:
I always enjoy the worldbuilding and the fantastical aspects of Ms. Amerego's writing. There are lots of colorful turns of phrase. The banter is fun and each character's voice is distinct and interesting. I especially enjoyed the newcomer, Vian. I hope we see more of him in the next book.
What I didn't like:
Generally, she does well with large casts of characters, but with the addition of the residents of Hireath, things did get a bit overwhelming for me as a reader. The story didn't pack as much of a punch. I guessed the true villain early on, which made the big reveal not so big. But that being said there are still shocking surprises that had me exclaiming out loud.
Overall:
A solid second book of the series that will leave you entertained. I will definitely be adding the third book to my TBR list.
April 16, 2021
**I received an ARC of this book for my honest review**
Fans of Daughter of the Deep will be happy to know that Sister of the Stars doesn’t waste any time before jumping into the action. Amarego has written another brilliant page turner.
I loved the additional POV. The voice was unique and I found myself wishing we’d had more of that in DotD. Especially as this particular character is one I have a hard time connecting with and maybe if this POV had been present in DotD I wouldn’t? One can only guess.
If you want spice this book has it. I personally don’t see the need to go into detail on such things, but if you want it, it’s there.
I was most excited to see other islands, and have the world expanded on. I love good, rich worldbuilding and will never say ‘no’ when it comes to spending time with it on the page. Amarego does it in a way that doesn’t feel like an info dump. She does it very well in both books. In DotD there’s a necessary groundwork, and SotS starts to build on that foundation.
This cliffhanger though...💀💀💀 Need me the next book. Like yesterday 😅
Fans of Daughter of the Deep will be happy to know that Sister of the Stars doesn’t waste any time before jumping into the action. Amarego has written another brilliant page turner.
I loved the additional POV. The voice was unique and I found myself wishing we’d had more of that in DotD. Especially as this particular character is one I have a hard time connecting with and maybe if this POV had been present in DotD I wouldn’t? One can only guess.
If you want spice this book has it. I personally don’t see the need to go into detail on such things, but if you want it, it’s there.
I was most excited to see other islands, and have the world expanded on. I love good, rich worldbuilding and will never say ‘no’ when it comes to spending time with it on the page. Amarego does it in a way that doesn’t feel like an info dump. She does it very well in both books. In DotD there’s a necessary groundwork, and SotS starts to build on that foundation.
This cliffhanger though...💀💀💀 Need me the next book. Like yesterday 😅
July 31, 2021
I woke up at 6 am because I couldn’t stop thinking about where I left off in Sister of the Stars by Lina Amarego last night. Needless to say I finished it this morning.
Book 2 of The Children of Lyr was incredible! I enjoyed book one, but book two was even better. The world building, the new insights to characters, the magic, seriously everything just blew me away.
Things I loved about this book.
I loved that there was a lot more chapters from Ronan’s perspective. It gave a lot more insight to his character and it was interesting to hear his inner monologue.
Ellian! Okay, I love Ellian. He may just be my favorite character. In DotD I wanted him with Keira, but after reading SotS, I am glad that didn’t happen. Ronan and Keira are meant to be. But…can we talk about Ellian and Saeth. 💔 I need Ellian to find happiness please!
The ending of this book was gut-wrenching and tragic and I can’t stop thinking about it. I need MotM like today!
Sister of the Stars was fast paced, emotional, magical, dark, and left me wanting more.
Book 2 of The Children of Lyr was incredible! I enjoyed book one, but book two was even better. The world building, the new insights to characters, the magic, seriously everything just blew me away.
Things I loved about this book.
I loved that there was a lot more chapters from Ronan’s perspective. It gave a lot more insight to his character and it was interesting to hear his inner monologue.
Ellian! Okay, I love Ellian. He may just be my favorite character. In DotD I wanted him with Keira, but after reading SotS, I am glad that didn’t happen. Ronan and Keira are meant to be. But…can we talk about Ellian and Saeth. 💔 I need Ellian to find happiness please!
The ending of this book was gut-wrenching and tragic and I can’t stop thinking about it. I need MotM like today!
Sister of the Stars was fast paced, emotional, magical, dark, and left me wanting more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2021
I had the privilege of reviewing an ARC of Daughter of the Deep and was thrilled when Lina reached out asking if I wanted to review Book II of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘺𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘚𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴.
Amarego does it again! Sister of the Stars is just as captivating as Daughter of the Deep but darker, grittier, deeper, and with more spice 🔥. A voyage that will have you engaged the entire time, filled with action, adventure, romance, and personal growth.
I really loved seeing the side of Keira we get in SotS. She is still fierce but in a different way than DotD. She is flawed and owns it. I also enjoyed how her relationship with Ronan evolves. There are some newbies that are perfectly woven into the story. Amarego does such an excellent job with world building, the new places we encounter makes you feel like you’re there.
Overall this was wild ride start to finish. SotS is a great follow up to DotD, I can’t wait for Book III.
Amarego does it again! Sister of the Stars is just as captivating as Daughter of the Deep but darker, grittier, deeper, and with more spice 🔥. A voyage that will have you engaged the entire time, filled with action, adventure, romance, and personal growth.
I really loved seeing the side of Keira we get in SotS. She is still fierce but in a different way than DotD. She is flawed and owns it. I also enjoyed how her relationship with Ronan evolves. There are some newbies that are perfectly woven into the story. Amarego does such an excellent job with world building, the new places we encounter makes you feel like you’re there.
Overall this was wild ride start to finish. SotS is a great follow up to DotD, I can’t wait for Book III.
