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Once We Were Starlight
A bed posed on a stage under a dazzling spotlight. An audience of hungry eyes. And him, the other half of my soul, our supple bodies moving as one...
Sundara: the lush and forbidden oasis in the desert where men travel to watch acts of sexual deviancy, and the only existence seventeen-year-old Karys has ever known. But despite a life where secrets and sin are in high supply, and freedom remains far beyond their reach, Karys and her partner Zakai find safety in each other, their passionate love the light that helps them both survive the darkness.
Very suddenly, Karys and Zakai find themselves in the bright and confusing world of New York City, navigating separation, school, and relatives who are all but strangers. If they’ve been found, why do they still feel so lost? As their new lives threaten to drive them apart, and Zakai spins out of her grasp, Karys must figure out who and what can be trusted in this strange city, seemingly filled with more venom than the desert they once called home.
Sundara: the lush and forbidden oasis in the desert where men travel to watch acts of sexual deviancy, and the only existence seventeen-year-old Karys has ever known. But despite a life where secrets and sin are in high supply, and freedom remains far beyond their reach, Karys and her partner Zakai find safety in each other, their passionate love the light that helps them both survive the darkness.
Very suddenly, Karys and Zakai find themselves in the bright and confusing world of New York City, navigating separation, school, and relatives who are all but strangers. If they’ve been found, why do they still feel so lost? As their new lives threaten to drive them apart, and Zakai spins out of her grasp, Karys must figure out who and what can be trusted in this strange city, seemingly filled with more venom than the desert they once called home.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
March 6, 2021
4 Stars!
... A love story of survival.
A poignant story. Beautifully written. Unique storyline. Real and raw characters. What else are you looking for?
Note: This is a new adult romance.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Mia Sheridan has a way with words! The story dealt with disturbing topics like sexual trafficking, abuse and violence, but she managed to create beauty and love within it.
I adored the past Zakai and Karys. A hero who would do anything to protect his little star. He was strong, firm, and ardent. A heroine who sees good in everything. She was innocent, compassionate, and a dreamer. They found love despite of being surrounded by darkness. They strived to survive the unknown instead of giving up.
I struggled to connect with the present time hero. The abrupt change of his character was really a surprise. He has reasons and he was justified, but I'm not fully convinced. I think I need more from his perspective and more actions. On the other hand, I loved Karys. She grew from a naive to a strong woman who handled everything perfectly. She reminds me of my fave heroine, Eden.
Overall, I liked the story. This is the very first Solstice novel, and I can hardly wait for more of this in the future!
I recommend it to those who fell in love with: Leo, Leo’s Chance, Stinger, Archer’s Voice, Becoming Calder, Finding Eden, Kyland, Grayson’s Vow, Midnight Lily, Ramsay, Preston’s Honor, Dane’s Storm, Brant’s Return.
... A love story of survival.
A poignant story. Beautifully written. Unique storyline. Real and raw characters. What else are you looking for?
Note: This is a new adult romance.
"The whole point of any pain or struggle, including our own—to cast you adrift, to strip you of all your comforts, all your security—and force you to search your naked, defenseless heart for the true purpose of your journey."
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Mia Sheridan has a way with words! The story dealt with disturbing topics like sexual trafficking, abuse and violence, but she managed to create beauty and love within it.
I adored the past Zakai and Karys. A hero who would do anything to protect his little star. He was strong, firm, and ardent. A heroine who sees good in everything. She was innocent, compassionate, and a dreamer. They found love despite of being surrounded by darkness. They strived to survive the unknown instead of giving up.
I struggled to connect with the present time hero. The abrupt change of his character was really a surprise. He has reasons and he was justified, but I'm not fully convinced. I think I need more from his perspective and more actions. On the other hand, I loved Karys. She grew from a naive to a strong woman who handled everything perfectly. She reminds me of my fave heroine, Eden.
Overall, I liked the story. This is the very first Solstice novel, and I can hardly wait for more of this in the future!
I recommend it to those who fell in love with: Leo, Leo’s Chance, Stinger, Archer’s Voice, Becoming Calder, Finding Eden, Kyland, Grayson’s Vow, Midnight Lily, Ramsay, Preston’s Honor, Dane’s Storm, Brant’s Return.
"Once we were starlight. But now, now we were a universe."
April 23, 2021
oh wow. this book showed up with no warning. and just as quickly as it arrived, it wasted no time taking ahold of my heart.
this story very much reminded me of MSs previous books, ‘becoming calder’ and ‘finding eden.’ but instead of two connected souls escaping a cult, they are escaping sex trafficking. MS was also able to create just as emotional of a story, but within only one book instead.
i know some readers will question MSs choices with this story. the romance between karys and zakai is sweet, innocent, and inspiring. its the horrible reality that sex trafficking is the absence of those things, but i appreciate what karys and zakai stand for. i enjoyed how they found light in each other during a very dark time.
so once again, MS has created a story that shows the strength and hope love can provide.
↠ 5 stars
this story very much reminded me of MSs previous books, ‘becoming calder’ and ‘finding eden.’ but instead of two connected souls escaping a cult, they are escaping sex trafficking. MS was also able to create just as emotional of a story, but within only one book instead.
i know some readers will question MSs choices with this story. the romance between karys and zakai is sweet, innocent, and inspiring. its the horrible reality that sex trafficking is the absence of those things, but i appreciate what karys and zakai stand for. i enjoyed how they found light in each other during a very dark time.
so once again, MS has created a story that shows the strength and hope love can provide.
↠ 5 stars
March 14, 2021
4 Stars
One of my favorite tropes is the "loved you since childhood" trope. And this one was that with an added twist of sex trafficking...Mia Sheridan style. It's been a while since I've read a Mia Sheridan and this blurb called out to me hard. And it didn't disappoint.
The first 50-75% of this was awesome. There was a haunting beauty to the story and the two main characters. They had an amazing connection and the stakes felt high; however, something fell off for me in the last 25% or so. The characters became bland and I just didn't feel as drawn to them for whatever reason.
Still, an overall enjoyable book that was very much worth the read.
One of my favorite tropes is the "loved you since childhood" trope. And this one was that with an added twist of sex trafficking...Mia Sheridan style. It's been a while since I've read a Mia Sheridan and this blurb called out to me hard. And it didn't disappoint.
The first 50-75% of this was awesome. There was a haunting beauty to the story and the two main characters. They had an amazing connection and the stakes felt high; however, something fell off for me in the last 25% or so. The characters became bland and I just didn't feel as drawn to them for whatever reason.
Still, an overall enjoyable book that was very much worth the read.
February 24, 2021
'ONCE WE WERE STARLIGHT' is a full length romance book by Mia Sheridan
Love the author
Love the cover
Love the synopsis
So of course when this arrived on my kindle I dived in straight away.
This did raise the question of 'what the heck am I reading?' as it seemed so cloudy in the beginning, but as I delved in further everything became clearer and I fell down that rabbit hole of being captivated and hooked, never to surface until this was devoured. This was such an unusual take on what could've been a very dark story, so beautifully unique which is what we usually expect from this author, even within its murky tale. An emotional journey which twisted me up, had me tearing up, but gave me the happily ever after I craved.
Our two characters had suffered so much at the hands of one man, though our heroine wore rose coloured glasses and saw the beauty when there was none to be seen, though Zakai and the others do try and shelter Karys as much as they can.
Karys and Zakai arrived at Sundara as young children taken off the streets and under the guise that they can leave once their dept is paid in full. An invisible tether held these two characters together through all they had endured with their time spent on the compound hidden in the desert, a place where illicit performances were staged where men traveled from all over the continent to watch sexual acts of deviancy for the right price.
As Zakai ages he becomes more unsettled and angry with his surroundings making him question the goings on at Sundara and everything they have been told about the outside world.
There's was a tumultuous romance who both had to face heart wrenching life changes when an escape is handed to them.
I love the diversity this author has when it comes to her storytelling abilities. Each book is so unique which leaves us the reader begging for more.
