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The Hollow Star Saga #2
A Cruel and Fated Light
The ailing king of the Courts of Folk…
A queen determined for greatness…
Four tenuous friends… and the deadly game that threatens to ensnare them all
Arlo, Nausicaä, Vehan, and Aurelian might have thwarted a terrible fate in Aurum Industries, but the Courts of Folk are far from saved. The true culprit behind the philosopher’s stones is still at large, and ironborn children continue to die, their hearts now up for grabs to any of the folk who happen across them. What’s worse is that all signs are pointing to immortal involvement—this entire thing may be their attempt at returning to the Mortal Realm, and if so, it’s Arlo, the latest Hollow Star, they’re going try to target to pull this off.
When Riadne Lysterne, Queen of Seelie Summer, offers help to Arlo, to train her to protect herself against this potential threat, surprise is the least of the Courts’ reactions. Invited to stay at her palace for the summer, Arlo is all too happy to ignore the very obvious signs that something is amiss, too thrilled at the chance to live a proper, royal fae life. But very few others trust Riadne’s motivation—not Nausicaä, realigned with the Hunt to track down the absent Lethe, and uncover what’s truly going on; not Aurelian, and his newly forged alliance with High Prince Celadon Fleur-Viridian, both determined to prove the queen’s ill intent. With the High King’s health at an all time low, and the Summer Solstice soon at hand, all eyes are on the Lysternes and Viridians—two Houses long at war, and far more connected than anyone knows, by cruelty… by fate… by two boys, both beginning to question the truth of who they are.
Good luck
A queen determined for greatness…
Four tenuous friends… and the deadly game that threatens to ensnare them all
Arlo, Nausicaä, Vehan, and Aurelian might have thwarted a terrible fate in Aurum Industries, but the Courts of Folk are far from saved. The true culprit behind the philosopher’s stones is still at large, and ironborn children continue to die, their hearts now up for grabs to any of the folk who happen across them. What’s worse is that all signs are pointing to immortal involvement—this entire thing may be their attempt at returning to the Mortal Realm, and if so, it’s Arlo, the latest Hollow Star, they’re going try to target to pull this off.
When Riadne Lysterne, Queen of Seelie Summer, offers help to Arlo, to train her to protect herself against this potential threat, surprise is the least of the Courts’ reactions. Invited to stay at her palace for the summer, Arlo is all too happy to ignore the very obvious signs that something is amiss, too thrilled at the chance to live a proper, royal fae life. But very few others trust Riadne’s motivation—not Nausicaä, realigned with the Hunt to track down the absent Lethe, and uncover what’s truly going on; not Aurelian, and his newly forged alliance with High Prince Celadon Fleur-Viridian, both determined to prove the queen’s ill intent. With the High King’s health at an all time low, and the Summer Solstice soon at hand, all eyes are on the Lysternes and Viridians—two Houses long at war, and far more connected than anyone knows, by cruelty… by fate… by two boys, both beginning to question the truth of who they are.
Good luck
621 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
139 people are currently reading
6753 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Shuttleworth
4 books851 followersAshley Shuttleworth was born in Chilliwack, British Columbia and currently lives Ontario. They have a BA (Hons) in English Literature with a minor in Classical History, and spent some time after uni living and teaching in Seoul, South Korea.
When they aren't reading or writing, their favourite pastimes are going to the gym, playing video games (particularly Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Zelda), and piecing together cosplays for conventions.
When they aren't reading or writing, their favourite pastimes are going to the gym, playing video games (particularly Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Zelda), and piecing together cosplays for conventions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
Want to read
October 19, 2021I thought us gays couldn’t have ugly covers….
I’M SO SORRY I JUST…. HAVE YOU SEEN THE FIRST ONE? It’s gorgeous! No hate to the cover artist I just…. This is like…. First Shadowhunters meet romance novels and it’s just really not my vibe.
Anyways. Yeepee for Vehan and Aurelian, I do want to read more about them.
I’M SO SORRY I JUST…. HAVE YOU SEEN THE FIRST ONE? It’s gorgeous! No hate to the cover artist I just…. This is like…. First Shadowhunters meet romance novels and it’s just really not my vibe.
Anyways. Yeepee for Vehan and Aurelian, I do want to read more about them.
September 21, 2021
A CRUEL AND FATED LIGHT is 1000% the "started making it... had a breakdown... bon appetit!"
That being said, I'm incredibly proud of this book. Even while I type this--at it's current, unfinished stage--I can already see how much I've improved as both a writer, and a story-teller in general. I'm SO excited for people to get to read this, particularly because a Certain Character has gained his own POV and gosh but his story has just exploded all over this book, and also my editor and I have been having a great deal of fun playing around with all the little plot points.
ANYHOW we're now at a point where I can give fairly accurate estimation of the significant content warnings for this book. There's been important discussions around the inclusion of content warnings for published novels, particularly that they often get weaponized against the queer and POC communities. I don't at all support that weaponization--I do still firmly believe in including CWs for this particular series though, and will continue to include an AUTHOR'S NOTE at the front of the HOLLOW STAR books to list them.
