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The Starlight Trilogy #1
Starlight
“You’re like starlight itself, Natalia. You burn with all the power and shine of a star.”
Natalia Whitebell wanted her eighteenth birthday to be a simple affair and not for there to be a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body at her doorstep. But in a blink, it all disappears.
When she finally does get to celebrate with her best friend, there’s gossip from the Island locals about a new family having moved in and of a large dog running wild – but no mention of more.
She thinks she’s going mad. Until she’s attacked in her own home just one day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family, Natalia discovers the world isn’t so black and white. Stuck in an endless war, there are Monsters and there are Creatures. And she’s one of them.
While she cannot seem to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, she must accept this life that was always meant to be hers. It’s time she learnt the truth and acquire help from her father, the new family, and one boy in particular.
But there is a darkness lurking, waiting for her to unfurl.
Natalia Whitebell wanted her eighteenth birthday to be a simple affair and not for there to be a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body at her doorstep. But in a blink, it all disappears.
When she finally does get to celebrate with her best friend, there’s gossip from the Island locals about a new family having moved in and of a large dog running wild – but no mention of more.
She thinks she’s going mad. Until she’s attacked in her own home just one day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family, Natalia discovers the world isn’t so black and white. Stuck in an endless war, there are Monsters and there are Creatures. And she’s one of them.
While she cannot seem to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, she must accept this life that was always meant to be hers. It’s time she learnt the truth and acquire help from her father, the new family, and one boy in particular.
But there is a darkness lurking, waiting for her to unfurl.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
323 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2021
1 person is currently reading
125 people want to read
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November 20, 2022
“I just don’t understand what’s happening and what’s not happening. But I want to be a Creature.”
I must say it was the cover that first caught my eye. It’s just so stunning. It sort of evokes Arthurian feels, yanno? I am just absolutely enamoured with it. The inside is also beautiful! So, hats off!!
Starlight is a sparkling debut from Lauren Jade Case, and the first in The Starlight Trilogy. Readers who adore a heavy focus on family and friendship with their magical adventures should definitely check this one out!
There once was a Being, a Being of nothingness; no light or dark, no matter or time, no life or death. It was a lonely existence. And so they created.
Great opener, right?
Starlight follows young Natalia Whitehall on the eve of her eighteenth birthday. All is not well, for Natalia is starting to see things. Things that make no sense. Like a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a horrifying murder scene that vanish as if they were never there. Before she knows it, her entire world is turned upside down when she learns that she’s a fairy. But Natalia’s new life doesn't come easy, and embracing her life as a fairy is more complicated than just realising magic is real.
Something I noted early on was the cool way Lauren Jade Case set up the universe. There’s the familiar vampires, fairies, etc, but she puts a cool spin on the idea of good versus evil, of souls and love.
Creatures had the same average life-span as Humans - Vampires and Fairies excluded. However, most of the time, the nature of their Purpose cut their lives short. That meant a lot of Creatures sped through life. They tended to fall in love quicker, deeper too [...] It made their connections stronger, and though that didn’t mean they would only ever fall in love with one person, most seemed to.
I love this kind of stuff. Soul mates? Destined to be? Fantastic. Love it. Thankyouyesmoreplease.
☆ Blog | Twitter | Instagram ☆
I must say it was the cover that first caught my eye. It’s just so stunning. It sort of evokes Arthurian feels, yanno? I am just absolutely enamoured with it. The inside is also beautiful! So, hats off!!
Starlight is a sparkling debut from Lauren Jade Case, and the first in The Starlight Trilogy. Readers who adore a heavy focus on family and friendship with their magical adventures should definitely check this one out!
There once was a Being, a Being of nothingness; no light or dark, no matter or time, no life or death. It was a lonely existence. And so they created.
Great opener, right?
Starlight follows young Natalia Whitehall on the eve of her eighteenth birthday. All is not well, for Natalia is starting to see things. Things that make no sense. Like a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a horrifying murder scene that vanish as if they were never there. Before she knows it, her entire world is turned upside down when she learns that she’s a fairy. But Natalia’s new life doesn't come easy, and embracing her life as a fairy is more complicated than just realising magic is real.
Something I noted early on was the cool way Lauren Jade Case set up the universe. There’s the familiar vampires, fairies, etc, but she puts a cool spin on the idea of good versus evil, of souls and love.
Creatures had the same average life-span as Humans - Vampires and Fairies excluded. However, most of the time, the nature of their Purpose cut their lives short. That meant a lot of Creatures sped through life. They tended to fall in love quicker, deeper too [...] It made their connections stronger, and though that didn’t mean they would only ever fall in love with one person, most seemed to.
I love this kind of stuff. Soul mates? Destined to be? Fantastic. Love it. Thankyouyesmoreplease.
☆ Blog | Twitter | Instagram ☆
August 16, 2021
You can check out this review and my other reviews at Writing the Universe
Title: Starlight
Author: Lauren Jade Case
Pub. Date: August 17, 2021
Rating: 4.5
This will be a spoiler free review. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for a book that will remind you of ~2010 YA, then look no further. This was such a nostalgic read and I loved every minute of it.
Seriously, this book sent me back in time. I reminded me so much of some of my favorite YA reads that I fell in love with when I first really started diving into YA. There’s just something about a “normal” girl finding out she’s a part of a much bigger and magical universe. Think The Mortal Instruments meets, the Lux Series, meets The Elemental Series. Suddenly tossed into a world that was previously unseen and having to learn to navigate it.