March 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: Starting off with the good — this felt reminiscent of Mia Sheridan’s older works that were associated with the astrological signs! She is the master at creating these damaged characters that find peace and love in each other despite their struggles and past baggage — and that was definitely my favorite part of this book! I did, however, feel like it was lacking enough of those good times that I need with all of the angsty goodness. It was definitely a unique and heartfelt story, so don’t get me wrong! I just didn’t connect emotionally as much as I would’ve liked. I think it might also be the lack of my emotional connection with the H, and I think that’s because I didn’t get his POV. I think it could’ve been soooo much better if we knew what was going on with him throughout the story! I also felt disconnected with their intimate scenes. I didn’t feel any emotion behind them and they sometimes felt awkwardly detached in a way that was confusing. So! Overall, this was great in being the type of unique story from MS that I grew to love so much with her earlier works, but not so great that it let me down with the emotional connections.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Karys and Zakai’s story. They grew up together in captivity in a vast desert where they are called the ‘twins’ and have to perform sexual acts for deprived customers. Zakai is angry all the time and protective while Karys is naive and optimistic. She is his light through the darkness. When they suddenly find their worlds turned upside down and in New York, their close relationship starts to deteriorate. They are some sad moments, some sweet scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Karys’ POV and Zakai’s only for the epilogue.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they’ve known each other since they were children but do already love each other when this story begins.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Zakai. I liked him but I didn’t fully connect with him and I think that could’ve been solved with getting more of his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Karys. I appreciated her strength, optimism, and how she loved the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I’d call a HEA ending , but of course, this greedy reader wanted much more 🤪
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: Starting off with the good — this felt reminiscent of Mia Sheridan’s older works that were associated with the astrological signs! She is the master at creating these damaged characters that find peace and love in each other despite their struggles and past baggage — and that was definitely my favorite part of this book! I did, however, feel like it was lacking enough of those good times that I need with all of the angsty goodness. It was definitely a unique and heartfelt story, so don’t get me wrong! I just didn’t connect emotionally as much as I would’ve liked. I think it might also be the lack of my emotional connection with the H, and I think that’s because I didn’t get his POV. I think it could’ve been soooo much better if we knew what was going on with him throughout the story! I also felt disconnected with their intimate scenes. I didn’t feel any emotion behind them and they sometimes felt awkwardly detached in a way that was confusing. So! Overall, this was great in being the type of unique story from MS that I grew to love so much with her earlier works, but not so great that it let me down with the emotional connections.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Karys and Zakai’s story. They grew up together in captivity in a vast desert where they are called the ‘twins’ and have to perform sexual acts for deprived customers. Zakai is angry all the time and protective while Karys is naive and optimistic. She is his light through the darkness. When they suddenly find their worlds turned upside down and in New York, their close relationship starts to deteriorate. They are some sad moments, some sweet scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Karys’ POV and Zakai’s only for the epilogue.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they’ve known each other since they were children but do already love each other when this story begins.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Zakai. I liked him but I didn’t fully connect with him and I think that could’ve been solved with getting more of his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Karys. I appreciated her strength, optimism, and how she loved the H.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I’d call a HEA ending , but of course, this greedy reader wanted much more 🤪
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
August 23, 2021
4 stars
Once We Were Starlight is an unconventional, emotional, and heartbreaking romance. Mia Sheridan's writing is always fantastic and I love how her books are never the typical romance. I went into it without reading the blurb and I honestly didn't see this story coming.
Zakai and Karys's story starts when they are young and only have each other to get them through the traumatizing start they have. My heart broke for these two. The first 25-30% was gut wrenching. These two go through something so hard, but through all the hardships they have each other. Then things change. They change for the better, but it makes some parts of their lives more difficult.
I really did love so much about this one, but there were parts about the last 25% that I struggled with. I wish we had more time of this couple together in their second chance romance, but I still enjoyed it. I think this could have been a 5 star read for me if we got more time with this couple as a couple, but a wonderful read nonetheless!
"We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together."
Once We Were Starlight is an unconventional, emotional, and heartbreaking romance. Mia Sheridan's writing is always fantastic and I love how her books are never the typical romance. I went into it without reading the blurb and I honestly didn't see this story coming.
Zakai and Karys's story starts when they are young and only have each other to get them through the traumatizing start they have. My heart broke for these two. The first 25-30% was gut wrenching. These two go through something so hard, but through all the hardships they have each other. Then things change. They change for the better, but it makes some parts of their lives more difficult.
I really did love so much about this one, but there were parts about the last 25% that I struggled with. I wish we had more time of this couple together in their second chance romance, but I still enjoyed it. I think this could have been a 5 star read for me if we got more time with this couple as a couple, but a wonderful read nonetheless!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Trina Nishimura & Connor Crais
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 8h 46m
June 9, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is not a conventional romance where you get two characters who have a meet-cute, fall madly in love with each other, and live HEA. There’s nothing cute about how these characters meet. It’s tragic and heartbreaking. They don’t fall madly in love, but they fall slowly, deeply, thoroughly. Their love is pure and innocent and everlasting. They do get their HEA, but it’s earned through blood, sweat, and tears.
The first 30% is gut-wrenching yet captivating all the same. It takes you through life in the Sundara Desert under the tyranny of a vicious, greedy crime lord—whom somehow my imagination had conjured him up to look like Jafar from Aladdin LOL. Karys is naive and has the capacity to look for the good in everything. She’s sheltered because Zakai always protects her. Meanwhile, he himself is more jaded and somewhat angry all the time.
The middle (40% - 80%) of the book is where the characters learn to find and be who they are without the other person. This book is told only from the heroine’s POV. We don’t really get to see Zakai’s—which is why his seems more abrupt—apart from what Karys shares in her monologues, but I was truly proud of Karys and awed by her empowering and inspiring transformation from a seemingly guileless girl to a confident independent young woman.
I mentioned that Karys and Zakai fell in love slowly, deeply, thoroughly. What I mean by this is that they’ve loved each other since childhood. The beginning of this book has them already establishing a strong bond; and, while it does shift and twist from love to hate to other emotions, it’s also unbreakable no matter how hard they try—and try they did. After much trials and tribulations, they eventually rekindle their relationship.
Objectively, I think this book is evenly paced and well proportioned. But I selfishly wanted more Karys & Zakai. Their second chance romance in the last 20% should’ve been expanded to a full length novel. 🙈 Because this book follows the characters’ journeys through different stages of their lives (from their late teens to mid twenties), there are parts that feel like more “telling than showing.” I’m just saying, you can’t have it all, but what you do is pretty dang close to perfection.
I’m trying to make this book appealing, so you’ll want to read it; but I’m just so speechless that I think I’m saying too much yet nothing at all??? Heh. In any case, I hope you find yourself intrigued. “Once We Were Starlight” is a brutal, poignant, and painful, yet healing tale of love that instills strength and hope against all odds written in MS’s entrancing prose. I’m pleased to add this to my list of fave books by this author. I hope you pick this up. Happy reading!
TW:
It was beautiful. And it was dark. It was wonderful. And tragic. And yes, unconventional. But it was complete, in all its light and depth.
This is not a conventional romance where you get two characters who have a meet-cute, fall madly in love with each other, and live HEA. There’s nothing cute about how these characters meet. It’s tragic and heartbreaking. They don’t fall madly in love, but they fall slowly, deeply, thoroughly. Their love is pure and innocent and everlasting. They do get their HEA, but it’s earned through blood, sweat, and tears.
“Once We Were Starlight” is the story of Karys (h) and Zakai (H) who were trafficked when they were kids and are forced to grow up performing sexual acts in front of men with troubling sex perversions who travel to the Sundara Desert to exclusively watch them.We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.
In due time, they are rescued by the US authority and brought to New York City only to face a fresh set of challenges. These two who were never apart longer than a day must navigate their new lives through self-discovery, separation, school, and adulthood.
The first 30% is gut-wrenching yet captivating all the same. It takes you through life in the Sundara Desert under the tyranny of a vicious, greedy crime lord—whom somehow my imagination had conjured him up to look like Jafar from Aladdin LOL. Karys is naive and has the capacity to look for the good in everything. She’s sheltered because Zakai always protects her. Meanwhile, he himself is more jaded and somewhat angry all the time.