For advance notice, the list so far includes:
CONTENT WARNINGS: anger, arson, blood/gore, depression, grief (loss of loved one), miscarriage (past, off-page), parental abuse/neglect, psychopathy, self-harm (past, moderate-description), suicide (past, off-page), suicide (present, on-page, moderate-description)*, suicide ideation
*A CRUEL AND FATED LIGHT portrays on-page a character who dies by suicide. While not a graphic description, the act and resulting impact on certain characters may be extremely triggering for readers. Currently, this scene occurs during CHAPTER 24. I will attempt to include a summary of the chapter (most likely on my website) should anyone wish to skip said scene but still continue with the story.
That being said, I'm incredibly proud of this book. Even while I type this--at it's current, unfinished stage--I can already see how much I've improved as both a writer, and a story-teller in general. I'm SO excited for people to get to read this, particularly because a Certain Character has gained his own POV and gosh but his story has just exploded all over this book, and also my editor and I have been having a great deal of fun playing around with all the little plot points.
ANYHOW we're now at a point where I can give fairly accurate estimation of the significant content warnings for this book. There's been important discussions around the inclusion of content warnings for published novels, particularly that they often get weaponized against the queer and POC communities. I don't at all support that weaponization--I do still firmly believe in including CWs for this particular series though, and will continue to include an AUTHOR'S NOTE at the front of the HOLLOW STAR books to list them.
For advance notice, the list so far includes:
CONTENT WARNINGS: anger, arson, blood/gore, depression, grief (loss of loved one), miscarriage (past, off-page), parental abuse/neglect, psychopathy, self-harm (past, moderate-description), suicide (past, off-page), suicide (present, on-page, moderate-description)*, suicide ideation
*A CRUEL AND FATED LIGHT portrays on-page a character who dies by suicide. While not a graphic description, the act and resulting impact on certain characters may be extremely triggering for readers. Currently, this scene occurs during CHAPTER 24. I will attempt to include a summary of the chapter (most likely on my website) should anyone wish to skip said scene but still continue with the story.
December 8, 2022
#1: A Dark and Hollow Star review
Immediate reaction:
pain... all i know is pain
Actual review:
I really loved this sequel! Ashley Shuttleworth did a fantastic job of raising the stakes and surprised me at every twist. I adored the progression of our core characters (now including Celadon!) and their relationships. And yes, I am still very much part of the Nos fan club!
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*Thank you Ashley for having me on the street team and providing an eARC. This has not affected my review.*
dnf
November 28, 202110/23/21
cover reveal …
um.
absolutely love the two characters, but why do i feel like the actual art is just.. bad. its not good. i literally thought it was a joke at first pls
cover reveal …
um.
absolutely love the two characters, but why do i feel like the actual art is just.. bad. its not good. i literally thought it was a joke at first pls
Want to read
October 24, 2021um hello is this cover a joke
Want to read
October 30, 2021wow
that's an ugly book cover
that's an ugly book cover
June 19, 2022
Are you freaking kidding me?
I gotta wait forever to find out what happens next?
Dammit Ashley!
This was just as good as the first book. I got high hopes for the rest of the series!
I gotta wait forever to find out what happens next?
Dammit Ashley!
This was just as good as the first book. I got high hopes for the rest of the series!
Want to read
October 18, 2021okay so Nausicaä is the Dark Star and Arlo is the Hollow Star--does this mean Aurelian and Vehan are the Cruel Light and Fated Light? if so please i am going to scream
(who is cruel and who is fated though? i do not know what to do with myself until this comes out screeee)
(who is cruel and who is fated though? i do not know what to do with myself until this comes out screeee)
December 31, 2022
I honestly think we stepped into the new era of ya fantasy with this series.
RTC
Also, Arlo's theme song: Arlo's theme song.
RTC
Also, Arlo's theme song: Arlo's theme song.
June 17, 2022
4.5 stars
A Cruel and Fated Light is the sequel to a Dark and Hollow Star and basically just expands and improves on everything I loved about that book to create what is probably now one of my favourite YA fantasies that feels both nostalgic and new/exciting at the same time. Additionally when you make the main focus of the plot an evil unhinged milf with a tragic backstory it is pretty much inevitable I will love it.
My favourite thing about this series series is the characters - I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH!!!! I love how literally everyone is queer and that makes me very happy <3 My favourite characters in this book were actually Celadon and Theo, which surprised me because neither of them are big characters in book 1 (I don't think Theo is even in book 1) but they really snuck up on me with how much I loved them! Celadon is such a precious cinnamon roll prince and I loved his arc in this book and how he is dealing with a lot of heavy revelations about his past and trying to protect Arlo from vicious court politics but still maintains his kindness and grace throughout. Theo is my other favourite brand of character which is the charming, cheeky and slightly asshole-y character who is clearly hiding things with uncertain loyalties.
I also of course love Arlo/Nausicaa and their relationship. Arlo goes through a really beautiful journey in this book with figuring out both her sexuality and her magic/alchemy and growing in confidence. Nausicaa doesn't have as much of an arc in this book as book 1 but she has such a strong personality she always steals the show when she in on page and I love how she is always there for Arlo whilst giving her space to figure stuff out.
I also really liked Vehan/Aurelian and their arcs throughout the book. There was quite a lot of (possibly unnecessary) angst with their relationship but I eat that shit up lol. I thought Vehan and his relationship with his mother was a really interesting exploration of complicated family dynamics and how despite Riadne repeatedly treating Vehan badly and gaslighting him, he still loves her and refuses to see her faults at first.