I live for that shit.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all wished for it to happen to us.
Don’t lie.
I also really loved that the group dynamic is so wholesome and familiar. It’s happy and joking and so loving. It’s also a little cheesy and infuriating in the way that the majority of families are.
I just thoroughly enjoyed this.
Natalia was a great character – and she didn’t hesitate to dive right into the unknown. It’s admirable. Archie and Peri are so adorable. (I fucking love the name Archie). I’m hoping we get more of Alex in book 2 – she seemed to keep a bit separate, but the way she protects Natalia is lowkey sweet and funny, especially in her Creature form. Noah is a little cinnamon roll bean who needs to be protected. And Jasper. Jasper definitely had some Herondale energy, and I’m not even mad about. He’s cocky, caring and witty as hell and he supports Natalia.
Legit, the whole cast of this book is just fantastic. The banter and dialogue between them all is great. The dynamics they share and how they don’t take themselves too seriously. They practically adopt Natalia no questions asked and it’s just so wholesome.
I loved that this book sucks you in and keeps you reading. It did take me a while to read this book, but that was due to my procrastination. I didn’t want to blow through it, because I didn’t want it to end – knowing full well that I’d just want book 2. And after that little reveal at the end…
I was right to procrastinate.
Because wtf am I supposed to do now?
You give me a conclusion to the chemistry between those two, and then drop that little reveal and then make me wait for book 2…it’s cruel LOL
This book was just such a comforting read. It took me back to a time where I truly was falling in love with reading and envisioning myself as the main characters where a magical world was revealed to me, and adventure and danger awaited. It reminded me of some of my favorite reads and characters, while bringing something new to the table. It’s stunning, the story is engaging, and the characters are so much fun. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and what is in store for Natalia. Clearly there is something much bigger at play, and I can’t wait. This book comes out on Tuesday, so make sure you get your copy pre-ordered!
Title: Starlight
Author: Lauren Jade Case
Pub. Date: August 17, 2021
Rating: 4.5
This will be a spoiler free review. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for a book that will remind you of ~2010 YA, then look no further. This was such a nostalgic read and I loved every minute of it.
Seriously, this book sent me back in time. I reminded me so much of some of my favorite YA reads that I fell in love with when I first really started diving into YA. There’s just something about a “normal” girl finding out she’s a part of a much bigger and magical universe. Think The Mortal Instruments meets, the Lux Series, meets The Elemental Series. Suddenly tossed into a world that was previously unseen and having to learn to navigate it.
I live for that shit.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all wished for it to happen to us.
Don’t lie.
I also really loved that the group dynamic is so wholesome and familiar. It’s happy and joking and so loving. It’s also a little cheesy and infuriating in the way that the majority of families are.
I just thoroughly enjoyed this.
Natalia was a great character – and she didn’t hesitate to dive right into the unknown. It’s admirable. Archie and Peri are so adorable. (I fucking love the name Archie). I’m hoping we get more of Alex in book 2 – she seemed to keep a bit separate, but the way she protects Natalia is lowkey sweet and funny, especially in her Creature form. Noah is a little cinnamon roll bean who needs to be protected. And Jasper. Jasper definitely had some Herondale energy, and I’m not even mad about. He’s cocky, caring and witty as hell and he supports Natalia.
Legit, the whole cast of this book is just fantastic. The banter and dialogue between them all is great. The dynamics they share and how they don’t take themselves too seriously. They practically adopt Natalia no questions asked and it’s just so wholesome.
I loved that this book sucks you in and keeps you reading. It did take me a while to read this book, but that was due to my procrastination. I didn’t want to blow through it, because I didn’t want it to end – knowing full well that I’d just want book 2. And after that little reveal at the end…
I was right to procrastinate.
Because wtf am I supposed to do now?
You give me a conclusion to the chemistry between those two, and then drop that little reveal and then make me wait for book 2…it’s cruel LOL
This book was just such a comforting read. It took me back to a time where I truly was falling in love with reading and envisioning myself as the main characters where a magical world was revealed to me, and adventure and danger awaited. It reminded me of some of my favorite reads and characters, while bringing something new to the table. It’s stunning, the story is engaging, and the characters are so much fun. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and what is in store for Natalia. Clearly there is something much bigger at play, and I can’t wait. This book comes out on Tuesday, so make sure you get your copy pre-ordered!
Read
November 17, 2024This felt like a little time capsule to YA fantasy's earlier years - the found family of lively misfits, monster fighting in a mysterious town, and the heroine finding out about her secret genealogy. It gave me a cozy nostalgic feeling and I think it's a great entry for the younger Teen audience looking for the fun and magic of things like the OG City of Bones.
August 9, 2021
Overall, Starlight is a good YA novel. I thought the overall premise was cool, and the interspersal of fantasy and reality was done well. Since this is the first in a trilogy, there was a lot of world-building and magic-system building. Although the information given is all the information the protagonist had, there were a few things unanswered and I had a lot of questions regarding the magic. The characters fell a little flat as well for me, but I am curious to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
August 20, 2021I was super anxious for this one, because for the first time I came across a book where a character share its name with me, and not any character, but the main one. So the opportunity to read it beforehand pop up and, what a wonderful book! To say that it attended my expectations is too little, it went SO far beyond my expectations! It has everything that i love to see in a fantasy book! It was for sure one of the best readings of the year and it's already on my favorites list! I give it five stars, but it deserves an infinity of them!