I’d believed I knew him better than I knew myself. Or as much as. For we’d been one. Lovers. Twins. Not by blood, but by soul. Entwined.
The middle (40% - 80%) of the book is where the characters learn to find and be who they are without the other person. This book is told only from the heroine’s POV. We don’t really get to see Zakai’s—which is why his seems more abrupt—apart from what Karys shares in her monologues, but I was truly proud of Karys and awed by her empowering and inspiring transformation from a seemingly guileless girl to a confident independent young woman.
If I’d been his dreamer when he’d forgotten how to dream, he’d been my champion when I lacked the will to fight.
I mentioned that Karys and Zakai fell in love slowly, deeply, thoroughly. What I mean by this is that they’ve loved each other since childhood. The beginning of this book has them already establishing a strong bond; and, while it does shift and twist from love to hate to other emotions, it’s also unbreakable no matter how hard they try—and try they did. After much trials and tribulations, they eventually rekindle their relationship.
Our love had always reflected the shifting sand: deep and turbulent even under the calmest skies.
Objectively, I think this book is evenly paced and well proportioned. But I selfishly wanted more Karys & Zakai. Their second chance romance in the last 20% should’ve been expanded to a full length novel. 🙈 Because this book follows the characters’ journeys through different stages of their lives (from their late teens to mid twenties), there are parts that feel like more “telling than showing.” I’m just saying, you can’t have it all, but what you do is pretty dang close to perfection.
Once we were starlight. But now, now we were a universe.
I’m trying to make this book appealing, so you’ll want to read it; but I’m just so speechless that I think I’m saying too much yet nothing at all??? Heh. In any case, I hope you find yourself intrigued. “Once We Were Starlight” is a brutal, poignant, and painful, yet healing tale of love that instills strength and hope against all odds written in MS’s entrancing prose. I’m pleased to add this to my list of fave books by this author. I hope you pick this up. Happy reading!
TW:
February 28, 2021
4 STARS
Once We Were Starlight was an incredibly poignant, beautiful, and captivating story that I don't think I'll be forgetting any time soon.
The story is told in separate parts of past and present and nothing prepared me for the emotional roller coaster that was this story.
At one point Zakai and Karys were each other's everything. The desert setting of Sundara, all young Karys having ever seen. She's sheltered, uneducated, and with her wings clipped but without really realizing it. Zakai is older and seems more jaded. He understands what the outside world holds while Karys has no knowledge of anything outside of Sundara. As the story progresses, you're taken on an emotional journey of Karys realizing what her life really is. It covers incredibly poignant subjects like sex trafficking and handled flawlessly. Karys and Zakai are as much in love as two young people who only have each other could be. They're also part of a sex show for rich visitors of Sundara. But Karys doesn't realize just how wrong this is for her. Yet she yearns to be with Zakai, while Zakai dreams of escape.
When they're rescued from Sundara and thrust into a brand new world in New York, their lives have a ripple effect that pulls them both in separate direction. You're taken on the journey to witness ultimately how they tragically fall apart, only to be reunited years later.
Mia Sheridan is a master with crafting one incredibly emotional and unforgettable story. I spent parts sick to my stomach and in tears. Most of the book is spent with their time in Sundara and focused on their lives when they fall apart. Having said that, I would have loved to get more time from their reunion at the end. If you're looking for a beautiful and emotional story of second chances and survival, this is an absolute must read.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
Once We Were Starlight was an incredibly poignant, beautiful, and captivating story that I don't think I'll be forgetting any time soon.
The story is told in separate parts of past and present and nothing prepared me for the emotional roller coaster that was this story.
At one point Zakai and Karys were each other's everything. The desert setting of Sundara, all young Karys having ever seen. She's sheltered, uneducated, and with her wings clipped but without really realizing it. Zakai is older and seems more jaded. He understands what the outside world holds while Karys has no knowledge of anything outside of Sundara. As the story progresses, you're taken on an emotional journey of Karys realizing what her life really is. It covers incredibly poignant subjects like sex trafficking and handled flawlessly. Karys and Zakai are as much in love as two young people who only have each other could be. They're also part of a sex show for rich visitors of Sundara. But Karys doesn't realize just how wrong this is for her. Yet she yearns to be with Zakai, while Zakai dreams of escape.
When they're rescued from Sundara and thrust into a brand new world in New York, their lives have a ripple effect that pulls them both in separate direction. You're taken on the journey to witness ultimately how they tragically fall apart, only to be reunited years later.
Mia Sheridan is a master with crafting one incredibly emotional and unforgettable story. I spent parts sick to my stomach and in tears. Most of the book is spent with their time in Sundara and focused on their lives when they fall apart. Having said that, I would have loved to get more time from their reunion at the end. If you're looking for a beautiful and emotional story of second chances and survival, this is an absolute must read.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
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March 23, 2021
4.25 blinding-stars🖤
the writing and rendition was extremely bewitching with riveting imagery of Sundara, though it always is of Mia's books.
Although, I think he was made this way so as to give full sense how extreme the brainwashing and beliefs inculcated since a young age could inflict the brain.
Perhaps, having his POV thrown between hers would have helped me understand it better.
My other critic is that the chapters where Zakai and Karys were truly seen without any restrictions were very sparse, maybe just 7-8 which didn't satiate me; it felt rushed during the the last quarter end.
when all's said and done, the both characters were unique and brave on their own; even after experiencing so much loss on close level made them confounded as soon as they step into the real world.
the writing and rendition was extremely bewitching with riveting imagery of Sundara, though it always is of Mia's books.
"Once we were starlight. But now, now we were a universe."it's hard to give it less than all but Zakai seemed flimsy and unreliable to me. He seldom acted as he wasn't full in their eternal love. he didn't grovel enough (just blaming it on alcohol and how he didn't see himself as worthy of her and that is a pet peeve like let the girl decide) after repeatedly leaving her hanging for more than 5 years and coming for sex then leaving again.
Although, I think he was made this way so as to give full sense how extreme the brainwashing and beliefs inculcated since a young age could inflict the brain.
Perhaps, having his POV thrown between hers would have helped me understand it better.
My other critic is that the chapters where Zakai and Karys were truly seen without any restrictions were very sparse, maybe just 7-8 which didn't satiate me; it felt rushed during the the last quarter end.
when all's said and done, the both characters were unique and brave on their own; even after experiencing so much loss on close level made them confounded as soon as they step into the real world.
"Our love had always reflected the shifting sand: deep and turbulent even under the calmest skies."
March 3, 2021
2.5-3 stars ⭐️
Yes, this is going to have a MINOR spoiler but THIS needs to be addressed. Good lord, i love people are liking the book but wtf why is no one talking about WHAT HAPPENED IN THERE?!
The first thing which I read once I get the book is trigger warnings cause i might be okay with sexual assault mention in books, I do have other triggers and I need to read accordingly. Now, imagine my happiness when there was no trigger warning! I jumped with glee cause the blurb sounded so cool and i was like wow this is going to be dope BUT little did Apoorva know what was coming for her.
Imagine my surprise when all of a sudden out of nowhere this comes-
“He gave a wave of his arm and the server who’d set the large silver platter in front of Ahmad, lifted the top with a flourish to expose the charred body of a beloved monkey circling slowly on a spit.”
BODY OF A MONKEY SERVED TO HIS OWNER ON A SILVER PLATTER! TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ALONE AND ONLY HAD HIS MONKEY AS A COMPANION! (and the owner killed himself after this incident because of the grief) I’m sorry guys but for me, animal cruelty is a BIG NO and the fact this came out of nowhere was sickening. I’m gonna be honest, I was 2 seconds away from throwing up because I felt so sick and i just couldn’t. I had to take a break cause this was too much for me but whenever i picked up the book, the scene would legit play in front of me and i had a very very very hard time.