Riadne was also a highlight of this book for me. I know she is technically the "bad guy" but she is exactly the type of evil character (read: unhinged milf) I can't help loving. And give her a tragic backstory as well just UGHHH.
The plot was really good throughout the book, there were quite a lot of slower moments just building the tension in the summer court but I actually thought this worked really well (and I'm also a fan of books with lots of quieter character moments) and lead to an excellent pay off with a very dramatic conclusion.
My only minor criticism of this book is that it was quite long for what it was, however I would probably read about these characters going food shopping so I'm not sure how much of a criticism it is. The only other thing was that the ending cuts off a little abruptly however since there is going to be a sequel I don't think this would be too much of an issue once all the books are out; it will just make the wait painful T_T
Overall I would highly recommend this series if you like YA fantasy with disaster gays, excellent and imaginative world building, fairie shenanigans and exploring complicated family dynamics.
A Cruel and Fated Light is the sequel to a Dark and Hollow Star and basically just expands and improves on everything I loved about that book to create what is probably now one of my favourite YA fantasies that feels both nostalgic and new/exciting at the same time. Additionally when you make the main focus of the plot an evil unhinged milf with a tragic backstory it is pretty much inevitable I will love it.
My favourite thing about this series series is the characters - I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCH!!!! I love how literally everyone is queer and that makes me very happy <3 My favourite characters in this book were actually Celadon and Theo, which surprised me because neither of them are big characters in book 1 (I don't think Theo is even in book 1) but they really snuck up on me with how much I loved them! Celadon is such a precious cinnamon roll prince and I loved his arc in this book and how he is dealing with a lot of heavy revelations about his past and trying to protect Arlo from vicious court politics but still maintains his kindness and grace throughout. Theo is my other favourite brand of character which is the charming, cheeky and slightly asshole-y character who is clearly hiding things with uncertain loyalties.
I also of course love Arlo/Nausicaa and their relationship. Arlo goes through a really beautiful journey in this book with figuring out both her sexuality and her magic/alchemy and growing in confidence. Nausicaa doesn't have as much of an arc in this book as book 1 but she has such a strong personality she always steals the show when she in on page and I love how she is always there for Arlo whilst giving her space to figure stuff out.
I also really liked Vehan/Aurelian and their arcs throughout the book. There was quite a lot of (possibly unnecessary) angst with their relationship but I eat that shit up lol. I thought Vehan and his relationship with his mother was a really interesting exploration of complicated family dynamics and how despite Riadne repeatedly treating Vehan badly and gaslighting him, he still loves her and refuses to see her faults at first.
Riadne was also a highlight of this book for me. I know she is technically the "bad guy" but she is exactly the type of evil character (read: unhinged milf) I can't help loving. And give her a tragic backstory as well just UGHHH.
The plot was really good throughout the book, there were quite a lot of slower moments just building the tension in the summer court but I actually thought this worked really well (and I'm also a fan of books with lots of quieter character moments) and lead to an excellent pay off with a very dramatic conclusion.
My only minor criticism of this book is that it was quite long for what it was, however I would probably read about these characters going food shopping so I'm not sure how much of a criticism it is. The only other thing was that the ending cuts off a little abruptly however since there is going to be a sequel I don't think this would be too much of an issue once all the books are out; it will just make the wait painful T_T
Overall I would highly recommend this series if you like YA fantasy with disaster gays, excellent and imaginative world building, fairie shenanigans and exploring complicated family dynamics.
November 18, 2022
For every pertinent paragraph there are at least two that are completely unnecessary. Really wish the author would pay as much attention to the plot as they do to their characters’ attire.
There’s a really good book in there. The parts with Nos and Arlo are pretty awesome and seem to be the only ones pushing the story forward. The others don’t really seem to serve much of a purpose other than to add drama.
Unfortunately the author gives every one their own POV chapters so you know exactly what’s going on so the efforts of the other characters are wasted on the reader. You’re just spending the time waiting for everyone else to catch up. The ending could have been avoided easily had everyone compared notes.
There’s a really good book in there. The parts with Nos and Arlo are pretty awesome and seem to be the only ones pushing the story forward. The others don’t really seem to serve much of a purpose other than to add drama.
Unfortunately the author gives every one their own POV chapters so you know exactly what’s going on so the efforts of the other characters are wasted on the reader. You’re just spending the time waiting for everyone else to catch up. The ending could have been avoided easily had everyone compared notes.
December 4, 2024
Reread : 04/12/24
Rating: 4 stars
═══《✧》════
First read: 08/05/21
Rating: 4 stars
Phewww what a ride!!!!
I don't know what was wrong with me but I couldn't really vibe with this book, Maybe I had to reread this before the next book is out. but that doesn't mean it wasn't bad.
These characters stole my heart in the first book, but Vehan (such lovable snark) and Celadon (a favorite of mine and smarter than most in the room) continue to be my favorites. Such a diverse cast is cause for celebration with this series, as is the intricately mapped plot.
This book weighs in at a hefty 640 pages, but with political machinations, alchemy, immortals, questionable motivations, a challenge for the crown, dark secrets, and sweet romances, the pages flew by for me.
Rating: 4 stars
═══《✧》════
First read: 08/05/21
Rating: 4 stars
Phewww what a ride!!!!
I don't know what was wrong with me but I couldn't really vibe with this book, Maybe I had to reread this before the next book is out. but that doesn't mean it wasn't bad.