I will start talking a little bit about the world where the story is settled. It's our world, but there are creatures like witches, werewolves, fairies, nymphs and vampires. Ahh and of course monsters. They can live among humans if they choose, but there is a city for them that is sealed in its own reality. Over the story we met most of these creatures. They are all captivating characters and also very easy to like and love! The ones that we follow are a family. They win our hearts so fast that when we last expect, we see ourselves cheering for them and also attached to them! They are loyal to their friends and do everything to protect everyone, mostly one another. All of them have very different personalities, but the dynamics and complicity make them a extraordinary team!
A thing that I enjoyed, and that is something a little bit uncommon to see, is men as witches. Of course there are some in some books, but is so much more easy to see women in this position. It is so cool to se the boys in the family use their powers and be very good at it!
What to say about Jasper?? Brace yourselves to love a character! He is sooo cute, and is the kind that we want to put into a little jar and keep it with care. Always worried with everyone and the kind of sarcastic character that we love to love! 🙈 Of course that his brother Archie is also a cutie in his own way, but Jasper is Jasper! 💙
Another character that I'm sure everyone is going to love is Peri! She is totally and completely lovely! Strong, independent, a great buddy and loyal are just a few words that start to describe her!
Now let's talk a bit about my namesake, Natalia. She is an extremely strong, resolved ans brave girl! She goes through so much over the story and doesn't have a moment of peace since the beginning. 🙊 But she handle everything that is thrown in her direction and face this challenges with her head held high! More than once she has to take some hard decisions, but always does it thinking about what seems right to her and for the ones she cares about but also following her heart. She is a very sensitive girl, but don't think just for a moment that it makes hear weak or vulnerable. It's very much the other way around! She discover a strength that she never imagined having and takes courage from everywhere she can!
I was missing a fantasy reading like this and this was a marvelous one. Now there is the eagerness for the next book that I'm sure is going to be as good as the first one or even better! Lauren Jade Case is a promising name and I'm certain that she will achieve amazing things!
I have not enough words to start to describe this story and amazing experience!
I will start talking a little bit about the world where the story is settled. It's our world, but there are creatures like witches, werewolves, fairies, nymphs and vampires. Ahh and of course monsters. They can live among humans if they choose, but there is a city for them that is sealed in its own reality. Over the story we met most of these creatures. They are all captivating characters and also very easy to like and love! The ones that we follow are a family. They win our hearts so fast that when we last expect, we see ourselves cheering for them and also attached to them! They are loyal to their friends and do everything to protect everyone, mostly one another. All of them have very different personalities, but the dynamics and complicity make them a extraordinary team!
A thing that I enjoyed, and that is something a little bit uncommon to see, is men as witches. Of course there are some in some books, but is so much more easy to see women in this position. It is so cool to se the boys in the family use their powers and be very good at it!
What to say about Jasper?? Brace yourselves to love a character! He is sooo cute, and is the kind that we want to put into a little jar and keep it with care. Always worried with everyone and the kind of sarcastic character that we love to love! 🙈 Of course that his brother Archie is also a cutie in his own way, but Jasper is Jasper! 💙
Another character that I'm sure everyone is going to love is Peri! She is totally and completely lovely! Strong, independent, a great buddy and loyal are just a few words that start to describe her!
Now let's talk a bit about my namesake, Natalia. She is an extremely strong, resolved ans brave girl! She goes through so much over the story and doesn't have a moment of peace since the beginning. 🙊 But she handle everything that is thrown in her direction and face this challenges with her head held high! More than once she has to take some hard decisions, but always does it thinking about what seems right to her and for the ones she cares about but also following her heart. She is a very sensitive girl, but don't think just for a moment that it makes hear weak or vulnerable. It's very much the other way around! She discover a strength that she never imagined having and takes courage from everywhere she can!
I was missing a fantasy reading like this and this was a marvelous one. Now there is the eagerness for the next book that I'm sure is going to be as good as the first one or even better! Lauren Jade Case is a promising name and I'm certain that she will achieve amazing things!
I have not enough words to start to describe this story and amazing experience!
January 1, 2022
The Creatures, the Monsters, the Darbys, the JASPER 💚 I loved everything about this modern fantasy. It has an urban fantasy feel but it takes place on a small, remote island, giving it a quaint and unique twist. The story follows Natalia, who realizes she's a supernatural Creature after being attacked by a Monster. The Darbys, a family of Creatures, save her and easily become like her second family since they're THE BEST. (One of the Darbys is Jasper who I could swoon over for hours because he is the purest, cutest, funniest guy and Natalia is LUCKY and not just cuz she's a Fairy 😉.) Anyway, throughout learning about this new world she's fallen into, Natalia discovers she's special in a lot of ways, and it starts to get her into trouble. The end of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I'm so excited to see how the story unfolds in book 2!
September 1, 2021
As an ARC reader, I wanted to write this review before Starlight was released but it took me a couple of weeks to fully comprehend how attached I am to the characters in this book.