Are the other authors stupid who in the beginning of their book mention trigger warnings? Why couldn’t Mia do that? This was another level disappointment. This ruined the book for me.
I don’t really care if you think I’m being dramatic or making something big out of small thing but anyone who loves pet or has a pet can’t digest this thing which she threw out of the blue ,I couldn’t at all.
I didn’t enjoy the story, I couldn’t enjoy the story after what happened. Hell, i felt more sympathy for the monkey than I did for the main characters and that’s saying something. The whole time my mind went to the monkey. The author should’ve mentioned this because i was extremely uncomfortable. I don’t care if its a small thing for you but for me this is HUGE.
The story was okay, i feel like I would’ve enjoyed it more if it weren’t for that particular scene which ruined everything for me and left me scarred.
So here’s what I’m going to do which the author should’ve.
Tw- ANIMAL CRUELTY.
P.S - I don’t mean to call out anyone but this is just my view and opinion! If you liked the book, that’s great!
Yes, this is going to have a MINOR spoiler but THIS needs to be addressed. Good lord, i love people are liking the book but wtf why is no one talking about WHAT HAPPENED IN THERE?!
The first thing which I read once I get the book is trigger warnings cause i might be okay with sexual assault mention in books, I do have other triggers and I need to read accordingly. Now, imagine my happiness when there was no trigger warning! I jumped with glee cause the blurb sounded so cool and i was like wow this is going to be dope BUT little did Apoorva know what was coming for her.
Imagine my surprise when all of a sudden out of nowhere this comes-
“He gave a wave of his arm and the server who’d set the large silver platter in front of Ahmad, lifted the top with a flourish to expose the charred body of a beloved monkey circling slowly on a spit.”
BODY OF A MONKEY SERVED TO HIS OWNER ON A SILVER PLATTER! TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ALONE AND ONLY HAD HIS MONKEY AS A COMPANION! (and the owner killed himself after this incident because of the grief) I’m sorry guys but for me, animal cruelty is a BIG NO and the fact this came out of nowhere was sickening. I’m gonna be honest, I was 2 seconds away from throwing up because I felt so sick and i just couldn’t. I had to take a break cause this was too much for me but whenever i picked up the book, the scene would legit play in front of me and i had a very very very hard time.
Are the other authors stupid who in the beginning of their book mention trigger warnings? Why couldn’t Mia do that? This was another level disappointment. This ruined the book for me.
I don’t really care if you think I’m being dramatic or making something big out of small thing but anyone who loves pet or has a pet can’t digest this thing which she threw out of the blue ,I couldn’t at all.
I didn’t enjoy the story, I couldn’t enjoy the story after what happened. Hell, i felt more sympathy for the monkey than I did for the main characters and that’s saying something. The whole time my mind went to the monkey. The author should’ve mentioned this because i was extremely uncomfortable. I don’t care if its a small thing for you but for me this is HUGE.
The story was okay, i feel like I would’ve enjoyed it more if it weren’t for that particular scene which ruined everything for me and left me scarred.
So here’s what I’m going to do which the author should’ve.
Tw- ANIMAL CRUELTY.
P.S - I don’t mean to call out anyone but this is just my view and opinion! If you liked the book, that’s great!
March 1, 2021
***** 4.5 stars ****
📢♥📣 Goddamnit, but this was beautiful! 🔊♥🔊
💘 Gorgeous writing
🔮 Magic tone
🔑📚 Unique and spellbinding storyline
🎪 Immersive and captivating setting - Sundara
🎯 Believable characters.
Topped with sprinkles of tension, angst and conflict.
* Just remove the body, please*
📢♥📣 Goddamnit, but this was beautiful! 🔊♥🔊
💘 Gorgeous writing
🔮 Magic tone
🔑📚 Unique and spellbinding storyline
🎪 Immersive and captivating setting - Sundara
🎯 Believable characters.
Topped with sprinkles of tension, angst and conflict.
* Just remove the body, please*
March 21, 2021
“But I had proven to myself that I could move forward. I could embrace the new life I’d been given and find joy—even in small amounts—in the sunshine and in the colors just outside my window.”
My heart is aching. This story is so beautiful and raw.
Just WOW.
It’s worth the reading.
My heart is aching. This story is so beautiful and raw.
Just WOW.
It’s worth the reading.
March 5, 2021
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
On one hand I did like and enjoy it, but on the other it was a little underwhelming and there was more telling than showing.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters for the first half, especially Zakai. I felt more for Ahmad and Bibi than I did for Karys and Zakai. I didn't really connect with Zakai until they were reunited. I did like Karys a lot though.
I originally thought based on the blurb and the reviews comparing this to Leo and Finding Eden, that it was going to have one of my most hated tropes - heroine being celibate during the separation, while the hero is not. Thankfully it didn't. Zakai was celibate during the 9 year separation, but Karys was not! After he broke her heart, she would have been an idiot for not trying to move on. I liked that he admitted to never wanting anyone else while they were apart, and the reason he didn't sleep around was because he didn't want to have meaningless sex. If he couldn't have her, he didn't want anyone else. That kind of love and devotion should be written in romance more, since it rarely exists in real life.
I wasn't Zakai's biggest fan, but he did redeem himself at the end.
One of my favorite characters was Cody, so I really hope he gets his own book!
On one hand I did like and enjoy it, but on the other it was a little underwhelming and there was more telling than showing.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters for the first half, especially Zakai. I felt more for Ahmad and Bibi than I did for Karys and Zakai. I didn't really connect with Zakai until they were reunited. I did like Karys a lot though.
I originally thought based on the blurb and the reviews comparing this to Leo and Finding Eden, that it was going to have one of my most hated tropes - heroine being celibate during the separation, while the hero is not. Thankfully it didn't. Zakai was celibate during the 9 year separation, but Karys was not! After he broke her heart, she would have been an idiot for not trying to move on. I liked that he admitted to never wanting anyone else while they were apart, and the reason he didn't sleep around was because he didn't want to have meaningless sex. If he couldn't have her, he didn't want anyone else. That kind of love and devotion should be written in romance more, since it rarely exists in real life.
I wasn't Zakai's biggest fan, but he did redeem himself at the end.
One of my favorite characters was Cody, so I really hope he gets his own book!
July 13, 2021
DNF
I am feeling sad you know. I remember fondly of Archer's Voice. It was one of the book that start my love affair with romance genre.
Once We Were Starlight is promising story. The writing is dreamy like and there is so much twist her and now. It looks like a journey of 2 people finding themselves and finding to each other arms. I do not know for sure because I have to stop listening to the audiobook. I guess this time the dreamy writing is not working for me
2 stars
I am feeling sad you know. I remember fondly of Archer's Voice. It was one of the book that start my love affair with romance genre.
Once We Were Starlight is promising story. The writing is dreamy like and there is so much twist her and now. It looks like a journey of 2 people finding themselves and finding to each other arms. I do not know for sure because I have to stop listening to the audiobook. I guess this time the dreamy writing is not working for me
2 stars
February 28, 2021
I have no words. None at all. I'm stunned and mesmerized at the breathtaking beauty of the story. Mia you've rendered me speechless!!
As I started the book, I had my gut in knots. I knew something big was happening,right in front of my eyes. Several places my heart just dropped down in the pit of my stomach,my tears rolled down my cheeks and the unfolding horror had me aghast. I may have screamed at my kindle after a one particularly heartbreaking scene.
"It was beautiful. And it was dark. It was wonderful. And tragic. And yes, unconventional. But it was complete, in all its light and depth."
Mia is associated with a special kind of poignant & angsty style of writing. Her stories get me so engrossed, the world ceases to exist and I savour every moment, every minute I'm dwelling in them.
This book in particular has an unusual story, likes of which I've never read before.
Compelling and spellbinding, I had a hard time taking my eyes away from the pages. Even though the premise, the location and the background is stark and tough, there's a certain dreaminess in the connection between Karys & Zak, which was organic and earthy. They instantly became MINE. Their connection, their chemistry, their relationship was sizzling & intoxicating enough to make the otherwise brutal circumstances a tad more breathable, a little more hopeful.