These characters stole my heart in the first book, but Vehan (such lovable snark) and Celadon (a favorite of mine and smarter than most in the room) continue to be my favorites. Such a diverse cast is cause for celebration with this series, as is the intricately mapped plot.
This book weighs in at a hefty 640 pages, but with political machinations, alchemy, immortals, questionable motivations, a challenge for the crown, dark secrets, and sweet romances, the pages flew by for me.
March 1, 2022
Such an amazing sequel and a wonderful addition to the Hollow Star Saga! I was very fortunate to be able to read an early copy of this and there are so many things to look forward to: court intrigue and politics, all the ships, twists and betrayals, on top of intricate and expansive world building. You also get to see a lot more of the fae world and Nausicaa is back with amazing one liners that had me dying. Absolutely loved it and am so excited for the rest of the series!
June 4, 2022
The fact that I need to wait at least a year for book 3 now is aphobic and I WON'T STAND FOR IT! Also Celadon is my everything and thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
(Real review coming soon ahh I need to gather my thoughts)
....
A Cruel and Fated Light, the sequel to the truly explosive queer YA urban fantasy novel, DELIVERED on ever front!
In this book we follow Arlo and her crew as they get more enmeshed in court politics - all culminating in the long-awaited solstice ball that could change the dynamics of the courts forever.
This book is less action based and heavier on the court intrigue which adds another layer of complexity to the story - and I loved that! We had our MCs dealing with court drama while also trying to untangle the secrets that followed them to this sequel from book one and I'm not gonna lie, I am SO SCARED of what book three will bring. Probably even more pain and bloodshed, since this book was far from meak, especially by the end of it.
My favourite part of this series remains the characters - our main five, Arlo, Nausica, Celadon, Vehan, and Aurelian. I would die for this group and I keep falling more and more in love with them with every installment. In A Cruel and Fated Light we watch their friendships deepen - with some romantic interludes that I was a BIG fan of (nothing like these kids getting their shit together and confessing their feelings and stuff, I STAN). Celadon shone like the brightest star in this book and I think it's safe to say he's making his way towards my "favourite" of the series. A ace fae who is questioning his gender identity and is simply drop dead gorgeous and amazing with a heart of gold? I have tears in my eyes just writing this down.
Anyway, I am getting sidetracked - A Cruel and Fated Light was the PERFECT sequel to A Dark and Hollow Star, full of court intrigue, painful yet beautiful love stories, and loads of unexpected plot twists that will keep you reeling. This book did NOT suffer the second book syndrome and I just adored it with my whole heart.
If queer fantasies are your go-to, picking up The Hollow Star Saga is a MUST! You'll be hooked in no time!!
(Real review coming soon ahh I need to gather my thoughts)
....
A Cruel and Fated Light, the sequel to the truly explosive queer YA urban fantasy novel, DELIVERED on ever front!
In this book we follow Arlo and her crew as they get more enmeshed in court politics - all culminating in the long-awaited solstice ball that could change the dynamics of the courts forever.
This book is less action based and heavier on the court intrigue which adds another layer of complexity to the story - and I loved that! We had our MCs dealing with court drama while also trying to untangle the secrets that followed them to this sequel from book one and I'm not gonna lie, I am SO SCARED of what book three will bring. Probably even more pain and bloodshed, since this book was far from meak, especially by the end of it.
My favourite part of this series remains the characters - our main five, Arlo, Nausica, Celadon, Vehan, and Aurelian. I would die for this group and I keep falling more and more in love with them with every installment. In A Cruel and Fated Light we watch their friendships deepen - with some romantic interludes that I was a BIG fan of (nothing like these kids getting their shit together and confessing their feelings and stuff, I STAN). Celadon shone like the brightest star in this book and I think it's safe to say he's making his way towards my "favourite" of the series. A ace fae who is questioning his gender identity and is simply drop dead gorgeous and amazing with a heart of gold? I have tears in my eyes just writing this down.
Anyway, I am getting sidetracked - A Cruel and Fated Light was the PERFECT sequel to A Dark and Hollow Star, full of court intrigue, painful yet beautiful love stories, and loads of unexpected plot twists that will keep you reeling. This book did NOT suffer the second book syndrome and I just adored it with my whole heart.
If queer fantasies are your go-to, picking up The Hollow Star Saga is a MUST! You'll be hooked in no time!!
November 12, 2022
Cannot believe I wasted my time on this. The whole book could have been scrapped and made into a short story. The incessant useless descriptions of what people were wearing alone would’ve cut this down to 50 pages instead of 620. Everything was so painfully obvious and so poorly written. Actual pain.
This series had so much potential, especially after the first book, but I’m afraid I will not be reading on.
This series had so much potential, especially after the first book, but I’m afraid I will not be reading on.
January 13, 2023
I’m sorry, I can’t do it. How is this book slower and more full of info dumps than the first in the series. DNF.
January 22, 2024
Where does one even begin with this? My head is a mess, been a mess ever since I read the last line of the epilogue. This book put my heart through the blender, made me laugh out loud, and scream into my pillow - something not every book manages to do.
Now I have to say, as with the first installment, I pushed through mainly because of my love for the characters because the plot, while interesting and connecting so many dots, did kind of go off the rails there in some parts. I'm a sucker for good, intricate worldbuilding but here it's almost too much with fae and faeries and other creatures and a whole immortal realm that ominously hangs over everything and is one big question mark. This story lives from the many hints it lays out and the secrets every character keeps, only some of which are revealed within the book. But it can easily feel overwhelming to keep up and connect the dots and I do feel like I'm none the wiser about where this story is going plot-wise.