The sheer quantity of relationships present in this story would make you think they were all written about flippantly but I felt a genuine connection between each of the characters and I honesty feel like I have been plopped right into the middle of this found family along with Natalia and, subsequently, Noah. The Darby’s are quick to open their home to the pair, though, and the bond they all share by the end of the book is something I envy.
Furthermore, I love the brutal introduction to the concept of creatures and monsters at the very beginning. Poor Natalia doesn’t even have a second to breathe before she’s thrown into a world that to her, shouldn’t exist. It does, though, and Starlight provides that all-consuming training/explaining content that I live and die for in YA fantasy.
One of the main things I adore about this book, though, is the writing style. Lauren writes both accessibly and beautifully, weaving multiple character arcs through the main plot seamlessly before setting me free (aka breaking me) as I wait for book 2 in the trilogy.
Highly highly recommend.
Tony 4 life x
The sheer quantity of relationships present in this story would make you think they were all written about flippantly but I felt a genuine connection between each of the characters and I honesty feel like I have been plopped right into the middle of this found family along with Natalia and, subsequently, Noah. The Darby’s are quick to open their home to the pair, though, and the bond they all share by the end of the book is something I envy.
Furthermore, I love the brutal introduction to the concept of creatures and monsters at the very beginning. Poor Natalia doesn’t even have a second to breathe before she’s thrown into a world that to her, shouldn’t exist. It does, though, and Starlight provides that all-consuming training/explaining content that I live and die for in YA fantasy.
One of the main things I adore about this book, though, is the writing style. Lauren writes both accessibly and beautifully, weaving multiple character arcs through the main plot seamlessly before setting me free (aka breaking me) as I wait for book 2 in the trilogy.
Highly highly recommend.
Tony 4 life x
September 3, 2021
☆☆☆☆,25 /5
(ENGLISH REVIEW BELOW)
J’ai énormément apprécié cette lecture dans laquelle j’ai été emportée avec notre protagoniste qui n’hésite pas à se jeter dans l’inconnu.
¤
« Tu es comme la lumière des étoiles elle-même, Natalia. Tu brûles avec toute la puissance et l'éclat d'une étoile. 》
Natalia Whitebell voulait que son dix-huitième anniversaire soit une affaire simple et non qu'il y ait un scorpion géant, un loup et un corps à sa porte. Mais en un clin d'œil, tout disparaît.
Quand elle arrive enfin à célébrer avec sa meilleure amie, les habitants de l'île racontent des rumeurs au sujet d'une nouvelle famille qui a emménagé et d'un gros chien qui se déchaîne –mais aucune mention de plus.
Elle pense qu'elle devient folle. Jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit attaquée dans sa propre maison un jour plus tard.
Sauvée et recueillie par la nouvelle famille, Natalia découvre que le monde n'est pas si noir et blanc. Coincé dans une guerre sans fin, il y a des monstres et des créatures. Et elle est l'une d'entre elles.
Bien qu'elle ne semble pas pouvoir révéler sa vraie forme, elle doit accepter cette vie qui a toujours été censée être la sienne. Il est temps qu'elle apprenne la vérité et qu'elle obtienne l'aide de son père, de cette nouvelle famille arrivée dans sa ville et d'un garçon mystérieux.
Mais il y a une obscurité qui rôde pas très loin, attendant son heure.
¤
C’est un premier tome qui se veut introductif mais qui ne manque pas d’action. Je suis admirative devant le travail qu’a effectué l’autrice sur la construction de l’univers et du système de magie. C’était très intéressant à lire et les descriptions m’ont fait rêver et voyager. J’ai été plongée dans cette histoire et j’ai vraiment eu de la difficulté à m’en sortir, tant les pages se sont tournées toutes seules.
Natalia est une jeune femme qui vit sa petite vie routinière et tout ce qu’il y a de plus d’ordinaire. Et pourtant, à partir de ses 18 ans, tout va commencer à se bousculer. Les changements dans son environnement commencent lentement jusqu’à que les événements prennent une brusque et intéressante tournure. J’ai particulièrement apprécié que le début de l’intrigue soit progressif et que l’on voit d’abord l’environnement de Natalia changer ainsi que les conséquences sur la vie de la jeune femme. Après l’environnement, c’est son identité que la protagoniste va devoir changer. Elle va devoir accepter qui elle est, apprendre à se connaître et à chercher sa propre identité en faisant face à plusieurs révélations.
J’ai également apprécié suivre le point de vue de plusieurs autres personnages. En plus d’en avoir appris beaucoup sur l’univers, on prend le temps de s’attacher à chacun des personnages peuplant ce récit.
Rempli de mystères et de magie, Natalia m’a totalement happée dans ses aventures et il me tarde d’en savoir plus !
-------------
ENGLISH REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this reading in which I was carried away with our protagonist who doesn’t hesitate to leap into the unknown.
¤
“You’re like starlight itself, Natalia. You burn with all the power and shine of a star.”
Natalia Whitebell wanted her eighteenth birthday to be a simple affair and not for there to be a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body at her doorstep. But in a blink, it all disappears.
When she finally does get to celebrate with her best friend, there’s gossip from the Island locals about a new family having moved in and of a large dog running wild – but no mention of more.
She thinks she’s going mad. Until she’s attacked in her own home just one day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family, Natalia discovers the world isn’t so black and white. Stuck in an endless war, there are Monsters and there are Creatures. And she’s one of them.
