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Court of Starlight and Darkness #2
A Kiss of Shadow
Accepting the throne could be a death wish....
My coronation is near, but life is more dangerous than ever. King Lore and I share no trust, but that doesn't stop us from wanting each other. We're like an inferno waiting for a single match. But as we travel to the High Court of the Fae for our wedding, a stalker lurks in the shadows. Someone doesn't want me to be queen, and they're willing to kill me to keep me off the throne. My only chance is to trust Lore, but I have too many secrets that could get me killed.
A Kiss of Shadow is the second in a new fantasy romance trilogy by Linsey Hall.
My coronation is near, but life is more dangerous than ever. King Lore and I share no trust, but that doesn't stop us from wanting each other. We're like an inferno waiting for a single match. But as we travel to the High Court of the Fae for our wedding, a stalker lurks in the shadows. Someone doesn't want me to be queen, and they're willing to kill me to keep me off the throne. My only chance is to trust Lore, but I have too many secrets that could get me killed.
A Kiss of Shadow is the second in a new fantasy romance trilogy by Linsey Hall.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2022
776 people are currently reading
5715 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
June 20, 2022
It’s trying so hard but just not there
I forced my self to finish this book because I hate leaving a book half read but I won’t be reading the third, I was so hopping this could be the ending of this series but it was just a big book of vague big events that seemed out of place and left lots of holes from jumping around time wise and the inner monologue was the LITERAL same shit on every page… omg I care for him but I can’t I just be mean, omg I care for her but I must protect my kingdom by doing nothing and being stupid. And the whole “get over it nerd”inner monologue is the most WHAT? I’ve ever whatted before. She was a bitch before this life… where is the nerd thing coming from? She’s also no longer a bitch (that theme went out the window so quickly) I could say so much more my god. Just the most random thoughts at the most random times and absolutely no character development.
I forced my self to finish this book because I hate leaving a book half read but I won’t be reading the third, I was so hopping this could be the ending of this series but it was just a big book of vague big events that seemed out of place and left lots of holes from jumping around time wise and the inner monologue was the LITERAL same shit on every page… omg I care for him but I can’t I just be mean, omg I care for her but I must protect my kingdom by doing nothing and being stupid. And the whole “get over it nerd”inner monologue is the most WHAT? I’ve ever whatted before. She was a bitch before this life… where is the nerd thing coming from? She’s also no longer a bitch (that theme went out the window so quickly) I could say so much more my god. Just the most random thoughts at the most random times and absolutely no character development.
June 20, 2022
Not expecting that Cliff hanger…
I really liked this series so far, but without giving away too much, that ending completely threw me off in not so good ways.
(Upcoming semi-spoiler warning!!! Do not read if not finished with book!!!)
I saw someone else mention this in another review and now I completely understand what they meant: I’m an sooo confused and frustrated with how literally ANYONE can just steal the main character’s magic. It makes no sense and is the main reason I’m not giving this book the high rating I really wanted to give it. It’s never explained how just anyone can steal Sia’s magic (like whether it’s because she’s part witch or it’s a special ability some people possess) and at this point I don’t know if it ever will be. Like, what’s the point of being some powerful ass supernatural if your totally unique abilities can just be snatched at a whims notice? They (the antagonist) and a couple other random assassins made it look so freaking easy to steal her magic, too. Just, (Slurp!!), and “poof”, her powers are gone as if she was a cup of water they had downed in one go. How the fudge has this not happened to any other royal or fae? This is where some serious clarification needs to happen, as there are some major holes in this story right now. One being what was just mentioned, another being how Sia’s magic is stored in clouds that have been around for quite a while in a fae kingdom that had nothing to do with her, or at least until she was brought into the competition for Queen. The clouds are revealed to have followed Sia to the High Palace, yet if they were always following her, why were they stationed for decades in Lore’s kingdom, a place that had nothing to do with her parents and herself while she was living in Seattle for most of her life (where there were most definitely clouds, but the non-foreboding normal kind). Like, how did her magic even end up there as they’ve clearly been hovering in Lore’s kingdom for probably as long as she’s been alive? I worry that none of this will be explained in the last book because the author will be focus on wrapping the story up and these plot-holes will be left unacknowledged ….🙁 Despite the whiplash-cliffhanger, the ending still resulted in being anticlimactic. Still looking forward to the next book as I enjoyed the first and majority of the second, just hoping we’ll get some explanation to support those parts of the plot.
I really liked this series so far, but without giving away too much, that ending completely threw me off in not so good ways.
(Upcoming semi-spoiler warning!!! Do not read if not finished with book!!!)
I saw someone else mention this in another review and now I completely understand what they meant: I’m an sooo confused and frustrated with how literally ANYONE can just steal the main character’s magic. It makes no sense and is the main reason I’m not giving this book the high rating I really wanted to give it. It’s never explained how just anyone can steal Sia’s magic (like whether it’s because she’s part witch or it’s a special ability some people possess) and at this point I don’t know if it ever will be. Like, what’s the point of being some powerful ass supernatural if your totally unique abilities can just be snatched at a whims notice? They (the antagonist) and a couple other random assassins made it look so freaking easy to steal her magic, too. Just, (Slurp!!), and “poof”, her powers are gone as if she was a cup of water they had downed in one go. How the fudge has this not happened to any other royal or fae? This is where some serious clarification needs to happen, as there are some major holes in this story right now. One being what was just mentioned, another being how Sia’s magic is stored in clouds that have been around for quite a while in a fae kingdom that had nothing to do with her, or at least until she was brought into the competition for Queen. The clouds are revealed to have followed Sia to the High Palace, yet if they were always following her, why were they stationed for decades in Lore’s kingdom, a place that had nothing to do with her parents and herself while she was living in Seattle for most of her life (where there were most definitely clouds, but the non-foreboding normal kind). Like, how did her magic even end up there as they’ve clearly been hovering in Lore’s kingdom for probably as long as she’s been alive? I worry that none of this will be explained in the last book because the author will be focus on wrapping the story up and these plot-holes will be left unacknowledged ….🙁 Despite the whiplash-cliffhanger, the ending still resulted in being anticlimactic. Still looking forward to the next book as I enjoyed the first and majority of the second, just hoping we’ll get some explanation to support those parts of the plot.