Character-wise though? Oh, chefest of kisses if you ask me. The sequel was everything that I hoped for in terms of shedding more light on characters I felt got the short end of the stick in book one (Vehan, Aurelian, and Celadon my love, my light, my everything) AND actually made me do a 180 with my opinion on several things. Arlo was easily catapulted into my Top 3 of favorite characters and I'm so excited about where this story goes for her after what happened in the last 50 pages.
Similarly, I wasn't too excited about already knowing from Book 1 who the villain in this story is but the way we find out more about their backstory, their motivations, and the cruelties unleashed on them? Not saying I don't want them to perish still but you know.... a good, complicated villain origin story if I've ever seen one.
So after that ending, I need 2023 to come sooner and for Book 3 to deliver:
- Arlo going completely off the rails because everyone should stop pushing my girl around!
- Celadon getting ten blankets and twenty hugs from the people he loves which - ha :')
- Vehan to get therapy (optional: with Celadon)
- more Nausicäa & Wild Hunt interactions
- someone to just take my boy Aurelian home to his boyfriend
- more queer quintet team-ups (+ theo? so queer sextet?)
- Lethe to explain to me what his fucking thing is with the princes like I cannot tell if this is some part of the plan or a weird creepy obsession
- everyone to fucking talk to each other because I hate to say it but if certain people had just shared what they know with Arlo and Vehan all of this could have been avoided (which... hopefully also leads to some good angst).
____________________
i need a day or TEN to organize my thoughts because currently my head is celadon bursting into the room, screaming for [redacted] on loop
Now I have to say, as with the first installment, I pushed through mainly because of my love for the characters because the plot, while interesting and connecting so many dots, did kind of go off the rails there in some parts. I'm a sucker for good, intricate worldbuilding but here it's almost too much with fae and faeries and other creatures and a whole immortal realm that ominously hangs over everything and is one big question mark. This story lives from the many hints it lays out and the secrets every character keeps, only some of which are revealed within the book. But it can easily feel overwhelming to keep up and connect the dots and I do feel like I'm none the wiser about where this story is going plot-wise.
Character-wise though? Oh, chefest of kisses if you ask me. The sequel was everything that I hoped for in terms of shedding more light on characters I felt got the short end of the stick in book one (Vehan, Aurelian, and Celadon my love, my light, my everything) AND actually made me do a 180 with my opinion on several things. Arlo was easily catapulted into my Top 3 of favorite characters and I'm so excited about where this story goes for her after what happened in the last 50 pages.
Similarly, I wasn't too excited about already knowing from Book 1 who the villain in this story is but the way we find out more about their backstory, their motivations, and the cruelties unleashed on them? Not saying I don't want them to perish still but you know.... a good, complicated villain origin story if I've ever seen one.
So after that ending, I need 2023 to come sooner and for Book 3 to deliver:
- Arlo going completely off the rails because everyone should stop pushing my girl around!
- Celadon getting ten blankets and twenty hugs from the people he loves which - ha :')
- Vehan to get therapy (optional: with Celadon)
- more Nausicäa & Wild Hunt interactions
- someone to just take my boy Aurelian home to his boyfriend
- more queer quintet team-ups (+ theo? so queer sextet?)
- Lethe to explain to me what his fucking thing is with the princes like I cannot tell if this is some part of the plan or a weird creepy obsession
- everyone to fucking talk to each other because I hate to say it but if certain people had just shared what they know with Arlo and Vehan all of this could have been avoided (which... hopefully also leads to some good angst).
____________________
i need a day or TEN to organize my thoughts because currently my head is celadon bursting into the room, screaming for [redacted] on loop
Want to read
October 18, 2021A Dark and Hollow Star [#1]: 5 stars Review
31st january 2021: if i don't get an arc of this as soon as it's available there will be so much trouble and if anything happens to vehan, shuttleworth and i will have to have some harsh words
31st march 2021: even the title and synopsis are bringing me pain is it next year yet? no? but aurelian and celadon, so true. i've already started praying to netgalley for an arc of this
11th august 2021: read the content warnings (can be found in the author’s review and will be printed in finished book) and this book might break me so that sounds like fun
17th september 2021: i will not know any peace until next july seriously
17th october 2021: the cover my poor vehan i am so worried about him.
31st january 2021: if i don't get an arc of this as soon as it's available there will be so much trouble and if anything happens to vehan, shuttleworth and i will have to have some harsh words
31st march 2021: even the title and synopsis are bringing me pain is it next year yet? no? but aurelian and celadon, so true. i've already started praying to netgalley for an arc of this
11th august 2021: read the content warnings (can be found in the author’s review and will be printed in finished book) and this book might break me so that sounds like fun
17th september 2021: i will not know any peace until next july seriously
17th october 2021: the cover my poor vehan i am so worried about him.
June 26, 2023
* 3.5/5 stars
The first 400 or so pages were slow. But then things started to go down.
My first thought after finishing this was to give it 4 stars. The ending was really good and I'm excited for book 3. But when I think about it, those fist 400 or so pages were really slow. Nothing much happened, there were some POVs I just didn't really care about... when I compare it to book 1, this was so much slower than that.