While she cannot seem to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, she must accept this life that was always meant to be hers. It’s time she learnt the truth and acquire help from her father, the new family, and one boy in particular.
But there is a darkness lurking, waiting for her to unfurl.
¤
This is a first book that is meant to be introductory but not lacking in action. I admire the work the author has done on the worldbuilding and the magic system. It was very interesting to read and the descriptions made me dream and travel. I was immersed in this story and really had a hard time getting out of it. The pages turned on their own.
Natalia is a young woman who lives her little routine life and all that is more ordinary. And yet, from her 18th birthday, everything will start to jostle. The changes in her surroundings start slowly until things take a sudden and interesting turn. I especially liked that the beginning of the plot is gradual and that we first see Natalia's environment change as well as the consequences on the young woman's life. After the environment, it’s her identity that the protagonist will have to change. She will have to accept who she is, get to know herself and seek her own identity by facing several revelations.
I also enjoyed following the perspective of several other characters. In addition to learning a lot about the universe, we take the time to become attached to each of the characters in this story.
Filled with mystery and magic, Natalia totally captured me in her adventures and I can't wait to know more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(ENGLISH REVIEW BELOW)
J’ai énormément apprécié cette lecture dans laquelle j’ai été emportée avec notre protagoniste qui n’hésite pas à se jeter dans l’inconnu.
¤
« Tu es comme la lumière des étoiles elle-même, Natalia. Tu brûles avec toute la puissance et l'éclat d'une étoile. 》
Natalia Whitebell voulait que son dix-huitième anniversaire soit une affaire simple et non qu'il y ait un scorpion géant, un loup et un corps à sa porte. Mais en un clin d'œil, tout disparaît.
Quand elle arrive enfin à célébrer avec sa meilleure amie, les habitants de l'île racontent des rumeurs au sujet d'une nouvelle famille qui a emménagé et d'un gros chien qui se déchaîne –mais aucune mention de plus.
Elle pense qu'elle devient folle. Jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit attaquée dans sa propre maison un jour plus tard.
Sauvée et recueillie par la nouvelle famille, Natalia découvre que le monde n'est pas si noir et blanc. Coincé dans une guerre sans fin, il y a des monstres et des créatures. Et elle est l'une d'entre elles.
Bien qu'elle ne semble pas pouvoir révéler sa vraie forme, elle doit accepter cette vie qui a toujours été censée être la sienne. Il est temps qu'elle apprenne la vérité et qu'elle obtienne l'aide de son père, de cette nouvelle famille arrivée dans sa ville et d'un garçon mystérieux.
Mais il y a une obscurité qui rôde pas très loin, attendant son heure.
¤
C’est un premier tome qui se veut introductif mais qui ne manque pas d’action. Je suis admirative devant le travail qu’a effectué l’autrice sur la construction de l’univers et du système de magie. C’était très intéressant à lire et les descriptions m’ont fait rêver et voyager. J’ai été plongée dans cette histoire et j’ai vraiment eu de la difficulté à m’en sortir, tant les pages se sont tournées toutes seules.
Natalia est une jeune femme qui vit sa petite vie routinière et tout ce qu’il y a de plus d’ordinaire. Et pourtant, à partir de ses 18 ans, tout va commencer à se bousculer. Les changements dans son environnement commencent lentement jusqu’à que les événements prennent une brusque et intéressante tournure. J’ai particulièrement apprécié que le début de l’intrigue soit progressif et que l’on voit d’abord l’environnement de Natalia changer ainsi que les conséquences sur la vie de la jeune femme. Après l’environnement, c’est son identité que la protagoniste va devoir changer. Elle va devoir accepter qui elle est, apprendre à se connaître et à chercher sa propre identité en faisant face à plusieurs révélations.
J’ai également apprécié suivre le point de vue de plusieurs autres personnages. En plus d’en avoir appris beaucoup sur l’univers, on prend le temps de s’attacher à chacun des personnages peuplant ce récit.
Rempli de mystères et de magie, Natalia m’a totalement happée dans ses aventures et il me tarde d’en savoir plus !
-------------
ENGLISH REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this reading in which I was carried away with our protagonist who doesn’t hesitate to leap into the unknown.
¤
“You’re like starlight itself, Natalia. You burn with all the power and shine of a star.”
Natalia Whitebell wanted her eighteenth birthday to be a simple affair and not for there to be a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body at her doorstep. But in a blink, it all disappears.
When she finally does get to celebrate with her best friend, there’s gossip from the Island locals about a new family having moved in and of a large dog running wild – but no mention of more.
She thinks she’s going mad. Until she’s attacked in her own home just one day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family, Natalia discovers the world isn’t so black and white. Stuck in an endless war, there are Monsters and there are Creatures. And she’s one of them.
While she cannot seem to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, she must accept this life that was always meant to be hers. It’s time she learnt the truth and acquire help from her father, the new family, and one boy in particular.
But there is a darkness lurking, waiting for her to unfurl.
¤
This is a first book that is meant to be introductory but not lacking in action. I admire the work the author has done on the worldbuilding and the magic system. It was very interesting to read and the descriptions made me dream and travel. I was immersed in this story and really had a hard time getting out of it. The pages turned on their own.