June 14, 2022
Four and a half
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series this book certainly upped the ante. Sia is about to be crowned Queen and although highly attracted to Lore they've agreed to an in name only marriage which makes sense as they are virtually strangers and there is a lot that Lore still doesn't know about Sia ! Things don't feel quite right though as Sia feels a malevolence watching her but with so many new Fae to meet is it someone she has yet to meet or has she already made an enemy ?
I loved this with its almost magical version of the Orient Express and yes just like the famous book murder seems to be afoot ! Sia is making friends which obviously the author has to give their own books to but this is certainly time for Sia and Lore to get to know each other if you get my drift ? Secrets are slowly being revealed although truthfully they weren't a huge surprise but I very much enjoyed this book and certainly look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series this book certainly upped the ante. Sia is about to be crowned Queen and although highly attracted to Lore they've agreed to an in name only marriage which makes sense as they are virtually strangers and there is a lot that Lore still doesn't know about Sia ! Things don't feel quite right though as Sia feels a malevolence watching her but with so many new Fae to meet is it someone she has yet to meet or has she already made an enemy ?
I loved this with its almost magical version of the Orient Express and yes just like the famous book murder seems to be afoot ! Sia is making friends which obviously the author has to give their own books to but this is certainly time for Sia and Lore to get to know each other if you get my drift ? Secrets are slowly being revealed although truthfully they weren't a huge surprise but I very much enjoyed this book and certainly look forward to the conclusion of this trilogy.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 12, 2022
This book is the second one in the series, and the journey the plot takes is not a straightforward one…and I really enjoyed that. One part feels like a mystical book, one part feels like an old West book, and part feels like the typical adventure book this author writes. Sia is a great character, and I really like Lore, but I really want to yell at him at times. I also adore that Sia has female friends to help her on her journey. This was a very enjoyable second book, and I can’t wait to see what the revelations and actions at the end of this one brings in the next one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 19, 2022
The plot was amazing and I’m currently hooked onto the series
November 23, 2025
bro actually wtf, why does this guy have like a habit of just leaving her in a fucking jail cell; like in book 1 it was okay bc he obviously didn’t trust her, but how after like thinking you’re in love have you suddenly just turned your back on her?
October 19, 2022
.
Going into book one, I really enjoyed the series, it was interesting and kept my attention. But when I started this one, I quickly got annoyed with the back and forth of the characters emotions. A lot of the story had the feeling of “this is just too easy” as well, characters doing a complete one-eighty or just being so agreeable. Or something being set up as super secretive or dangerous and then you basically find out nothing worthwhile. I also realized that it was so fast paced that a simple one or two sentences covered what would normally be a significant part of a chapter. The wedding scene is an example of this, the whole point of this book specifically was them traveling to the high court to marry in front of the high lords and ladies and yet, it was over within just a few sentences. It felt as if I missed out on a lot of the story line.
Going into book one, I really enjoyed the series, it was interesting and kept my attention. But when I started this one, I quickly got annoyed with the back and forth of the characters emotions. A lot of the story had the feeling of “this is just too easy” as well, characters doing a complete one-eighty or just being so agreeable. Or something being set up as super secretive or dangerous and then you basically find out nothing worthwhile. I also realized that it was so fast paced that a simple one or two sentences covered what would normally be a significant part of a chapter. The wedding scene is an example of this, the whole point of this book specifically was them traveling to the high court to marry in front of the high lords and ladies and yet, it was over within just a few sentences. It felt as if I missed out on a lot of the story line.
October 23, 2022
Gripping
This is the second installment in the court of starlight and darkness series and I have to say it was truly gripping..this follows the story of lore and sia as they travel threw the fae kingdoms on their way to get married so that they can defeat the deadly witch that threatens the kingdom. However, someone does not want sia to be their new queen and there are obstacles thrown in the way along the way but can they make it to the high court in one piece so they can be married.
Oh and sia isn't a fae, she is human but no-one knows and if they find out they will kill her.
Thus book is filled with so may twists and turns it kept me hooked from page one.
My favourite character is the historian because she peices a lot together and my least favourite character is the seer he is cunning and manipulative and I hope they get the revenge, I would definitely recommend the book and I really can't wait to start the next installment
This is the second installment in the court of starlight and darkness series and I have to say it was truly gripping..this follows the story of lore and sia as they travel threw the fae kingdoms on their way to get married so that they can defeat the deadly witch that threatens the kingdom. However, someone does not want sia to be their new queen and there are obstacles thrown in the way along the way but can they make it to the high court in one piece so they can be married.
Oh and sia isn't a fae, she is human but no-one knows and if they find out they will kill her.
Thus book is filled with so may twists and turns it kept me hooked from page one.
My favourite character is the historian because she peices a lot together and my least favourite character is the seer he is cunning and manipulative and I hope they get the revenge, I would definitely recommend the book and I really can't wait to start the next installment
June 17, 2022
Excellent.
Sometimes Sia is just dumb but I think it's her youth that makes her do some of the things she does. I imagine with a bit more maturity she will make smarter choices.
Lore is an idiot. He's been holding on to guilt and punishing himself for something terrible that happened when he was young and stupid and driven by urges and hormones. That was literally hundreds, if not thousands of years ago. Get over it already. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Also the way he jumps to conclusions makes me nuts.
Wait! Just who is the big bad witch and what the heck happened? Guess I'll find out in the final book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the last one in the series which might be coming next month. I love Linsey Hall's writing style and always enjoy every one of her books, One of my favorite authors.
Sometimes Sia is just dumb but I think it's her youth that makes her do some of the things she does. I imagine with a bit more maturity she will make smarter choices.
Lore is an idiot. He's been holding on to guilt and punishing himself for something terrible that happened when he was young and stupid and driven by urges and hormones. That was literally hundreds, if not thousands of years ago. Get over it already. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Also the way he jumps to conclusions makes me nuts.
Wait! Just who is the big bad witch and what the heck happened? Guess I'll find out in the final book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the last one in the series which might be coming next month. I love Linsey Hall's writing style and always enjoy every one of her books, One of my favorite authors.
July 3, 2022
I’m loving this series!! I think book two was even better than book one! That’s huge because I loved the first one. I can’t wait! Book 3 is supposed to come out this month, and I need more yummy Lore and Sia!! And I love the friendship between Sia, Meria and Eve!! They are true, loyal friends. I’m a freaking mess with the way it ended, so I’m glad the third book is coming out soon!!
June 20, 2022
Loved the outline of this story
The general outline of this story is great. It’s just missing a little of the “meat”. Some of the writing seems a little shallow. Just add a little more substance and it would be a 5 star for sure!!
(I would still recommend it!)
The general outline of this story is great. It’s just missing a little of the “meat”. Some of the writing seems a little shallow. Just add a little more substance and it would be a 5 star for sure!!
(I would still recommend it!)
September 13, 2022
***I am editing my review because I decided to suck it up and finish the book instead of throwing it away after page 40 and I am honestly glad I did. I originally left a scathing review because let's be honest, this is just simply not the best writing out there. After book 1 left me enraged with the writing technique mixed with zero depth in story telling; zero world-building; zero sustenance; I decided to give book 2 a try because I just cant fathom leaving a series unfinished once I begin investing my time. Therefore, I will say this. Hang in there, peeps, it does get better in book 2.
We start to see more of the romance/tension build-up we desperately craved from book 1. Additionally, more action takes place (loved the train ride scene and mercenaries). The witch with the deadly magic is finally revealed after those darned clouds hovered for 2 books, and I cannot say I was surprised at the reveal nor the plot twist at the end - very anti-climatic in that respect. Some elements that carried over into book 2 that left a bad taste in my mouth from book 1 is the dang teenage banter. I'm sorry, but did we not learn Sia was 25 years old?? Why on earth must she talk like she is 14? We're suppose to believe a centuries old fae king is just so smitten over this? Then again, he beats himself up time after time again of his past and how he caused so many deaths while being a man-whore (seriously, get over it and move along), that maybe, just maybe, he too is still immature and therefore, they'd actually be great together! It's all about how you look at it. Nevertheless, let me insert some cringe-worthy statements from Sia that I could not possibly overlook:
"So she wasn't a monster, at least. And I usually liked b^tches." I'm sorry, but if I read the word b^tch one...more...time. We get it, Sia! You like b^tvhes! No need to carry on.
"And anyway, I kind of liked the fact that Evelyn was a weirdo." Sia calls Evelyn a weirdo because she catches her wearing an over-sized t-shirt (in her own home) when apparently every fae is suppose to be beautiful 24/7. Umm, but didn't Sia show up to a club in book 1 wearing...nevermind. I guess it takes a weirdo to know a weirdo?
"Get it together, nerd." Yes, this awkward internal voice of Sia's returns sporadically in book 2 as well.
"I'd chosen the two of them because they were two badass b^tches." UGHHHH!
Aside from the superfluous vocabulary; the predictability; the teenage jargon; the anti-climatic elements; it DOES get better in book 2 when it comes to romance build up and world building! You just got to hang in there! Book 3 just arrived on my doorstep and I am glad to wrap this series up.
We start to see more of the romance/tension build-up we desperately craved from book 1. Additionally, more action takes place (loved the train ride scene and mercenaries). The witch with the deadly magic is finally revealed after those darned clouds hovered for 2 books, and I cannot say I was surprised at the reveal nor the plot twist at the end - very anti-climatic in that respect. Some elements that carried over into book 2 that left a bad taste in my mouth from book 1 is the dang teenage banter. I'm sorry, but did we not learn Sia was 25 years old?? Why on earth must she talk like she is 14? We're suppose to believe a centuries old fae king is just so smitten over this? Then again, he beats himself up time after time again of his past and how he caused so many deaths while being a man-whore (seriously, get over it and move along), that maybe, just maybe, he too is still immature and therefore, they'd actually be great together! It's all about how you look at it. Nevertheless, let me insert some cringe-worthy statements from Sia that I could not possibly overlook:
"So she wasn't a monster, at least. And I usually liked b^tches." I'm sorry, but if I read the word b^tch one...more...time. We get it, Sia! You like b^tvhes! No need to carry on.
"And anyway, I kind of liked the fact that Evelyn was a weirdo." Sia calls Evelyn a weirdo because she catches her wearing an over-sized t-shirt (in her own home) when apparently every fae is suppose to be beautiful 24/7. Umm, but didn't Sia show up to a club in book 1 wearing...nevermind. I guess it takes a weirdo to know a weirdo?
"Get it together, nerd." Yes, this awkward internal voice of Sia's returns sporadically in book 2 as well.
"I'd chosen the two of them because they were two badass b^tches." UGHHHH!
Aside from the superfluous vocabulary; the predictability; the teenage jargon; the anti-climatic elements; it DOES get better in book 2 when it comes to romance build up and world building! You just got to hang in there! Book 3 just arrived on my doorstep and I am glad to wrap this series up.
December 22, 2022
this is the sequel to a forest of stars.
sia won the competition, and now she is to be wed to king lore. they’re traveling to the high court of the fae for their wedding, and along the way, someone repeatedly tries to take sia’s magic…
although this book had some plot holes, i still thought it was a fun read. this was a great setup for the next book (although, i have to admit, i didn’t know this was a trilogy when i started the book). hopefully there’s more explanation in the next book about how the world works, i think that would be even more enjoyable!
sia won the competition, and now she is to be wed to king lore. they’re traveling to the high court of the fae for their wedding, and along the way, someone repeatedly tries to take sia’s magic…
although this book had some plot holes, i still thought it was a fun read. this was a great setup for the next book (although, i have to admit, i didn’t know this was a trilogy when i started the book). hopefully there’s more explanation in the next book about how the world works, i think that would be even more enjoyable!
September 26, 2022
This story just keeps getting better
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked on the series with the first book, A Forest of Stars, and this second installment just solidified that feeling. This book picks-up where the first book left off. Our FMC, Sia, has won the challenge and will now be Queen of the Court of Starlight and Darkness. Her groom to be, King Lore, is ambivalent about it. Oh he desires her alright, but he denies himself because he feels that it will distract him from his main purpose in life . . . to defend and rule his people. A series of youthful indulgences (ok, he was a partier and a manwhore) caused him to ignore a real threat to his kingdom and it culminated in an entire village being wiped out. He has resolved to never let that happen again. The problem, is he still has to live a life. He's been centuries without the comfort of a woman, and until he met Sia, he didn't miss it either. But the storm clouds are rolling in heralding the evil witch who is coming with nothing good in mind . . .
OK, I loved every minute of this couple. Usually, by now I'd be bored out of my mind. But the author has indeed woven a web of political intrigue and sprinkled it with the right amount of romantic angst and it kept me coming back for more. While I don't mind a bit of push/pull in a romance book, it can be very easy to cross the line and get irked by both main characters to just get on with it! However, I never felt that here. I was so absorbed in Lore's thoughts and downright agony about his feelings for Sia. He aches for her, but is so afraid of letting his people down. My heart went all squishy on more than one occasion. Enter a wouldbe "fly in the ointment" in the form of gorgeous fae, Dain - King Lore's second. It's clear he also is very attracted to Sia. I admit, I like them both and wouldn't be mad if this turned into a menage story. But alas, I don't think that is to be. But hey, dreams are free.
The second BEST part of this book is the friendship between the three women; Sia, Meria and Evelyn (aka "Eve"). We met both of these women in the last book, as they were also competitors to win the title of Queen. Meria turned out to be Sia's roommate during the games and they ended up forming an alliance. Sia vowed to help Meria win and in turn, Meria would help her return to the human realm. Evelyn was rather standoffish and I was certain she was going to be relegated to the part of jealous mean girl. But was I surprised. Near the end of book 1, during the final challenge Sia and Meria were fighting for their lives and were on the losing end of that battle when out of nowhere, Evelyn appeared and saved them. When it was over, Meria asked her why she helped them. Her response? "I want to win the competition, I don't want you dead!" From there, the three of them begin to form a tight friend group and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about 3 women bonding so tightly without a hint of jealousy. Their repartee is funny at times and I can see a life long camaraderie among these ladies. We also find out the deal with Sia's parents. It only adds to the intrigue of her background. I'm sure more will be revealed in the final book, A Crown of Starlight and I can't wait!!
This book does end on a cliffhanger, and it's a doozy! If you like a lot of smut with your romance, you won't find it here. Sure there's a lot of lustful looks and thoughts but deeds? Only 1 quick romp. I wasn't mad at it either. I guess the character building and storyline were enough to keep me thoroughly engaged. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was hooked on the series with the first book, A Forest of Stars, and this second installment just solidified that feeling. This book picks-up where the first book left off. Our FMC, Sia, has won the challenge and will now be Queen of the Court of Starlight and Darkness. Her groom to be, King Lore, is ambivalent about it. Oh he desires her alright, but he denies himself because he feels that it will distract him from his main purpose in life . . . to defend and rule his people. A series of youthful indulgences (ok, he was a partier and a manwhore) caused him to ignore a real threat to his kingdom and it culminated in an entire village being wiped out. He has resolved to never let that happen again. The problem, is he still has to live a life. He's been centuries without the comfort of a woman, and until he met Sia, he didn't miss it either. But the storm clouds are rolling in heralding the evil witch who is coming with nothing good in mind . . .
OK, I loved every minute of this couple. Usually, by now I'd be bored out of my mind. But the author has indeed woven a web of political intrigue and sprinkled it with the right amount of romantic angst and it kept me coming back for more. While I don't mind a bit of push/pull in a romance book, it can be very easy to cross the line and get irked by both main characters to just get on with it! However, I never felt that here. I was so absorbed in Lore's thoughts and downright agony about his feelings for Sia. He aches for her, but is so afraid of letting his people down. My heart went all squishy on more than one occasion. Enter a wouldbe "fly in the ointment" in the form of gorgeous fae, Dain - King Lore's second. It's clear he also is very attracted to Sia. I admit, I like them both and wouldn't be mad if this turned into a menage story. But alas, I don't think that is to be. But hey, dreams are free.
The second BEST part of this book is the friendship between the three women; Sia, Meria and Evelyn (aka "Eve"). We met both of these women in the last book, as they were also competitors to win the title of Queen. Meria turned out to be Sia's roommate during the games and they ended up forming an alliance. Sia vowed to help Meria win and in turn, Meria would help her return to the human realm. Evelyn was rather standoffish and I was certain she was going to be relegated to the part of jealous mean girl. But was I surprised. Near the end of book 1, during the final challenge Sia and Meria were fighting for their lives and were on the losing end of that battle when out of nowhere, Evelyn appeared and saved them. When it was over, Meria asked her why she helped them. Her response? "I want to win the competition, I don't want you dead!" From there, the three of them begin to form a tight friend group and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about 3 women bonding so tightly without a hint of jealousy. Their repartee is funny at times and I can see a life long camaraderie among these ladies. We also find out the deal with Sia's parents. It only adds to the intrigue of her background. I'm sure more will be revealed in the final book, A Crown of Starlight and I can't wait!!
This book does end on a cliffhanger, and it's a doozy! If you like a lot of smut with your romance, you won't find it here. Sure there's a lot of lustful looks and thoughts but deeds? Only 1 quick romp. I wasn't mad at it either. I guess the character building and storyline were enough to keep me thoroughly engaged. I highly recommend this book and the series as a whole.
September 2, 2022
I feel like it's soooo close to being *there* but there is just something missing.
It seems like the characters talk in circles but never progress pass the same thought patterns.
WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW!!!!
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It's also weird to me the the idea of them being a "true match" was kind of thrown in here randomly in the second book but neither of them act like it? You would think that something as important as that wouldn't be brushed over especially to someone who apparently knew that was a thing this whole time? I'm looking at you Lore!!
I just found myself getting frustrated with Lore and Sia not letting themselves love each other even though its obvious to literally everyone else that they do...and I'm just not fully believing their reasonings to not be together, probably because their characters just were not quite developed enough and the only explanations we've gotten have just been repeated since the first book. |
I also feel like Sia acts just a little immature for her age and lacks a lot of common sense. Sometimes I forget I'm reading about a 25 year old woman and not a 17 year old girl. I really do love her bold and fiery personality ALOT but I still feel like we got less of that in this book.
I also have several questions about the magic of this world and how everything works which will probably never be explained.
Regardless, I still really do like the premise of this book and I feel like I am invested enough to continue onto the third book (and I am a sucker for a cliffhanger). I really feel like this story had sooo much potential but it just needed a little bit more development. It still is definitely a quick and easy read!
It seems like the characters talk in circles but never progress pass the same thought patterns.
WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW!!!!
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>
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>
It's also weird to me the the idea of them being a "true match" was kind of thrown in here randomly in the second book but neither of them act like it? You would think that something as important as that wouldn't be brushed over especially to someone who apparently knew that was a thing this whole time? I'm looking at you Lore!!
I just found myself getting frustrated with Lore and Sia not letting themselves love each other even though its obvious to literally everyone else that they do...and I'm just not fully believing their reasonings to not be together, probably because their characters just were not quite developed enough and the only explanations we've gotten have just been repeated since the first book. |
I also feel like Sia acts just a little immature for her age and lacks a lot of common sense. Sometimes I forget I'm reading about a 25 year old woman and not a 17 year old girl. I really do love her bold and fiery personality ALOT but I still feel like we got less of that in this book.
I also have several questions about the magic of this world and how everything works which will probably never be explained.
Regardless, I still really do like the premise of this book and I feel like I am invested enough to continue onto the third book (and I am a sucker for a cliffhanger). I really feel like this story had sooo much potential but it just needed a little bit more development. It still is definitely a quick and easy read!
October 10, 2022
Enjoyable Read
Mild Spice
Ends on a massive cliffhanger
Things I liked:
The love triangle trope with Dain seems squashed
This book upped the ante significantly. In the first book we had a deadly tournament but no one actually died. While reading this second novel it actually felt like there was real danger for Sia
The slow burn works for me. I hate it when the couple sleeps together too fast. Lore is still being too much of a dunce for it to work.
Things I did not like:
Lore is acting like an idiot 99% of the novel. At this moment, I'm not swooning for him. If/when he has some sort of ah-ha! moment where he realizes he's being a big dumb dumb, I'm not sure it will be enough to get over the fact that he would probably be happy locking Sia up in a room rather than letting her help him defeat the threat at hand, as well as how much of a nonce he is at the end when he looks at three scraps of evidence and determines that Sia was acting and lying to him the whole time. It's not like you've spent weeks together getting an idea of her nature or anything....
The world building is still a bit lacking. The train was enjoyable to read about but we're in a Fae world with portals, so why would a train like this even exist? I'm also struggling to picture the time period - we've got showers and apartments and train infrastructure but also castles and ballgowns and no technology. There's also Fae leaders mentioned from countries but then also seasons as well, I don't understand fully how the regions are divided and I'm hoping that will get explained more at some point.
Mild Spice
Ends on a massive cliffhanger
Things I liked:
The love triangle trope with Dain seems squashed
This book upped the ante significantly. In the first book we had a deadly tournament but no one actually died. While reading this second novel it actually felt like there was real danger for Sia
The slow burn works for me. I hate it when the couple sleeps together too fast. Lore is still being too much of a dunce for it to work.
Things I did not like:
Lore is acting like an idiot 99% of the novel. At this moment, I'm not swooning for him. If/when he has some sort of ah-ha! moment where he realizes he's being a big dumb dumb, I'm not sure it will be enough to get over the fact that he would probably be happy locking Sia up in a room rather than letting her help him defeat the threat at hand, as well as how much of a nonce he is at the end when he looks at three scraps of evidence and determines that Sia was acting and lying to him the whole time. It's not like you've spent weeks together getting an idea of her nature or anything....
The world building is still a bit lacking. The train was enjoyable to read about but we're in a Fae world with portals, so why would a train like this even exist? I'm also struggling to picture the time period - we've got showers and apartments and train infrastructure but also castles and ballgowns and no technology. There's also Fae leaders mentioned from countries but then also seasons as well, I don't understand fully how the regions are divided and I'm hoping that will get explained more at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2022
I was really excited to read this book. I was curious to know how Sia and Lore's relationship was going to progress, how her magic would progress, and how this all tied in the witch. But truthfully, I REALLY had to push in order to finish this book. Not because the storyline was bad or anything along that front. It was most definitely an easy read like the first book and lighter than other books I've read. The pace of the storyline was continuous and fast paced - no beating around the busy so to speak. But for some reason the more I continued to read the more I found myself pushing to finish it or not put the book down.
This review is entirely based on my personal preference and not at all to do with the author. I didn't see much personal and character development between the two main characters. It was frustrating how back and forth Lore was acting with his feelings and his temperament, so hot and cold. Sia was also back and forth about her feelings and a little dumb struck to obvious things because she was so focused on answers regarding her parents. Also, I believe we realized the witch is a witch with deathly magic in the first book so why whenever the witch was mentioned in the book it had to read"... the witch with deathly magic"? Just say "the witch"?
There was something missing for me. If there was a little more detail, a little more fluff, little more backstory. Something.
This review is entirely based on my personal preference and not at all to do with the author. I didn't see much personal and character development between the two main characters. It was frustrating how back and forth Lore was acting with his feelings and his temperament, so hot and cold. Sia was also back and forth about her feelings and a little dumb struck to obvious things because she was so focused on answers regarding her parents. Also, I believe we realized the witch is a witch with deathly magic in the first book so why whenever the witch was mentioned in the book it had to read"... the witch with deathly magic"? Just say "the witch"?
There was something missing for me. If there was a little more detail, a little more fluff, little more backstory. Something.
September 19, 2022
Starlight and Darkness
Book 2 picks up right where the first finished. I kinda wish there had been a bit more spice between Sia and Lore but he continues to fight their connection bcoz he sees it as a weakness due to his past. I'm interested to see what happens and how it all wraps up, definitely wasn't expecting the turn of events at the end.
With Sia crowned as the new Queen of the starlight and darkness court they head to the high Court in preparation for their wedding. Upon a train they pick up other courts attending along the way but one thing is for sure not everyone is happy about the union some more vocal than others. One thing is for sure though someone is determined to stop Sia and Lore from marrying after she survives multiple attempts on her life on the journey but she's determined to make it if only to speak to the lady with the violet eyes who apparently will have answers regarding her parents whom as it turns out aren't entirely human.
Sia and Lore finally wed without any issues but that soon changes quickly when someone attacks the compound but the person responsible walks among them but will they believe her when she swears she had no control over the events. When the clouds that have loomed for so long disappear from the sky one inhabits the deathly magic. Had to prophecy been wrong all along? Was the witch with the deathly magic walking among them the whole time.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
Book 2 picks up right where the first finished. I kinda wish there had been a bit more spice between Sia and Lore but he continues to fight their connection bcoz he sees it as a weakness due to his past. I'm interested to see what happens and how it all wraps up, definitely wasn't expecting the turn of events at the end.
With Sia crowned as the new Queen of the starlight and darkness court they head to the high Court in preparation for their wedding. Upon a train they pick up other courts attending along the way but one thing is for sure not everyone is happy about the union some more vocal than others. One thing is for sure though someone is determined to stop Sia and Lore from marrying after she survives multiple attempts on her life on the journey but she's determined to make it if only to speak to the lady with the violet eyes who apparently will have answers regarding her parents whom as it turns out aren't entirely human.
Sia and Lore finally wed without any issues but that soon changes quickly when someone attacks the compound but the person responsible walks among them but will they believe her when she swears she had no control over the events. When the clouds that have loomed for so long disappear from the sky one inhabits the deathly magic. Had to prophecy been wrong all along? Was the witch with the deathly magic walking among them the whole time.
Definitely Recommend Reading 📚
August 2, 2022
A Court of Starlight and Darkness is Linsey Hall's newest fantasy trilogy! COSAD starts out shadowing Sia, a human orphan living a humdrum boring existence as a freelance movie reviewer. Everything changes when she receives a tip that could potentially give her the information she's been longing for about who her parents are, and why they abandoned her. Her questionable choices, and even more questionable attire, find Sia entering a dive bar only to end fishnets-over-head, slung across a strange man's shoulder. Whisked away to another world, Sia realizes her days of the mundane have come to an end...
Forced to enter a marriage competition, COSAD's first book Forest of Stars gives readers a lovely mix of The Selection series by Kiera Cass, but totally in a Hunger Games you might day kind of way. Kiss of Shadow and Crown of Starlight are all heated glances, prophetic dark clouds, and lovers' angst. This fantasy has funny bits, friendship highs, and dark magic lows - so, basically, it's perfection! Find out why Sia was selected, how she hides her humanity amongst the powerful fae, who her parents really are, and if love finds its way through this Court's twisted maze of death!
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
Forced to enter a marriage competition, COSAD's first book Forest of Stars gives readers a lovely mix of The Selection series by Kiera Cass, but totally in a Hunger Games you might day kind of way. Kiss of Shadow and Crown of Starlight are all heated glances, prophetic dark clouds, and lovers' angst. This fantasy has funny bits, friendship highs, and dark magic lows - so, basically, it's perfection! Find out why Sia was selected, how she hides her humanity amongst the powerful fae, who her parents really are, and if love finds its way through this Court's twisted maze of death!
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
June 30, 2022
Good story, with a few caveats. Sia and Lore, along with some of their court and guards travel to the High Court for their wedding. Here they will be joined with royalty and representatives from all the other Fae kingdoms, who will be coming for the wedding. Sia and Lore hope to build alliances and to discover what they can about the witch with the deadly magic and possibly to defeat her before she gets to their kingdom. I like the main characters, the supporting cast, and the world; the story is good with lots of action. My only gripes are that we are hit over and over with Lore's guilt over his profligate youth which he believes caused the deaths of many of his people, and the fact that he feels he can't be close to anyone because they could distract him from protecting his kingdom. Sia repeatedly lies to, and hides things from him based on advice from her ladies in waiting, even though Lore knows and understands the world far better than Sia does. This one does end in a cliffhanger, though some of the story arc is resolved. I'm invested enough in it and the story is good enough that I'm looking forward to the last book.
October 7, 2023
This is not a good book. The writing is terrible, short sentences, just absolutely no depth, repetitive and annoying. I got into the first book and jumped right into the second, and it kept getting worse the further into the book I went until the end which was absolutely awful. The twist where Sia is the witch with the deathly magic? Saw that coming a mile away. I didn’t see Vusario’s part, that was a surprise however. I also hate the miscommunication trope, nothing against the author there, just not my favorite and so frustrating. I gave it one star because I will read the 3rd book…unhappily…so it had that going for it. I hate DNF’ing books and will try to make my way through the 3rd…not much hope however. I will never read another book by this author after I try to finish the series. Im generally not so negative but ugh. The only book I hated more was The Wicked King (second book after The Cruel Prince) by Holly Black.
If you can get past everything above, then it can be an absolute delight. It’s just not for me. The audiobook narrator is also very stilted which gave it an odd listening experience.
If you can get past everything above, then it can be an absolute delight. It’s just not for me. The audiobook narrator is also very stilted which gave it an odd listening experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
Pure fae magic!
So much action & mystery. When will Lore forgive himself & realize his thinking is wrong? Let's face it he is hung up on his ex & some that happened so long ago. Sia this poor girl was pulled from the human realm. She left everything behind and by now anything she probably owned has been sold because she hasn't paid rent. Add the fact that she never knew her parents, was raised in bad foster homes, has no friends (in the human realm), and you understand how bad life has sucked for her. When you finish this book you won't believe how much worse life got for Sia. I think you won't be to surprised by who has been trying to kill her. The signs were there if she would have just paid attention. Now what hurts worse for her is rejection. I would know. Sia is rejected repeatedly throughout book 1 & 2. I was so proud of Lore for admitting how he felt until I wasn't. What I mean is he stupidly jumped to conclusions instead of letting Sia explain. Communication people it's how to have a healthy relationship!
So much action & mystery. When will Lore forgive himself & realize his thinking is wrong? Let's face it he is hung up on his ex & some that happened so long ago. Sia this poor girl was pulled from the human realm. She left everything behind and by now anything she probably owned has been sold because she hasn't paid rent. Add the fact that she never knew her parents, was raised in bad foster homes, has no friends (in the human realm), and you understand how bad life has sucked for her. When you finish this book you won't believe how much worse life got for Sia. I think you won't be to surprised by who has been trying to kill her. The signs were there if she would have just paid attention. Now what hurts worse for her is rejection. I would know. Sia is rejected repeatedly throughout book 1 & 2. I was so proud of Lore for admitting how he felt until I wasn't. What I mean is he stupidly jumped to conclusions instead of letting Sia explain. Communication people it's how to have a healthy relationship!
September 12, 2022
>Book Review – A Kiss of Shadow
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd book in the Court of Starlight and Darkness series and ends with a cliffhanger. Sia and Lore go to a secret palace to wed. Once there, some very destructive things happen that Sia eventually gets blamed for. Lore fights for her yet continues to refuse to let himself love Sia. Sia continues to lie to Lore, yet not to her friends. Communication is the key to this story.
>The dark witch arrives and there are rumors and danger everywhere. Sia is hiding the fact she is a witch from Lore for fear he will kill her. Why she would think that when all he does is protect her is unknown. There is a sooth-sayer tree that gives advice but is hard to understand. The cliffhanger in this book is a doozy and turns everything upside-down.
>This book is appropriate for a new adult (17+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I wish Lore would get with the program and let himself love.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd book in the Court of Starlight and Darkness series and ends with a cliffhanger. Sia and Lore go to a secret palace to wed. Once there, some very destructive things happen that Sia eventually gets blamed for. Lore fights for her yet continues to refuse to let himself love Sia. Sia continues to lie to Lore, yet not to her friends. Communication is the key to this story.
>The dark witch arrives and there are rumors and danger everywhere. Sia is hiding the fact she is a witch from Lore for fear he will kill her. Why she would think that when all he does is protect her is unknown. There is a sooth-sayer tree that gives advice but is hard to understand. The cliffhanger in this book is a doozy and turns everything upside-down.
>This book is appropriate for a new adult (17+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I wish Lore would get with the program and let himself love.
January 16, 2023
I tried. I really did. Just spent the entire book eyeing the percentage to when it was over. The story is probably the best part of this series but even that is a stretch. My initial complaints from book 1 continue into book 2. Only now we add on a slew of the dumbest decisions possible. The FMC is awful. She hides everything and continuously puts herself into dangerous situations for herself and her companions (gosh, what could end up going wrong with that?? /s) Her inner monologue is redundant and witless. Repeats of “how is this my life” at least 4-5 times in one small book is just lazy. MC is also terrible. His logic as to why he cannot have “distractions” makes no sense. Sir, you are already distracted. You are not even in denial. And you continue to play hot & cold with the FMC.
Overall: 1.6/5 - I will not bother with the 3rd and final installment. I hate leaving books/series incomplete. This one is so juvenile and boring that I can’t help but want to get out.
Overall: 1.6/5 - I will not bother with the 3rd and final installment. I hate leaving books/series incomplete. This one is so juvenile and boring that I can’t help but want to get out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
(2.25)
Thanks to my notes I'm starting to vaguely remember this series, still not enough to write a review that isn't just dot points of my notes that I wrote at the time of reading this (a bit over half a year at the time of writing this).
• Sia constantly getting hurt then healed again is getting very repetitive.
• Smut scenes so vague I can't quite tell what happened.
• Always calling the witch with the deadly magic the witch with the deadly magic just sounds silly.
• Rushed pacing - feels like an edited first draft.
• (Sorry can't give you any more detail than that because I don't even remember what I was talking about.)
• What was even the point of Dain also liking Sia?
• I'm also so tired of Lore being hot & cold.
Despite all this I did continue on and finish the series because somehow the ending was enough to get me interested and continue on.
Thanks to my notes I'm starting to vaguely remember this series, still not enough to write a review that isn't just dot points of my notes that I wrote at the time of reading this (a bit over half a year at the time of writing this).
• Sia constantly getting hurt then healed again is getting very repetitive.
• Smut scenes so vague I can't quite tell what happened.
• Always calling the witch with the deadly magic the witch with the deadly magic just sounds silly.
• Rushed pacing - feels like an edited first draft.
• (Sorry can't give you any more detail than that because I don't even remember what I was talking about.)
• What was even the point of Dain also liking Sia?
• I'm also so tired of Lore being hot & cold.
Despite all this I did continue on and finish the series because somehow the ending was enough to get me interested and continue on.
June 17, 2022
Some secrets seem better not to be known and even more so if they turn out to be very dangerous and not just for one, Sia would soon find out about that. Lore continues struggling with his feelings and doubting himself thanks to Sia's advances. What a pair! One would expect things to be the other way around. But when the truth blows up in our faces and all seems lost, what is to be done? Interesting and unexpected how things have changed for Sia. I am eager to know what is really behind the prophecy and how Sia is going to get out of the predicament she finds herself in. I was trying to figure out who the culprits were and had my suspicious. An interesting and entertaining story with action, suspense, intriguing characters, violence, betrayal, camaraderie, romance, and passion. I voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received from BookFunnel and I liked it.
August 4, 2022
2'5⭐
Mi interés se ha ido desvaneciendo al ritmo que la historia. No termina de engancharme y veo más puntos negativos que positivos.
La llegada al grupo de Sia y Meria de Eve ( hay que recordar una de las rivales en la competición pasada que parecía una arpía ) no se justifica, porque literalmente se soluciona toda disputa en un segundo de charla amistosa.
Definitivamente Sia y Lore no encajan, sus interacciones son me siento atraído/a te aparto de mi lado, y mantengo secretos sobre mí mismo porque no confío realmente en la otra persona.
La problemática de la profecía de la magia de la bruja se queda descafeinada. No avanza realmente a ningún lado.
Se puede salvar que hay acción, y un cambio de ambientación al tener que utilizar el tren y dirigirse a la corte Suprema, que aporta frescura y dinamismo.
Mi interés se ha ido desvaneciendo al ritmo que la historia. No termina de engancharme y veo más puntos negativos que positivos.
La llegada al grupo de Sia y Meria de Eve ( hay que recordar una de las rivales en la competición pasada que parecía una arpía ) no se justifica, porque literalmente se soluciona toda disputa en un segundo de charla amistosa.
Definitivamente Sia y Lore no encajan, sus interacciones son me siento atraído/a te aparto de mi lado, y mantengo secretos sobre mí mismo porque no confío realmente en la otra persona.
La problemática de la profecía de la magia de la bruja se queda descafeinada. No avanza realmente a ningún lado.
Se puede salvar que hay acción, y un cambio de ambientación al tener que utilizar el tren y dirigirse a la corte Suprema, que aporta frescura y dinamismo.
November 8, 2022
how does Lore become so boring?
The constant hot/cold of Lore is growing tedious. We get it - he feels so guilty for something three hundred years ago, he is sacrificing himself to duty. The inability of him to differentiate between being a part bro when he was 22 who neglected his duty, versus being in a relationship with his mate makes him so two dimensional. Angsty MMC usually aren’t so tedious and boring. At this point across two books, the only action has been like 3 or 4 kisses, some dry humping and he went down on Sia out on their wedding night before running away. The lack of any physical action between Sia and Lore is really disappointing.
I’m only finishing the series because it is a fast read an I want to see what happens to Sia.
I’d give this like 0.5🌶 on a scale of 0-5.
The constant hot/cold of Lore is growing tedious. We get it - he feels so guilty for something three hundred years ago, he is sacrificing himself to duty. The inability of him to differentiate between being a part bro when he was 22 who neglected his duty, versus being in a relationship with his mate makes him so two dimensional. Angsty MMC usually aren’t so tedious and boring. At this point across two books, the only action has been like 3 or 4 kisses, some dry humping and he went down on Sia out on their wedding night before running away. The lack of any physical action between Sia and Lore is really disappointing.
I’m only finishing the series because it is a fast read an I want to see what happens to Sia.
I’d give this like 0.5🌶 on a scale of 0-5.
November 14, 2022
This book, not unlike the first one of the series, felt very surface level.
The two main characters have a lot of trauma and yet we don’t get to really deep dive into those emotions, we continuously get repetitive narratives and dialogues that, again, are very much on the surface of the emotions.
It also feels like the author brushed over a lot of the key events on the book. There were some major events that really drive the story, but we didn’t get to explore them, We could have spent more time learning about the events that trigger the story rather than going over some of the inner monologues of the MCs that had already been brought up so many times along the books.
It also felt like the author started threads in the first book and might have changed her mind, because those threads never lead anywhere.
Overall it was an entertaining and quick read, and I will be finishing the series. But defined felt too surface level
The two main characters have a lot of trauma and yet we don’t get to really deep dive into those emotions, we continuously get repetitive narratives and dialogues that, again, are very much on the surface of the emotions.
It also feels like the author brushed over a lot of the key events on the book. There were some major events that really drive the story, but we didn’t get to explore them, We could have spent more time learning about the events that trigger the story rather than going over some of the inner monologues of the MCs that had already been brought up so many times along the books.
It also felt like the author started threads in the first book and might have changed her mind, because those threads never lead anywhere.
Overall it was an entertaining and quick read, and I will be finishing the series. But defined felt too surface level
December 24, 2022
Good
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a pretty big cliffhanger and you might not want to wait long for the next story.
Sia and Lore have agreed to marry, which means they have to travel to the High Court of the Fae, and someone apparently doesn’t want them to make it there…
Dodging danger at every step, Sia learns things about herself, including a revelation that might just lead to her death!
There’s lots of action and adventure in this one, and an epic cliffhanger that left me gnashing my teeth in anger at several characters!
It’s a great and entertaining read, with an interesting cast of side characters, and a heroine with a mysterious past trying to find answers.
It’s the second in series, so you need to read book one first, but it is an enjoyable tale for contemporary fantasy fans.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a pretty big cliffhanger and you might not want to wait long for the next story.
Sia and Lore have agreed to marry, which means they have to travel to the High Court of the Fae, and someone apparently doesn’t want them to make it there…
Dodging danger at every step, Sia learns things about herself, including a revelation that might just lead to her death!
There’s lots of action and adventure in this one, and an epic cliffhanger that left me gnashing my teeth in anger at several characters!
It’s a great and entertaining read, with an interesting cast of side characters, and a heroine with a mysterious past trying to find answers.
It’s the second in series, so you need to read book one first, but it is an enjoyable tale for contemporary fantasy fans.
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