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
The prose is so imaginative, so vivid, i was transported immediately in Sundara . An oasis in the middle of the barren, burning desert. Where grows a rare cactus flower, surrounded by thorns, but it looks up to the sun, drawing it's positive energy. All the thorns are her protector, guardians and sheilders.
"If I’d been his dreamer when he’d forgotten how to dream, he’d been my champion when I lacked the will to fight."
This rare beauty is Karys Grant. A tender hearted dreamer, naïve & pure of heart. Her biggest and staunchest protector is Zakai Klein. He offers his own body and soul to the predators in exchange for Karys's innocence. They come of age amidst the chaotic, horror show of freaks, somehow surviving in the scalding heat of the arid land.
"Disgusting, we were disgusting? Freaks? Human oddities? What about me? What about Zakai? Grotesque perversions?"
Then fate throws so many hurdles in their path. Circumstances, choices, Lies, Truths and melancholy.
I've loved this story with every fiber of my being. I've adored the characters, I've felt their agony of abuse, I've celebrated their love, I've doubled over in pain when they split apart.
Powerful, profound and impactful, It punched a hole in my chest and pulled my heart out. The story just swept me away in a far far land where Love sprouts in sand, passions arise like a swirling sandstorm and predators lie camouflaged in plain sight.
Zakai is a wounded warrior, noble and sacrificing. He falls in love with Karys at first sight, unable to move away and leave her for her own good. That becomes his onus for the entire life. His character envelopes Karys's innocent beauty in his arms and soul, keeping her safe. They come together like two halves of the same whole star. Karys shows immense strength of character. Her growth from girlhood to womanhood was mesmerizing to witness.
My heart bled tears, soaked the pages and my vision became blurry. I feel consumed, overwhelmed by the phenomenon that is Mia.
5 stars for Impressionist paintings
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As I started the book, I had my gut in knots. I knew something big was happening,right in front of my eyes. Several places my heart just dropped down in the pit of my stomach,my tears rolled down my cheeks and the unfolding horror had me aghast. I may have screamed at my kindle after a one particularly heartbreaking scene.
"It was beautiful. And it was dark. It was wonderful. And tragic. And yes, unconventional. But it was complete, in all its light and depth."
Mia is associated with a special kind of poignant & angsty style of writing. Her stories get me so engrossed, the world ceases to exist and I savour every moment, every minute I'm dwelling in them.
This book in particular has an unusual story, likes of which I've never read before.
Compelling and spellbinding, I had a hard time taking my eyes away from the pages. Even though the premise, the location and the background is stark and tough, there's a certain dreaminess in the connection between Karys & Zak, which was organic and earthy. They instantly became MINE. Their connection, their chemistry, their relationship was sizzling & intoxicating enough to make the otherwise brutal circumstances a tad more breathable, a little more hopeful.
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
The prose is so imaginative, so vivid, i was transported immediately in Sundara . An oasis in the middle of the barren, burning desert. Where grows a rare cactus flower, surrounded by thorns, but it looks up to the sun, drawing it's positive energy. All the thorns are her protector, guardians and sheilders.
"If I’d been his dreamer when he’d forgotten how to dream, he’d been my champion when I lacked the will to fight."
This rare beauty is Karys Grant. A tender hearted dreamer, naïve & pure of heart. Her biggest and staunchest protector is Zakai Klein. He offers his own body and soul to the predators in exchange for Karys's innocence. They come of age amidst the chaotic, horror show of freaks, somehow surviving in the scalding heat of the arid land.
"Disgusting, we were disgusting? Freaks? Human oddities? What about me? What about Zakai? Grotesque perversions?"
Then fate throws so many hurdles in their path. Circumstances, choices, Lies, Truths and melancholy.
I've loved this story with every fiber of my being. I've adored the characters, I've felt their agony of abuse, I've celebrated their love, I've doubled over in pain when they split apart.
Powerful, profound and impactful, It punched a hole in my chest and pulled my heart out. The story just swept me away in a far far land where Love sprouts in sand, passions arise like a swirling sandstorm and predators lie camouflaged in plain sight.
Zakai is a wounded warrior, noble and sacrificing. He falls in love with Karys at first sight, unable to move away and leave her for her own good. That becomes his onus for the entire life. His character envelopes Karys's innocent beauty in his arms and soul, keeping her safe. They come together like two halves of the same whole star. Karys shows immense strength of character. Her growth from girlhood to womanhood was mesmerizing to witness.
My heart bled tears, soaked the pages and my vision became blurry. I feel consumed, overwhelmed by the phenomenon that is Mia.
5 stars for Impressionist paintings
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
March 4, 2021
Oh wow...
Beautiful story.
A real page turner.
Unique storyline.
Wonderfully written.
Strong, beautiful heroine.
Strong, but a bit more broken, hero.
I'm at a loss for words how this book really made me feel. It was such a difficult topic to navigate, but I thought the author did a very sensitive, wonderful job. I had such a sense of sadness while reading it. Yes, parts were depressing, and difficult to read. Yet I also felt hopeful. Reading Karys's journey, and how she coped, made me admire her strength. I knew there had to be a HEA coming, but I was unsure how it would happen. If anyone deserved a HEA, after all they endured, it was Karys and Zakai.
Was there anything else that I would've liked added to this story? Maybe a few chapters from Zak's pov? I realized this was mostly Karys's story to tell, but I often wondered what Zak was thinking.
And although the epilogue was sweet and wonderful, I could've read MORE. I just didn't want to let these characters go.
A very satisfying, thoughtful read. 5 stars
Beautiful story.
A real page turner.
Unique storyline.
Wonderfully written.
Strong, beautiful heroine.
Strong, but a bit more broken, hero.
I'm at a loss for words how this book really made me feel. It was such a difficult topic to navigate, but I thought the author did a very sensitive, wonderful job. I had such a sense of sadness while reading it. Yes, parts were depressing, and difficult to read. Yet I also felt hopeful. Reading Karys's journey, and how she coped, made me admire her strength. I knew there had to be a HEA coming, but I was unsure how it would happen. If anyone deserved a HEA, after all they endured, it was Karys and Zakai.
Was there anything else that I would've liked added to this story? Maybe a few chapters from Zak's pov? I realized this was mostly Karys's story to tell, but I often wondered what Zak was thinking.
And although the epilogue was sweet and wonderful, I could've read MORE. I just didn't want to let these characters go.
A very satisfying, thoughtful read. 5 stars
March 7, 2021
What a heartbreaking journey.
⭐️3.5-4 stars ⭐️
My heart. Oh god my heart. I think I left it in the book. This book you guys. Fuck it made me bawl.
Zakai and Karys saved from their horrific lives of sex trafficking find presently find themselves trying to live their separate lives in NYC. We see the book in Karys’ pov and I felt every. Fucking. Thing she described it the book.
‘You were his dreamer when he forgot how to dream’ ugh
The writing. Sooo smooth and capturing. I was hooked on to the story from page one; I can’t see how someone couldn’t be.
I’ve read stories about the heroine/hero having a past in sex trafficking but never have I actually read ABOUT their past. We see them before and after and that’s a transformation I loved. Absolutely unique and beautiful.
But in my opinion. It ended too soon. They meet after 3 years apart. After they hurt each-other. And they decide to marry. I can’t. I just wish We saw a few chapters of them presently dating and starting a new life. But as it is. The book was beautiful
Also. Some of things that Zakai did to karys was NOT okay with me. It was something they should’ve worked out TOGETHER once they reunited.
TW: sex trafficking. Abuse. Cheating. Violence. Suicide. Death.
⭐️3.5-4 stars ⭐️
My heart. Oh god my heart. I think I left it in the book. This book you guys. Fuck it made me bawl.
Zakai and Karys saved from their horrific lives of sex trafficking find presently find themselves trying to live their separate lives in NYC. We see the book in Karys’ pov and I felt every. Fucking. Thing she described it the book.
‘You were his dreamer when he forgot how to dream’ ugh
The writing. Sooo smooth and capturing. I was hooked on to the story from page one; I can’t see how someone couldn’t be.
I’ve read stories about the heroine/hero having a past in sex trafficking but never have I actually read ABOUT their past. We see them before and after and that’s a transformation I loved. Absolutely unique and beautiful.
But in my opinion. It ended too soon. They meet after 3 years apart. After they hurt each-other. And they decide to marry. I can’t. I just wish We saw a few chapters of them presently dating and starting a new life. But as it is. The book was beautiful
Also. Some of things that Zakai did to karys was NOT okay with me. It was something they should’ve worked out TOGETHER once they reunited.
TW: sex trafficking. Abuse. Cheating. Violence. Suicide. Death.
March 5, 2021
4 Stars ⭐️
February 28, 2021
From the prologue - at a book awards show - we go back in time seven years.
Karys and Zakai.
17 and 20 years old.
They've been living in this desert compound ever since they can remember.
They, and the others who live there, are forced to 'perform' for foreign rich guys a few nights per month.
The place is everything they know. Karys and Zakai are each other's everything. They love each other. They've been told the outside world is dangerous and they need to stay until their debt is paid.
But Zakai knows that there is more than this.
And there is. But being rescued and sent to New York to go to college and a normal life is not exactly the 'more' he was hoping for.
Their lives will change drastically ...
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO KARYS & ZAKAI?
WILL THERE BE A HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT ☺
══════════════════
What can I say?
It's a Mia Sheridan book. I LOVED reading it!
I think I cried for roughly 99% of the story. 😂
Ugh. Mia. You and your cry-books!
This was so heartbreaking!
At first it's all so sad and shocking in that desert place. But it's also so sweet and innocent. Their love is just so pure somehow. But then we're in New York and things change so much. Poor Zakai doesn't get the same rescue-happy-ending that Karys gets. He has to fight for himself. And it's so sad and heartbreaking the way he tries to make sure that Karys stays where she is. In college, learning, making something of herself.
Ugh. I just wanted to jump into the book and rescue that poor guy again!
Okay ... That's it. Nothing more I can say without spoiling the story!☺
READ IT! It's just beautiful. A typical Mia Sheridan heartbreaker and -healer!
And Netflix?! Please come and do this!
ONCE WE WERE STARLIGHT was such a beautiful & heartbreaking love story! I just adored Karys & Zakai! Run to your nearest amazon asap - they'll be sold out in no time! ☺
A tiny little thing that bothered me a bit. Not about the story, but about word-choice. The word SINGULAR. The first time it was mentioned I thought, huh, weird word-choice for that sentence. And then it happened eight more times and only once or twice was it used correctly in my opinion. Or rather in a way that didn't sound silly. So very weird. It's as if Mia has one of those a-big-word-for-every-day calendars and she decided she has to put at least 9 of those singulars in this book. LOL! But nobody will even notice this, so don't worry - I'm weird!
💜
💜
November 13, 2021
“Someday maybe you’ll string all those words together and they’ll tell a story.”
“What kind of story?”
“Something good, little star. Something that inspires hope.”
uff. this was hard to read. even if there were many things i didn't like, i feel like it's one of those stories that will stick with me for quite some time 🥺
🌺 i loved Karys as a heroine. i almost gave this four stars for her and her only. to be able to watch her grow and mature and deal with everything she went through? i admired her so much. it was endearing to see her obsession with words and the "outside" world, and how eventually she made a career out of this. character development = 10/10.
🌺 despite wanting to vomit half the time, i really liked the relationship Karys and Zakai had as teenagers. actually, I loved everything between them from the beginning of the novel until they began drifting apart around the 50% mark. i truly believed the love they felt for each other even in that awful situation.
“Sometimes I even want to go back.”
“Back?” I choked, turning toward him again, finding his face close to my own. “How can you say that?”
His gaze burned my flesh, my soul, as white-hot as the desert sun he’d just spoken of. “Yes. Back. Back to the place where you loved me.”
🌺 i liked Zakai until the middle. we don't get his POV until the epilogue, but i felt like i could get a grasp on him and his emotions, even as he started to drift apart from Karys. I loved how protective he was and how much he believed in her.
“To realize that I could bring you pleasure made me feel like a king. It made me think I might conquer the world.”
🌺 honestly, my problem started with the time jumps. we have a prologue that takes place in the present, and then the story starts around 7 years back. but when we get to the middle, it's like things start going super fast to get to the present, but there's no direct time jump either. i really think it would've been better to just divide this book into two parts and take us directly to the present, but instead, we get chapters that very quickly show us what happens during a looot of years, in which Karys and Zakai barely even interact. the pace was weird af, it was impossible to follow the story this way.
🌺 i couldn't connect with Zakai's character anymore after that 😭 it felt too weird, that he would just spend that amount of years without talking to her. also, what was going on in his life? it's hinted that he struggled with an alcohol addiction, but by the end, it's all figured out. we never see him directly struggle with anything. we just meet him again at the end when everything's okay and he's in a good place and wants to pursue Karys again. but what happened in those six years or so? why didn't he do it sooner? why now? ughhhhhhh. this really got on my nerves. i couldn't connect one bit with present Zakai.
“And, yes, your beauty, your ability to find joy where none of us could, felt like something precious. It felt like oxygen in an airless room. I loved you so much. I still do.”
🌺 on that note... the epilogue was super rushed. we get the motherf of all plot twists by the end, and it's only dealt with in one scene. i don't understand why Mia Sheridan didn't make this book longer or focused more on the present part :///
🌺 to sum up... it's a beautiful and heartbreaking story, but i couldn't get into the romance in the second half 😭 however, i still loved Karys and cried a lot with everything she went through. so the stars are mostly for her.
“What is this place?” I asked.
He stroked my hair, laying his lips on my forehead for a moment. “It’s home because you’re here.”
March 9, 2021
3.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
Mia Sheridan is the master of torturing her readers until she gives us a well-earned HEA.
When We Were Starlight is a story of a beautiful love blossoming amid all the depravity and evilness that exists in a desert called Sundara.
The pure love between Karys and Zakai was honed by a devious man relishing in the depraved sexual desires of different audiences and fulfilling their debauched wishes by showcasing Karys and Zakai's passion for one another.
Karys and Zakai's world shifts when the home they have known in the desert was but a prison, and they were victims that now have a chance of finding a new life in New York City.
But can their love withstand the temptations their new life offers? Was their love an illusion that came into existence to serve some depraved desire?
Hope. What was hope? I looked toward the sand-filled emptiness beyond our wall. Why wish for things you could not see? It was better to love the things in front of you, to appreciate what you’d been given, no matter how small. Wasn’t it?
What I love about Mia's books is that she does not shy away from giving her characters difficult and heartbreaking backstories.
This book did shred my heart to pieces. My heart just broke for Karys and everything she endured in her journey. I loved her character growth, I admired her perseverance.
Zakai on the other hand is the one I could not connect with much until the last bit of the book. It felt like Mia kept him in the dark until towards the end and that what prompted me to deduct half a star. I wanted to see more of him.
Overall, it's not the romance that resonated with me as much as it was Karys's journey.
And like every Mia Sheridan book, I am emotionally unsettled but satisfied.
Once we were starlight
Two halves of a whole
Fiery atoms
And radiant soul A
celestial collision
Separation unplanned
Our heaven shattered
As we fell to the sand
There are possible triggers in the book that I will list below.
Trigger Warning: mentions of sex trafficking, suicide, minors engaged in sexual acts, animal abuse, mentions of drug abuse.
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
Mia Sheridan is the master of torturing her readers until she gives us a well-earned HEA.
When We Were Starlight is a story of a beautiful love blossoming amid all the depravity and evilness that exists in a desert called Sundara.
The pure love between Karys and Zakai was honed by a devious man relishing in the depraved sexual desires of different audiences and fulfilling their debauched wishes by showcasing Karys and Zakai's passion for one another.
Karys and Zakai's world shifts when the home they have known in the desert was but a prison, and they were victims that now have a chance of finding a new life in New York City.
But can their love withstand the temptations their new life offers? Was their love an illusion that came into existence to serve some depraved desire?
Hope. What was hope? I looked toward the sand-filled emptiness beyond our wall. Why wish for things you could not see? It was better to love the things in front of you, to appreciate what you’d been given, no matter how small. Wasn’t it?
What I love about Mia's books is that she does not shy away from giving her characters difficult and heartbreaking backstories.
This book did shred my heart to pieces. My heart just broke for Karys and everything she endured in her journey. I loved her character growth, I admired her perseverance.
Zakai on the other hand is the one I could not connect with much until the last bit of the book. It felt like Mia kept him in the dark until towards the end and that what prompted me to deduct half a star. I wanted to see more of him.
Overall, it's not the romance that resonated with me as much as it was Karys's journey.
And like every Mia Sheridan book, I am emotionally unsettled but satisfied.
Once we were starlight
Two halves of a whole
Fiery atoms
And radiant soul A
celestial collision
Separation unplanned
Our heaven shattered
As we fell to the sand
There are possible triggers in the book that I will list below.
Trigger Warning: mentions of sex trafficking, suicide, minors engaged in sexual acts, animal abuse, mentions of drug abuse.
March 5, 2021
Whoa. This book.
This book.
I have no words. This was such an amazing, emotional, wild ride.
Honestly, at first I was afraid this was going to be the first time I have ever DNF'd a Mia Sheridan book. It was sort of dark and foreboding. I was uncomfortable in a way that wasn't sitting well with my world-weary heart. And there were parts that hurt to read. Oof. This was not for the faint of heart...
But then - there was a shift. The tone shifted as the storyline twisted and weaved itself into something altogether different. Suddenly I found myself completely consumed with the story. Just like that, I was fascinated, held completely in thrall, and hanging on every word.
I realized at some point that it wasn't even the romance that was holding me spellbound because, to be honest, there wasn't much romance on these pages.
But...Karys.
Of all the captivating, uplifting, lion-hearted heroines? Karys just might take the cake. She was amazing. I was completely enamored of her, in awe of her, and captivated by her cathartic and redemptive story.
There was so much pain on these pages.
But also so much hope. There were villains (Lord, but there were villains) and there were heroes, and - at the core of it all - there were these two broken people who, against all odds, carved out an amazingly beautiful life for themselves. My heart is overflowing with all the feelings I have for Karys and Zakai. What an incredibly special couple they turned out to be.
As I said, there wasn't a lot of romance on these pages, but this is undoubtedly a love story. It was not always easy to read. Some of the punches delivered early on were almost more than my heart could take. But in the end, I was completely blown away by this powerful, gripping story. My heart is completely wrecked. But I swear, it was so worth it. Mia Sheridan has a gift for storytelling that is virtually unparalleled. Simply stunning and an absolute must read. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
This book.
I have no words. This was such an amazing, emotional, wild ride.
Honestly, at first I was afraid this was going to be the first time I have ever DNF'd a Mia Sheridan book. It was sort of dark and foreboding. I was uncomfortable in a way that wasn't sitting well with my world-weary heart. And there were parts that hurt to read. Oof. This was not for the faint of heart...
But then - there was a shift. The tone shifted as the storyline twisted and weaved itself into something altogether different. Suddenly I found myself completely consumed with the story. Just like that, I was fascinated, held completely in thrall, and hanging on every word.
I realized at some point that it wasn't even the romance that was holding me spellbound because, to be honest, there wasn't much romance on these pages.
But...Karys.
Of all the captivating, uplifting, lion-hearted heroines? Karys just might take the cake. She was amazing. I was completely enamored of her, in awe of her, and captivated by her cathartic and redemptive story.
There was so much pain on these pages.
But also so much hope. There were villains (Lord, but there were villains) and there were heroes, and - at the core of it all - there were these two broken people who, against all odds, carved out an amazingly beautiful life for themselves. My heart is overflowing with all the feelings I have for Karys and Zakai. What an incredibly special couple they turned out to be.
As I said, there wasn't a lot of romance on these pages, but this is undoubtedly a love story. It was not always easy to read. Some of the punches delivered early on were almost more than my heart could take. But in the end, I was completely blown away by this powerful, gripping story. My heart is completely wrecked. But I swear, it was so worth it. Mia Sheridan has a gift for storytelling that is virtually unparalleled. Simply stunning and an absolute must read. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
December 23, 2021
Once again Mia Sheridan blows me away with the unique stories and beautiful storytelling. I actually never read the blurb, it’s Mia, I usually don’t. I went in completely blind and was definitely enraptured and mesmerized by the story. The first part of the story was just painfully beautiful and the second part was so angsty. I always rate the books based on how they made me feel, and that last part for me was so full of feels I felt it on my core. I would’ve definitely enjoyed some more of Zakai’s POV and their time together in the present, but this was fantastic nonetheless. The audiobook is also beautifully narrated!
August 24, 2021
Do I read blurbs? No.
Does that make for interesting reads? Yes.
I picked this book up not knowing anything about it except for who the author is and knowing I've enjoyed her books in the past.
As I reading chapter 1 I kept thinking is this a sci-fi book about another planet? I was really confused about what was happening until I realized our narrator is very naive. We are viewing the world through her innocent eyes.
Karys (who is our narrator) was taken as a child and brought to a remote desert called, Sundara. She along with a young boy named Zakai are the only children in Sundara.
They are used as a sideshow for wealthy people who come to this place to indulge in sexual deviance. Zakai & Karys performed sexual acts with each other while these wealthy deviants watch. They look so much alike that these watchers are made to believe they are watching something even more taboo - twins.
All the people at Sundara work to keep Karys sheltered because they love the little ray of sunshine she brings to this bleak place.
Not until one of the people there decides to help Zakai & Karys gain knowledge about what is beyond this place does Karys start to wonder about other things.
All these "performers" are working to pay off a debt they owe by doing sexual acts. But what kind of debt can two stolen children owe?
Luckily, for my emotional state, the above is only at the beginning of the book. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to handle reading about such a hard topic as human trafficking throughout the whole book.
Even once they are out of that horrid situation they're people who aren't good to them. It really begs the question what happens to children who grow up in that lifestyle and are set free as adults how do they function in society? Who helps them readjust?
I did feel like the end of the book had some flavors of the book - Epilogue (The Dark Duet by C.J. Roberts), and the beginning of the book at first had me thinking of the book, Becoming Calder (by Mia Sheridan).
Once We Were Starlight is a read that keeps your attention throughout the book. Never a dull moment.
Does that make for interesting reads? Yes.
I picked this book up not knowing anything about it except for who the author is and knowing I've enjoyed her books in the past.
As I reading chapter 1 I kept thinking is this a sci-fi book about another planet? I was really confused about what was happening until I realized our narrator is very naive. We are viewing the world through her innocent eyes.
Karys (who is our narrator) was taken as a child and brought to a remote desert called, Sundara. She along with a young boy named Zakai are the only children in Sundara.
They are used as a sideshow for wealthy people who come to this place to indulge in sexual deviance. Zakai & Karys performed sexual acts with each other while these wealthy deviants watch. They look so much alike that these watchers are made to believe they are watching something even more taboo - twins.
All the people at Sundara work to keep Karys sheltered because they love the little ray of sunshine she brings to this bleak place.
Not until one of the people there decides to help Zakai & Karys gain knowledge about what is beyond this place does Karys start to wonder about other things.
All these "performers" are working to pay off a debt they owe by doing sexual acts. But what kind of debt can two stolen children owe?
Luckily, for my emotional state, the above is only at the beginning of the book. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to handle reading about such a hard topic as human trafficking throughout the whole book.
Even once they are out of that horrid situation they're people who aren't good to them. It really begs the question what happens to children who grow up in that lifestyle and are set free as adults how do they function in society? Who helps them readjust?
I did feel like the end of the book had some flavors of the book - Epilogue (The Dark Duet by C.J. Roberts), and the beginning of the book at first had me thinking of the book, Becoming Calder (by Mia Sheridan).
Once We Were Starlight is a read that keeps your attention throughout the book. Never a dull moment.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Connor Crais & Trina Nishimura
Length: 8H 46M
February 28, 2021
Once again Mia Sheridan has rendered me speechless. OWWS took me by surprise and I still can’t stop thinking about it. What happens when you are taken from the desert of Sundara, the only home and family you’ve ever known, and are suddenly thrust into college in NYC? Couple that with being extremely sheltered and having no real education. And also, you have been sexually exploited your whole life. This is that story and as sick and twisted as it is, it was so hopeful and beautiful. Karys is hands down the best heroine I have ever read about. She had to survive so many things WITHOUT a real education. Yes, she was naive but her experiences shaped her into the strong woman she became. Now Zakai was a mystery to me and I wish there were more chapters from his point of view. I hated him at one point! I get everything he did was for Karys but still.. thankfully he redeemed himself at the end. Ugh I loved this so much!! Mia Sheridan always writes such unique romances and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next! 5+ stars!!
*arc
*arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
wish-list
February 22, 2021This sounds so weird I’m not even sure I understood the synopsis.
I’ll need more details, especially about safety.
Edit: I understood it perfectly. I had the confirmation this is about sex trafficking. Not sure why the synopsis is so poetic and vague, but it’s probably just a Mia Sheridan thing.
I’ll need more details, especially about safety.
Edit: I understood it perfectly. I had the confirmation this is about sex trafficking. Not sure why the synopsis is so poetic and vague, but it’s probably just a Mia Sheridan thing.
February 26, 2021
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"I’d believed I knew him better than I knew myself. Or as much as. For we’d been one. Lovers. Twins. Not by blood, but by soul. Entwined."
I have read, this one included, 21 books by Mia Sheridan, and I have yet to be disappointed by her amazing story-telling gift. I honestly don't need to know what the book is about to decide if I'll read it. I just know that it'll be original and intrigue me until the end. The same goes for Once We Were Starlight. In the prologue we meet the characters Karys and Zakai in present time and it gets me curious to see what happened in the years they were apart. In the first chapter we go back seven years and we get to see the story unfold in a continuous storyline. I was happy that the author didn't add flashforwards to the present time, because I don't think it would have been a great fit for this book. I wanted to experience the story step by step and heartbreak by heartbreak.
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
This book was very emotional, I especially couldn't contain my tears in the first quarter of the book. The setting of the book in the beginning (Sundara: the lush and forbidden oasis in the desert) felt magical and horrific at the same time. Karys and Zakai have made their own family and home in a twisted prison. Zakai is more aware of what is going on and did his best to shield and protect Karys from the ugly. She is innocent and very naive, but there comes a time that you can't stop yourself from seeing reality. I was happy that the author didn't shy away from certain dark subjects. It definitely added a layer of darkness and heartbreak.
"A star could not live with only one half. It’s light would fade to nothing and blink to darkness."
When these two find themselves free and in a unfamiliar new place, they both handle it differently. Zakai has a lot of demons and does what he thinks is best for Karys. These two needed time to grow as individuals because they had been together 24/7 for most of their lives. They were dependent on each other and it wasn't healthy. The decisions Zakai made were harsh and painful but I understand why he made them. Especially Karys needed time to discover herself. My heart broke for these two young beautiful characters. They were dealt a very bad hand at life, but they came out stronger in the end.
"Our love had always reflected the shifting sand: deep and turbulent even under the calmest skies."
My only critic is that I didn't feel like we spend enough time with the characters in present time. It was already half past the last quarter when we finally arrived in present time and it left me a bit unsatisfied. It felt rushed and I just wanted to see a two or three more chapters were the characters spend time together as a couple. That is the only thing that made me lower my rating but the rest was great. It was an emotional, heartbreaking, sensual, uplifting contemporary romance. I felt a very strong connection to the characters, and I loved them as a couple. I highly recommend to anyone who loves romance, and if you're a fan of Mia's writing then you'll probably end up enjoying Once We Were Starlight.
"I’d believed I knew him better than I knew myself. Or as much as. For we’d been one. Lovers. Twins. Not by blood, but by soul. Entwined."
I have read, this one included, 21 books by Mia Sheridan, and I have yet to be disappointed by her amazing story-telling gift. I honestly don't need to know what the book is about to decide if I'll read it. I just know that it'll be original and intrigue me until the end. The same goes for Once We Were Starlight. In the prologue we meet the characters Karys and Zakai in present time and it gets me curious to see what happened in the years they were apart. In the first chapter we go back seven years and we get to see the story unfold in a continuous storyline. I was happy that the author didn't add flashforwards to the present time, because I don't think it would have been a great fit for this book. I wanted to experience the story step by step and heartbreak by heartbreak.
“We are two halves of the same beautiful star, broken in the heavens. We fell to earth, separate, yet yearning to be together.”
This book was very emotional, I especially couldn't contain my tears in the first quarter of the book. The setting of the book in the beginning (Sundara: the lush and forbidden oasis in the desert) felt magical and horrific at the same time. Karys and Zakai have made their own family and home in a twisted prison. Zakai is more aware of what is going on and did his best to shield and protect Karys from the ugly. She is innocent and very naive, but there comes a time that you can't stop yourself from seeing reality. I was happy that the author didn't shy away from certain dark subjects. It definitely added a layer of darkness and heartbreak.
"A star could not live with only one half. It’s light would fade to nothing and blink to darkness."
When these two find themselves free and in a unfamiliar new place, they both handle it differently. Zakai has a lot of demons and does what he thinks is best for Karys. These two needed time to grow as individuals because they had been together 24/7 for most of their lives. They were dependent on each other and it wasn't healthy. The decisions Zakai made were harsh and painful but I understand why he made them. Especially Karys needed time to discover herself. My heart broke for these two young beautiful characters. They were dealt a very bad hand at life, but they came out stronger in the end.
"Our love had always reflected the shifting sand: deep and turbulent even under the calmest skies."
My only critic is that I didn't feel like we spend enough time with the characters in present time. It was already half past the last quarter when we finally arrived in present time and it left me a bit unsatisfied. It felt rushed and I just wanted to see a two or three more chapters were the characters spend time together as a couple. That is the only thing that made me lower my rating but the rest was great. It was an emotional, heartbreaking, sensual, uplifting contemporary romance. I felt a very strong connection to the characters, and I loved them as a couple. I highly recommend to anyone who loves romance, and if you're a fan of Mia's writing then you'll probably end up enjoying Once We Were Starlight.
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February 16, 2021WHY DID I READ THE TITLE OF THIS BOOK AS “ONCE WE WERE STRAIGHT”
LMAOOOOO. 🤣🤣 I thought Mia did a switcheroo there for a second.
I’m not going to read this or rate it but I just had to mention this.
LMAOOOOO. 🤣🤣 I thought Mia did a switcheroo there for a second.
I’m not going to read this or rate it but I just had to mention this.
March 17, 2021
Once we were starlight é um livro lindo e único, eu geralmente busco autoras que trazem o desconhecido e que não caem nos clichês, Mia faz justamente isso, mostra uma história linda, com um enredo maravilhoso e com personagens ainda mais encantadores, cheios de problemas e inseguranças como todos nós somos, mas também com muita determinação, e força.
Karys e Zaki são personagens que aguentaram muita coisa que foi posta no caminho deles , e mesmo com muitos escorregões me ensinaram muito.
Amei o livro da primeira a última página .
Em especial um anão que era gigante e um certo macaco que dançava.
Vale a pena e muita a leitura desse livro.
Karys e Zaki são personagens que aguentaram muita coisa que foi posta no caminho deles , e mesmo com muitos escorregões me ensinaram muito.
Amei o livro da primeira a última página .
Em especial um anão que era gigante e um certo macaco que dançava.
Vale a pena e muita a leitura desse livro.
March 10, 2021
I can always count on Mia to give me a unique, and beautiful story full of love, pain, heartache, hope, and redemption.
How I pictured Zakai
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How I pictured Zakai
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