Natalia is a young woman who lives her little routine life and all that is more ordinary. And yet, from her 18th birthday, everything will start to jostle. The changes in her surroundings start slowly until things take a sudden and interesting turn. I especially liked that the beginning of the plot is gradual and that we first see Natalia's environment change as well as the consequences on the young woman's life. After the environment, it’s her identity that the protagonist will have to change. She will have to accept who she is, get to know herself and seek her own identity by facing several revelations.
I also enjoyed following the perspective of several other characters. In addition to learning a lot about the universe, we take the time to become attached to each of the characters in this story.
Filled with mystery and magic, Natalia totally captured me in her adventures and I can't wait to know more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
I'm giving this two stars because there were some concepts that had potential, and also partly because the author is the niece of a co-worker and friend of mine. He loaned me the book, knowing I have an interest in the supernatural, and I said I would give it a try. The two stars is also because I respect anyone who travels the self-publishing path, because I'm sure that can't be easy.
All of that being said, I didn't really care for this. At all. It's generic, and derivative (the Shadowhunters series certainly sprang to mind): a young girl finds out she's special and is drawn into the world of the supernatural in a fight between good and evil. It's nothing we haven't seen before, unfortunately. The supporting characters all felt flat, like templates or tropes taken from a list, and I wasn't invested in any of them. I wasn't invested in the protagonist either, who came across as either mopey or belligerent in equal measure, sometimes a mixture of both. A lot of her more emotional/conflicted moments felt very contrived so the other characters could be a shoulder for her to cry on, or so they could give her little ego boosts, and there were so many of these that it just ended up feeling very repetitive.
There was never any real peril, because there was never any real action. There were odd smatterings of incidents throughout, but they were over and done with so quickly that there was barely any time to have any feelings about them at all. The Monsters themselves (the capitalisation of Creatures and Monsters started to drive me absolutely batty before I even hit the halfway point) were very mishmash, and didn't feel very well thought out, a couple of examples being a mobile pile of sludge that is acidic when it spatters you, and a giant fire-breathing polar bear. I'll give the author credit for trying to come up with original creations, but there is a lot to be said for drawing from known sources. Mythological creatures have endured for a reason, after all. It was also never explained why vampires could control their own body temperatures, and be either hot or cold on a whim. An interesting concept, differing from the norm, without any real development.
And, unfortunately, this brings me to my biggest complaint. The spelling and grammar. Oh the spelling and grammar. I would implore the author to get either more or better beta readers, because they really are worth their weight in gold; they'll stop you from putting apostrophes in plurals (massive pet peeve of mine), or using the word "feet" when you clearly mean "feat". Those are just off the top of my head; unfortunately there are a lot more where those came from. A lot of missing words altogether as well, actually, as if the author's thoughts ran away from her and her fingers couldn't keep up with them on the keyboard. Easily done, speaking from experience, but if you're going to publish something, then it needs to be polished.
I believe there are two more books planned in the series, but sadly I won't be looking to read them.
All of that being said, I didn't really care for this. At all. It's generic, and derivative (the Shadowhunters series certainly sprang to mind): a young girl finds out she's special and is drawn into the world of the supernatural in a fight between good and evil. It's nothing we haven't seen before, unfortunately. The supporting characters all felt flat, like templates or tropes taken from a list, and I wasn't invested in any of them. I wasn't invested in the protagonist either, who came across as either mopey or belligerent in equal measure, sometimes a mixture of both. A lot of her more emotional/conflicted moments felt very contrived so the other characters could be a shoulder for her to cry on, or so they could give her little ego boosts, and there were so many of these that it just ended up feeling very repetitive.
There was never any real peril, because there was never any real action. There were odd smatterings of incidents throughout, but they were over and done with so quickly that there was barely any time to have any feelings about them at all. The Monsters themselves (the capitalisation of Creatures and Monsters started to drive me absolutely batty before I even hit the halfway point) were very mishmash, and didn't feel very well thought out, a couple of examples being a mobile pile of sludge that is acidic when it spatters you, and a giant fire-breathing polar bear. I'll give the author credit for trying to come up with original creations, but there is a lot to be said for drawing from known sources. Mythological creatures have endured for a reason, after all. It was also never explained why vampires could control their own body temperatures, and be either hot or cold on a whim. An interesting concept, differing from the norm, without any real development.
And, unfortunately, this brings me to my biggest complaint. The spelling and grammar. Oh the spelling and grammar. I would implore the author to get either more or better beta readers, because they really are worth their weight in gold; they'll stop you from putting apostrophes in plurals (massive pet peeve of mine), or using the word "feet" when you clearly mean "feat". Those are just off the top of my head; unfortunately there are a lot more where those came from. A lot of missing words altogether as well, actually, as if the author's thoughts ran away from her and her fingers couldn't keep up with them on the keyboard. Easily done, speaking from experience, but if you're going to publish something, then it needs to be polished.
I believe there are two more books planned in the series, but sadly I won't be looking to read them.
June 7, 2023
This felt pretty average.
I feel like the world building could have been improved a lot more — explanations on the different types of creatures and monsters. I also didn't get why the author had to capitalize 'Creatures' and 'Monsters', because it felt like they could have just been normal terms??
The characters also felt pretty flat; they barely have any emotions and there's a lot of description of what they are doing, rather than their thoughts and actions. I cannot tell you anything significant about the characters other than what magical creature they are. In terms of the writing, the book is filled with grammatical errors every few pages that it affects the reading experience. Eventually, it feels like I'm spotting grammatical errors rather than reading for the plot.
Additionally, I don't really get what the whole point of the story is about. Natalia finds out that she is a creature — albeit a Fairy, but there's barely any explanation of the significance. And then there's a family of creatures that fight monsters because it's their 'purpose'. But the significance of this isn't really elicited. There's not much danger present in the book and the events just feel like a narration of Natalia's daily life. Apart from this, the sentences feel very abrupt; one moment there are descriptions of the characters doing something and then it skips to something else. The action scenes also don't feel well developed; there aren't enough descriptions of the characters fighting monsters. One moment the characters are facing the monster, and then the next sentence could be them already on the ground and being pinned.
Overall, I feel like this story had an interesting premise, but it just wasn't developed enough so everything feels rather flat.
I feel like the world building could have been improved a lot more — explanations on the different types of creatures and monsters. I also didn't get why the author had to capitalize 'Creatures' and 'Monsters', because it felt like they could have just been normal terms??
The characters also felt pretty flat; they barely have any emotions and there's a lot of description of what they are doing, rather than their thoughts and actions. I cannot tell you anything significant about the characters other than what magical creature they are. In terms of the writing, the book is filled with grammatical errors every few pages that it affects the reading experience. Eventually, it feels like I'm spotting grammatical errors rather than reading for the plot.
Additionally, I don't really get what the whole point of the story is about. Natalia finds out that she is a creature — albeit a Fairy, but there's barely any explanation of the significance. And then there's a family of creatures that fight monsters because it's their 'purpose'. But the significance of this isn't really elicited. There's not much danger present in the book and the events just feel like a narration of Natalia's daily life. Apart from this, the sentences feel very abrupt; one moment there are descriptions of the characters doing something and then it skips to something else. The action scenes also don't feel well developed; there aren't enough descriptions of the characters fighting monsters. One moment the characters are facing the monster, and then the next sentence could be them already on the ground and being pinned.
Overall, I feel like this story had an interesting premise, but it just wasn't developed enough so everything feels rather flat.
August 12, 2021
*I received an e-arc from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review*
Okay, I have to admit that what initially attracted me to this book was it’s gorgeous cover. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into it. I am happy to report that this book exceeded my expectations, and I devoured it in a couple of days! There’s great world-building and a fun magic system in this debut from Lauren Jade Case. Perfect for fans of The Mortal Instruments or the Folk of the Air Trilogy, this story is sure to captivate you with its magical charm.
Natalia Whitebell just wanted to have a simple celebration on her eighteenth birthday. Instead, she winds up seeing a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body on her doorstep. Not exactly what she had in mind. It all disappears too, in the blink of an eye.
When she finally gets to celebrate with her best friend, they overhear gossip from the Island locals that there’s a new family that’s moved to town, and there’s also a large dog running wild, but that’s all the information they get.
Natalia thinks that she’s been seeing things and completely losing it, until she’s attacked in her home a day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family in town, she learns that the world isn’t as black and white as she’d always thought. There are Monsters and there are Creatures out there, and she is one of them.
She struggles to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, and must come to terms with living the life she was always meant to live. She needs to accept the truth and take help from her father, the new family, and one boy especially. But there is a darkness hiding, just waiting for her to unfold.
I just loved journeying through this story with Natalia. She had so much thrown at her, and she faced it with courage and bravery. She begins to discover so much about herself and her past, and she handles it all with grace. I really enjoyed all the side characters as well. I grew quite attached to the family that Natalia finds herself involved with, and I just loved her Dad and her BFF!
After that ending, I can’t wait for the next book! I think if you’re a fantasy fan that likes witches, vampires, and other mythical creatures you’ll enjoy this one. Add it to your TBR now, it’s out on August 17, 2021.
Okay, I have to admit that what initially attracted me to this book was it’s gorgeous cover. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into it. I am happy to report that this book exceeded my expectations, and I devoured it in a couple of days! There’s great world-building and a fun magic system in this debut from Lauren Jade Case. Perfect for fans of The Mortal Instruments or the Folk of the Air Trilogy, this story is sure to captivate you with its magical charm.
Natalia Whitebell just wanted to have a simple celebration on her eighteenth birthday. Instead, she winds up seeing a giant scorpion, a wolf, and a body on her doorstep. Not exactly what she had in mind. It all disappears too, in the blink of an eye.
When she finally gets to celebrate with her best friend, they overhear gossip from the Island locals that there’s a new family that’s moved to town, and there’s also a large dog running wild, but that’s all the information they get.
Natalia thinks that she’s been seeing things and completely losing it, until she’s attacked in her home a day later.
Rescued and taken in by the new family in town, she learns that the world isn’t as black and white as she’d always thought. There are Monsters and there are Creatures out there, and she is one of them.
She struggles to reveal her true form, sealing her deal with trouble, and must come to terms with living the life she was always meant to live. She needs to accept the truth and take help from her father, the new family, and one boy especially. But there is a darkness hiding, just waiting for her to unfold.
I just loved journeying through this story with Natalia. She had so much thrown at her, and she faced it with courage and bravery. She begins to discover so much about herself and her past, and she handles it all with grace. I really enjoyed all the side characters as well. I grew quite attached to the family that Natalia finds herself involved with, and I just loved her Dad and her BFF!
After that ending, I can’t wait for the next book! I think if you’re a fantasy fan that likes witches, vampires, and other mythical creatures you’ll enjoy this one. Add it to your TBR now, it’s out on August 17, 2021.
August 18, 2021
I thought the concept of the book was interesting, but I couldn't quite get into it. I think there were too many character POVs as well. Some of them were interesting, but most of them didn't move the story forward. As a debut novel, it's a good effort. I did like the romance between Natalia and Jasper. It was a little awkward at first, but they are starting to break through that. There was a lot of repetitive language and more telling than showing. Peri's stump was mentioned more than it needed to be. Even Alex's hair was mentioned a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2024
Had me hooked from chapter 1! I loved that the background information wasn’t an info dump. It blended seamlessly with the main story. Pacing was perfect and didn’t leave me feeling that it was too rushed or too slow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 30, 2021
The perfect fantastical read. Filled with monsters and other worlds, this book has everything you want and expect from a classic YA Fantasy novel. Cannot wait for the next installment.
December 11, 2022
I low-key loved this book but there were so many spelling errors 😭😭 idk of it was a printing mistake or what but like… ANYWAYS. This book was so good. I missed fantasy like this
January 2, 2023
I feel like this book had potential, but there were so many grammatical mistakes I couldn’t overlook them. Characters were completely flat and there were way too many POV changes.
November 18, 2025
Starlight was a really enjoyable reading experience! It feels like the kinda 2010s YA fantasy-magic-romance book that I used to read religiously as a teenager. And anything that can draw out those nostalgic feelings in me is a success in my eyes. Especially since I’m almost exclusively a horror/thriller reader now, so Starlight managing to get me interested in fantasy again is very telling about its quality!
This book is incredibly character-focused, with most of the chapters being about the cast of characters growing closer and beginning to understand their place in this world of magic & Creatures. As a result, Starlight did feel like more of a set-up book for what’s sure to be a grander overarching story in the next instalment. But I still had a good time with it!
I wanna make a little list of some of the things I loved most in Starlight:
-Peri and Archie were definitely the best characters to me. They’re the definition of amazing supporting characters, being both highly relevant to the plot and also just being a fun, sweet, realistic couple.
-The found family of the Darbys were such a joy, they won my heart so fast with their loyalty and camaraderie.
-Natalia, despite having an important bloodline/purpose, never felt overpowered or like a Mary Sue. She genuinely had flaws and it took her a long time to grow stronger, which is refreshing.
-I found myself way more invested in Natalia’s dad and Katherine than I ever expected haha.
-The first chapter wasted absolutely no time before diving deep into the action & mystery, which did a great job setting the tone & getting me hooked immediately.
-The premise of each species of Creatures having fundamentally different powers & abilities is a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of those differences!
-The book cover is so beautiful.
If I had to give any constructive criticism to the author then these would be the two main things:
-Unfortunately there were some spelling & grammar mistakes. This isn’t something that bothers me personally, since it was always clear what the author meant to say, but I know some readers can be quite finicky with that.
-Since Starlight felt more like a character-focused set-up novel, it didn’t really have a grand overarching story or villain. So I hope more focus can be given to those elements in the next instalment, alongside hopefully plenty more focus given to action/fight scenes!
Overall, Starlight is a heartfelt fantasy-romance, brimming with wonder and magic and family, and I’m sure that anyone interested in those vibes would find enjoyment here. I’d probably give it a 3.5 ⭐️ overall - but I’m very happy to round it up to a 4 ⭐️ here! And I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
This book is incredibly character-focused, with most of the chapters being about the cast of characters growing closer and beginning to understand their place in this world of magic & Creatures. As a result, Starlight did feel like more of a set-up book for what’s sure to be a grander overarching story in the next instalment. But I still had a good time with it!
I wanna make a little list of some of the things I loved most in Starlight:
-Peri and Archie were definitely the best characters to me. They’re the definition of amazing supporting characters, being both highly relevant to the plot and also just being a fun, sweet, realistic couple.
-The found family of the Darbys were such a joy, they won my heart so fast with their loyalty and camaraderie.
-Natalia, despite having an important bloodline/purpose, never felt overpowered or like a Mary Sue. She genuinely had flaws and it took her a long time to grow stronger, which is refreshing.
-I found myself way more invested in Natalia’s dad and Katherine than I ever expected haha.
-The first chapter wasted absolutely no time before diving deep into the action & mystery, which did a great job setting the tone & getting me hooked immediately.
-The premise of each species of Creatures having fundamentally different powers & abilities is a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of those differences!
-The book cover is so beautiful.
If I had to give any constructive criticism to the author then these would be the two main things:
-Unfortunately there were some spelling & grammar mistakes. This isn’t something that bothers me personally, since it was always clear what the author meant to say, but I know some readers can be quite finicky with that.
-Since Starlight felt more like a character-focused set-up novel, it didn’t really have a grand overarching story or villain. So I hope more focus can be given to those elements in the next instalment, alongside hopefully plenty more focus given to action/fight scenes!
Overall, Starlight is a heartfelt fantasy-romance, brimming with wonder and magic and family, and I’m sure that anyone interested in those vibes would find enjoyment here. I’d probably give it a 3.5 ⭐️ overall - but I’m very happy to round it up to a 4 ⭐️ here! And I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
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