I think that this book could've been a lot shorter and if I didn't love these characters (read Arlo and Nausicaä) so much, this definitely would've been a 3 star read. For a highly anticipated book, this was a bit of a disappointment, but the ending was really good and got me excited to read book 3.
The first 400 or so pages were slow. But then things started to go down.
My first thought after finishing this was to give it 4 stars. The ending was really good and I'm excited for book 3. But when I think about it, those fist 400 or so pages were really slow. Nothing much happened, there were some POVs I just didn't really care about... when I compare it to book 1, this was so much slower than that.
I think that this book could've been a lot shorter and if I didn't love these characters (read Arlo and Nausicaä) so much, this definitely would've been a 3 star read. For a highly anticipated book, this was a bit of a disappointment, but the ending was really good and got me excited to read book 3.
June 14, 2022
Thank you SO much to Margaret K. McElderry Books and Netgalley for providing an e-arc of this!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
I'm 100% obsessed with this series! It has a MASSIVE cast of characters, complex political maneuverings, and the most eclectic mashup of fantasy elements and I love it.
This fantasy is expertly crafted and I just can't get over how much I love this queer cast of characters. They are all so flawed yet so lovable.
I love how Ashely Shuttleworth builds their plots slowly throughout the book only to have the last 100+ pages be a whirlwind of action and reveals. I swear the last 2 hours of this audiobook took 10 years off my life!
If you're considering picking this series up, I highly recommend the audiobook. The full cast audio not only brings the story to life, but it makes the characters easier to distinguish (which is helpful with a cast this size)
I'm already anxiously awaiting the next book. I need it.
I'm 100% obsessed with this series! It has a MASSIVE cast of characters, complex political maneuverings, and the most eclectic mashup of fantasy elements and I love it.
This fantasy is expertly crafted and I just can't get over how much I love this queer cast of characters. They are all so flawed yet so lovable.
I love how Ashely Shuttleworth builds their plots slowly throughout the book only to have the last 100+ pages be a whirlwind of action and reveals. I swear the last 2 hours of this audiobook took 10 years off my life!
If you're considering picking this series up, I highly recommend the audiobook. The full cast audio not only brings the story to life, but it makes the characters easier to distinguish (which is helpful with a cast this size)
I'm already anxiously awaiting the next book. I need it.
Read
May 31, 2022Um okay like ow? Big ouchie? Wow why does this hurt so much? Yeah those are my thoughts when I finished this one. Big freaking cry.
So I'm really grateful that I was able to listen to this one immediately after finishing the first because by some weird stroke of luck I started the first one right when the second one was being released without even knowing it. I am super glad because I think that these two books need to go together in order to really get invested. Now is that a detriment to a series? Maybe. It shouldn't take two books to get people totally sucked in. There is a lot of world building and magic systems and character arcs to follow with the series and it took me pretty much 3/4 of the way through the first one to really get hooked but once I was there I was there. This second one immediately draws you in and if you liked the first one at all please read this one.
The best part about this book for me was Celadon's perspective because I love him and I don't know. He is also asexual and non-cis (maybe gender queer, he doesn't know yet) and I want him to be so happy.
I also really appreciated the grumpy sunshine trope between Nausicaa and Arlo. Like Nausicaa is so grouchy and I love it. She is really just a cinnamon roll but I kind of love how much she hates people and obviously she's got some trauma but between her and then Arlo's like super sunshine vibes they're hilarious together and I love it.
I don't want to talk about the plot too much because I did say that in my review for the first one that I was going to put on my thoughts here and I'm trying not to be too spoilery. Just know that if you like high fantasy and you like an all queer cast then this is a book to check out. I really liked the audiobooks and the multiple narrators they had. Get ready for some suffering and some angst because it is here in spades and I need the third book immediately.
Pansexual MC, lesbian MC, bisexual MC, asexual non cis MC, gay MC, loads of queer and trans secondary characters. Set in Canada and Nevada (US)
So I'm really grateful that I was able to listen to this one immediately after finishing the first because by some weird stroke of luck I started the first one right when the second one was being released without even knowing it. I am super glad because I think that these two books need to go together in order to really get invested. Now is that a detriment to a series? Maybe. It shouldn't take two books to get people totally sucked in. There is a lot of world building and magic systems and character arcs to follow with the series and it took me pretty much 3/4 of the way through the first one to really get hooked but once I was there I was there. This second one immediately draws you in and if you liked the first one at all please read this one.
The best part about this book for me was Celadon's perspective because I love him and I don't know. He is also asexual and non-cis (maybe gender queer, he doesn't know yet) and I want him to be so happy.
I also really appreciated the grumpy sunshine trope between Nausicaa and Arlo. Like Nausicaa is so grouchy and I love it. She is really just a cinnamon roll but I kind of love how much she hates people and obviously she's got some trauma but between her and then Arlo's like super sunshine vibes they're hilarious together and I love it.
I don't want to talk about the plot too much because I did say that in my review for the first one that I was going to put on my thoughts here and I'm trying not to be too spoilery. Just know that if you like high fantasy and you like an all queer cast then this is a book to check out. I really liked the audiobooks and the multiple narrators they had. Get ready for some suffering and some angst because it is here in spades and I need the third book immediately.
Pansexual MC, lesbian MC, bisexual MC, asexual non cis MC, gay MC, loads of queer and trans secondary characters. Set in Canada and Nevada (US)
June 6, 2022
Enjoyed this a lot!
There’s lots of stuff I liked but here’s some criticism:
1. Arlo is SUCH a main character, way too OP and dumb, which is extremely annoying.
2. This is going to sound bad but I didn’t enjoy the queer rep in one specific aspect: labels. I love it when labels are specifically mentioned in fiction, but it makes no sense to me why the characters would suddenly start explaining them. It took me out of the story every time and it also doesn’t make much sense to me, as the world is set up in a way where queerness is normal. When Arlo explains her sexuality it mentally sends me to an informative instagram post, which is not what I need when I’m reading fantasy. I feel like I sound like a conservative, but I don’t know how to phrase this any better :(. Obviously it’s not the queerness itself that takes me out, but rather the over-explaining. I think it’s great to have fiction be educational, but I think the specific explanations(like how to use they/them pronouns) could have been part of the author’s notes or something just as well. This goes with a general issue I have with the storytelling, which is the way it takes the reader by the hand and leads them through everything, instead of leaving things unclear. Maybe less foreshadowing. I know this is y/a but you really don’t have to explain stuff so much, give your readers some credit.
But as I said, I enjoyed this and I will take overly explained queerness over no queerness any day!
There’s lots of stuff I liked but here’s some criticism:
1. Arlo is SUCH a main character, way too OP and dumb, which is extremely annoying.
2. This is going to sound bad but I didn’t enjoy the queer rep in one specific aspect: labels. I love it when labels are specifically mentioned in fiction, but it makes no sense to me why the characters would suddenly start explaining them. It took me out of the story every time and it also doesn’t make much sense to me, as the world is set up in a way where queerness is normal. When Arlo explains her sexuality it mentally sends me to an informative instagram post, which is not what I need when I’m reading fantasy. I feel like I sound like a conservative, but I don’t know how to phrase this any better :(. Obviously it’s not the queerness itself that takes me out, but rather the over-explaining. I think it’s great to have fiction be educational, but I think the specific explanations(like how to use they/them pronouns) could have been part of the author’s notes or something just as well. This goes with a general issue I have with the storytelling, which is the way it takes the reader by the hand and leads them through everything, instead of leaving things unclear. Maybe less foreshadowing. I know this is y/a but you really don’t have to explain stuff so much, give your readers some credit.
But as I said, I enjoyed this and I will take overly explained queerness over no queerness any day!
June 1, 2022
I am shook and need time
January 17, 2024
Well that was one hell of a cliffhanger
May 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc for this book.
A Cruel and Fated Light is an extremely fun read, and improves upon the already strong base set by the first book. The plot and mystery here was so entertaining and although I felt a step ahead when unraveling the next twist for most of the book it was exciting to see the characters encounter them and that tension and anticipation was well executed.
The characters, and in particular Nausicaä and Arlo, are the highlights here. For the most part I loved seeing their interaction and growth together throughout the story, and the diverse range of identities portrayed was refreshing and it is so important that LGBTQ+ representation like this is getting published.
The main reasons however, that this wasn’t a five star read for me were some things regarding Vehan’s arc around the midpoint of the novel. The book briefly became frustrating and tough for me to read due to miscommunication and jealousy portrayed. While I understand why this was included in the story in its execution it really lacked for me and left me a little tired of this plotline, waiting for more engaging and interesting things to happen. I personally found this book to be a little too long for its content, as in places it felt spread thin with its 600+ page count, however these factors did not stop me having a fun time overall.
I am aware of how my personal tastes may affect my opinion of this book, with urban fantasy settings as well as YA not suiting my preferred reading, nevertheless I enjoyed this book regardless. The world was interesting and engaging and the pop culture references were a certain brand of nerdy that really worked for me. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next and carry on following these characters I have really come to care about!
A Cruel and Fated Light is an extremely fun read, and improves upon the already strong base set by the first book. The plot and mystery here was so entertaining and although I felt a step ahead when unraveling the next twist for most of the book it was exciting to see the characters encounter them and that tension and anticipation was well executed.
The characters, and in particular Nausicaä and Arlo, are the highlights here. For the most part I loved seeing their interaction and growth together throughout the story, and the diverse range of identities portrayed was refreshing and it is so important that LGBTQ+ representation like this is getting published.
The main reasons however, that this wasn’t a five star read for me were some things regarding Vehan’s arc around the midpoint of the novel. The book briefly became frustrating and tough for me to read due to miscommunication and jealousy portrayed. While I understand why this was included in the story in its execution it really lacked for me and left me a little tired of this plotline, waiting for more engaging and interesting things to happen. I personally found this book to be a little too long for its content, as in places it felt spread thin with its 600+ page count, however these factors did not stop me having a fun time overall.
I am aware of how my personal tastes may affect my opinion of this book, with urban fantasy settings as well as YA not suiting my preferred reading, nevertheless I enjoyed this book regardless. The world was interesting and engaging and the pop culture references were a certain brand of nerdy that really worked for me. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next and carry on following these characters I have really come to care about!
October 31, 2024
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I guess I could summarize this but I don't want to risk spoiling the first book and I'm a bit all over the place so I won't.
This was great. I had a little trouble getting into it at first because it had been so long since I read the previous book, but quickly, things got back to me and I was enthralled.
I love this entire cast of characters. They're all so layered and flawed and complex and each bring something special to the story.
Also, I love the LGBTQIAP+ rep, it just keeps getting better and better.
I also loved that we got new, or at least more prominent points of view in this second book. I really enjoyed being in Celladon's head and I loved to hate being in Riadne's.
Nausicaa was once again everything and the only drawback for me in this entire book is that I wished I could have had even more of her point of view but at the same time, i loved all the points of view, soooooooo...
The plot itself took me on one hell of a rollercoaster and while I was expecting some shit to go down, I sure as hell was not expecting THIS.
The romances were also very well woven and I was in from beginning to end, I'm also quite intrigued by what might arrived next on that front...
Basically, I had a hell of a time, I love all my children and I CANNOT wait for book 3. I would give my first born to get this book now actually.
I guess I could summarize this but I don't want to risk spoiling the first book and I'm a bit all over the place so I won't.
This was great. I had a little trouble getting into it at first because it had been so long since I read the previous book, but quickly, things got back to me and I was enthralled.
I love this entire cast of characters. They're all so layered and flawed and complex and each bring something special to the story.
Also, I love the LGBTQIAP+ rep, it just keeps getting better and better.
I also loved that we got new, or at least more prominent points of view in this second book. I really enjoyed being in Celladon's head and I loved to hate being in Riadne's.
Nausicaa was once again everything and the only drawback for me in this entire book is that I wished I could have had even more of her point of view but at the same time, i loved all the points of view, soooooooo...
The plot itself took me on one hell of a rollercoaster and while I was expecting some shit to go down, I sure as hell was not expecting THIS.
The romances were also very well woven and I was in from beginning to end, I'm also quite intrigued by what might arrived next on that front...
Basically, I had a hell of a time, I love all my children and I CANNOT wait for book 3. I would give my first born to get this book now actually.
July 23, 2022
I loved the first book in this series, but this one was a bit disappointing. I was happy to be back in the world and see the characters interact with one another, but the pacing was So Slow. I feel like this book was way longer than it should have been, especially for what happened in it.
What bugged me most about this book was Arlo and how she couldn't see the danger she was in for the whole book. Maybe it would have been better if we got a bit less information about what was happening as the reader, as we knew so much more than Arlo that it made her look stupid for not putting the pieces together. I think the ending was intriguing and very interesting, but the buildup to it just felt very frustrating.
That said, I do still love the characters and the world, I'll definitely continue with this series when the next book comes out.
What bugged me most about this book was Arlo and how she couldn't see the danger she was in for the whole book. Maybe it would have been better if we got a bit less information about what was happening as the reader, as we knew so much more than Arlo that it made her look stupid for not putting the pieces together. I think the ending was intriguing and very interesting, but the buildup to it just felt very frustrating.
That said, I do still love the characters and the world, I'll definitely continue with this series when the next book comes out.
August 15, 2022
3.5/5 stars
I was gonna round this up but I started to get bored at the end and was skipping ahead. I think there’s a bit of middle book syndrome here where not much happens except minor things too just further the plot. I feel like nothing happened in the first 50% and even after that there wasn’t any huge moments till the end. This entire book really could’ve been made so much shorter.
There was some very satisfying moments thankfully, and the ending was really good even if it was the mother of all cliffhangers. I have no idea where things are gonna go now but I will be looking forward to the next book, how ever long away that is 😭
I was gonna round this up but I started to get bored at the end and was skipping ahead. I think there’s a bit of middle book syndrome here where not much happens except minor things too just further the plot. I feel like nothing happened in the first 50% and even after that there wasn’t any huge moments till the end. This entire book really could’ve been made so much shorter.
There was some very satisfying moments thankfully, and the ending was really good even if it was the mother of all cliffhangers. I have no idea where things are gonna go now but I will be looking forward to the next book, how ever long away that is 😭
June 2, 2024
➽ Rating: 4.0★ 🌠 || 02.04.2024-02.06.2024]
Charaktere: ★★★☆☆
Plot/Spannungsbogen: ★★★★☆
Unterhaltungsfaktor: ★★★★☆
Meine Meinung ist ganz ähnlich zu jener, die ich beim ersten Band bereits geäußert habe: Der Schreibstil ist wirklich sehr schön, jedoch hätten dem Buch ein paar Seiten weniger ganz gut getan – vor allem bei den Dialogen fällt mir auf, dass man ein paar davon erheblich kürzen könnte, ohne Sinn oder Inhalt zu verlieren.
Die Handlung, das Worldbuilding und die Charaktere finde ich jedoch wirklich gut, vor allem die Dynamik zwischen den Hauptfiguren.
Charaktere: ★★★☆☆
Plot/Spannungsbogen: ★★★★☆
Unterhaltungsfaktor: ★★★★☆
Meine Meinung ist ganz ähnlich zu jener, die ich beim ersten Band bereits geäußert habe: Der Schreibstil ist wirklich sehr schön, jedoch hätten dem Buch ein paar Seiten weniger ganz gut getan – vor allem bei den Dialogen fällt mir auf, dass man ein paar davon erheblich kürzen könnte, ohne Sinn oder Inhalt zu verlieren.
Die Handlung, das Worldbuilding und die Charaktere finde ich jedoch wirklich gut, vor allem die Dynamik zwischen den Hauptfiguren.
April 21, 2025
3.5/5 AUGH. AUGHHH.
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