May 30, 2021
It is everything a sequel should be. It connects to the first part so flawlessly and seamlessly all the while expanding on the amazing world and the myths and legends.
It has stories inside stories. That's my favorite thing to read.
So many stunning new characters step in the story with the sequel but also be ready for some painful heartbreaks.
I love the way Ronan and Keira's relationship has matured and evolved. It was amazing to see some characters from first part with a stronger storyline of their own such as Finna's character.
I love the way the story unfolds. Each chapters leaving me spellbound with the flow and beauty of perfectly chosen words. I can't say this enough- The author is an amazing word wizard.
There are some amazing adventures throughout the book. So get onboard and be ready for the journey. It's something you will never forget.
I am really looking forward to the third part of this adventure.
It has stories inside stories. That's my favorite thing to read.
So many stunning new characters step in the story with the sequel but also be ready for some painful heartbreaks.
I love the way Ronan and Keira's relationship has matured and evolved. It was amazing to see some characters from first part with a stronger storyline of their own such as Finna's character.
I love the way the story unfolds. Each chapters leaving me spellbound with the flow and beauty of perfectly chosen words. I can't say this enough- The author is an amazing word wizard.
There are some amazing adventures throughout the book. So get onboard and be ready for the journey. It's something you will never forget.
I am really looking forward to the third part of this adventure.
April 22, 2024
I should not have waited so long to read this sequel, 1) because I forgot quite a bit of the plot of book 1 and 2) because I really, really enjoyed it! I had a few quibbles with Daughter of the Deep, but they virtually disappeared for this sequel. Some of the pacing was still a little strange, but that's maybe to be expected with a tale of this magnitude, told with this many characters. Thrilled for the sequel~
Also, I'm always a bit lenient when it comes to indie audiobooks because I know how much they can cost and I'm mostly just glad it exists, but this one is really excellent, not just graded on a curve. A vibrant, capable reader who fits the story. Delightful.
Also, I'm always a bit lenient when it comes to indie audiobooks because I know how much they can cost and I'm mostly just glad it exists, but this one is really excellent, not just graded on a curve. A vibrant, capable reader who fits the story. Delightful.
April 18, 2021
*The following review may have slight spoilers. All opinions are my own and I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
True rating: 4.5 stars
This sequel brings forth all the feels. Keira and Ronan both grow so much. There's a rawness that the author does not shy away from. There's love, guilt, strength and tough decisions aplenty. Characters we thought were frivolous flirts grow into characters of strength and courage. Characters who were always seem as the strongest see their moments of weakness but don't allow that weakness to take them down.
Don't wanna say more since it is release day but watch out for that killer cliffhanger 😉
True rating: 4.5 stars
This sequel brings forth all the feels. Keira and Ronan both grow so much. There's a rawness that the author does not shy away from. There's love, guilt, strength and tough decisions aplenty. Characters we thought were frivolous flirts grow into characters of strength and courage. Characters who were always seem as the strongest see their moments of weakness but don't allow that weakness to take them down.
Don't wanna say more since it is release day but watch out for that killer cliffhanger 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2021
Why aren’t we gushing about this series more?!
Kiera, Ronan, & the crew are the best! An amazing study in character-driven writing. Every member of the fam is so unique and written so strong.
Most pirate-type ensemble books tend to lose me after the original book, but Amarego has continued to introduce new characters and reveal new layers to existing characters in such a beautiful way.
There were a few times where the dialogue felt a litte melodramatic, the plot definitely took some unexpected turns, and if someone tucked a strand of hair behind someone else’s ear ONE MORE TIME… 😅 but overall it was so beautifully done and I am so eager for book 3!
Kiera, Ronan, & the crew are the best! An amazing study in character-driven writing. Every member of the fam is so unique and written so strong.
Most pirate-type ensemble books tend to lose me after the original book, but Amarego has continued to introduce new characters and reveal new layers to existing characters in such a beautiful way.
There were a few times where the dialogue felt a litte melodramatic, the plot definitely took some unexpected turns, and if someone tucked a strand of hair behind someone else’s ear ONE MORE TIME… 😅 but overall it was so beautifully done and I am so eager for book 3!
June 25, 2021
Amarego again managed to write everything I could ever want and more.
The evolution of Keira and Ronan's marriage after going through so much trauma in book one felt genuine and real. It all seemed natural rather than the author forcing the characters into happiness or turmoil (even if that is what it really is lol).
We got to spend time with and get to know their family members creating more characters to root for. Of course Amarego also introduced us to a whole new crew I have come to love while expanding on the fantasy element of the series.
The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting book three which I expect will be just as good as its predecessors!
The evolution of Keira and Ronan's marriage after going through so much trauma in book one felt genuine and real. It all seemed natural rather than the author forcing the characters into happiness or turmoil (even if that is what it really is lol).
We got to spend time with and get to know their family members creating more characters to root for. Of course Amarego also introduced us to a whole new crew I have come to love while expanding on the fantasy element of the series.
The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly awaiting book three which I expect will be just as good as its predecessors!
February 28, 2024
I really didn’t like this book in the series until the last few chapters. In fact, I skipped a lot of the chapters in the middle because it was so boring to me! I know I missed some important information, but honestly- I didn’t care enough to go back and read it. I just wanted to finish the second book in the series.
Also- as a teen audience, I was kind of shocked by some of the more explicit sex scenes! I know some teens have sex. But, I feel like this book:series is for mature audiences.
Not my favorite book!
Also- as a teen audience, I was kind of shocked by some of the more explicit sex scenes! I know some teens have sex. But, I feel like this book:series is for mature audiences.
Not my favorite book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews