What do you think?
Rate this book
Toward the Stars
If you ignore the beckoning call of destiny, it will come for you anyway.
That’s what Alora realises when she is unwillingly hurtled head-on into the forest teeming with sprites who portal humans to their magical realm, Endence.
Now trapped, Alora learns there is more than one reason she was always supposed to be amongst the powerful fae of Endence in the first place. But the answers to how she’s tied up in an ancient prophecy foretelling the return of a banished evil, lie only with the Oracle.
In order for Alora to hone her skills enough to rise to the trials that face her, she’s going to need some help. If only the two males best suited for the task weren’t a brooding war commander who wants nothing to do with her and an egotistical spy with his own agenda.
But when Alora discovers the enemy possesses a weapon with the power to destroy everything she holds dear, only she can steal it from their fortress before they have the chance to wield it.
*Content warnings*
This book contains explicit swearing and sexual content, physical assault, threatened and attempted sexual assault.
That’s what Alora realises when she is unwillingly hurtled head-on into the forest teeming with sprites who portal humans to their magical realm, Endence.
Now trapped, Alora learns there is more than one reason she was always supposed to be amongst the powerful fae of Endence in the first place. But the answers to how she’s tied up in an ancient prophecy foretelling the return of a banished evil, lie only with the Oracle.
In order for Alora to hone her skills enough to rise to the trials that face her, she’s going to need some help. If only the two males best suited for the task weren’t a brooding war commander who wants nothing to do with her and an egotistical spy with his own agenda.
But when Alora discovers the enemy possesses a weapon with the power to destroy everything she holds dear, only she can steal it from their fortress before they have the chance to wield it.
*Content warnings*
This book contains explicit swearing and sexual content, physical assault, threatened and attempted sexual assault.
356 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2022
42 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
dnf
June 27, 2024I'm just going to go right ahead and DNF for now @42%. The writing is really irking me. I have a pretty foul mouth myself, it's not that I'm offended by the constant use of fuck or c*** but it's throwing me out of the fantasy element.
I may or may not be reading this on the side of all of my other current reads. Goodreads unofficial- maybe?
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Magical Realms
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ Enemies to Lovers
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Forced Proximity
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ Fated Mates
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ FMC is 27
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Mystery
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Magical Realms
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ Enemies to Lovers
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Forced Proximity
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ Fated Mates
★ ₊ ˚ ╰⪼ FMC is 27
★ ₊ ˚╰⪼ Mystery
November 7, 2022
4.75
OH. MY. GOD.
This book was SO GOOD!!!!
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay, but full disclosure here, I honestly am at a loss for words the absolutely AMAZING fantasy books that are coming out this year.
Alrighty then...
Let's get into this amazing novel.
In this stunning debut novel from K.M. Parke, we follow the journey of Alora, a normal girl with real world problem, an unruly rude king she must deal with, a sick sister she must care for, a lover who has always been just out of reach, and a father who constantly wants her to be trained and prepared for anything. Her life has never been shiny and glamorous but when her one happiness is ripped from her grasps and she is brought towards her destiny, the one thing Alora never expected to happen will.
She will find the other piece of what has been missing, but be warned...
I can promise you, it's not who you think it is..
Toward the Stars has honestly sent me for the biggest loop ever. At this point I only wish that I didn't receive this ARC so I could actually wait until the next one comes out to read them together
The way that this book grabs you from the beginning and makes you feel like you are actually living and experiencing these moments with Alora, Veric, Lito, Kit, Killian, Jude and many other characters makes my heart hurt. ONLY BECAUSE I am bitter about having to leave their world and wait for the next book to come out.
And honestly, let's not forget the tension... because omg was that hot
But in all honesty, this book is one of the top three favorite books that have come out this year.
If you like any of the following I suggest you pick this amazing book up:
-Steamy tension
-Enemies to lovers
-Heavy Plot
-Alpha Male
-Strong FMC (but relatable)
-Thrilling
-Mystery
-Page Turing, edge of your seat, screaming at the book about losing your actual mind, wanting to throw the book because you get what you want, wanting to throw the book because you know what is about to happen, and honestly just literally falling in love with characters that aren't even real and being sad when the book is over because now you have to wait until the next one gets released which who know will be when...
If you read and liked any of these books you will love this one:
Frost
Serpent & Dove
Shadow and Bone
OH. MY. GOD.
This book was SO GOOD!!!!
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay, but full disclosure here, I honestly am at a loss for words the absolutely AMAZING fantasy books that are coming out this year.
Alrighty then...
Let's get into this amazing novel.
In this stunning debut novel from K.M. Parke, we follow the journey of Alora, a normal girl with real world problem, an unruly rude king she must deal with, a sick sister she must care for, a lover who has always been just out of reach, and a father who constantly wants her to be trained and prepared for anything. Her life has never been shiny and glamorous but when her one happiness is ripped from her grasps and she is brought towards her destiny, the one thing Alora never expected to happen will.
She will find the other piece of what has been missing, but be warned...
I can promise you, it's not who you think it is..
Toward the Stars has honestly sent me for the biggest loop ever. At this point I only wish that I didn't receive this ARC so I could actually wait until the next one comes out to read them together
The way that this book grabs you from the beginning and makes you feel like you are actually living and experiencing these moments with Alora, Veric, Lito, Kit, Killian, Jude and many other characters makes my heart hurt. ONLY BECAUSE I am bitter about having to leave their world and wait for the next book to come out.
And honestly, let's not forget the tension... because omg was that hot
But in all honesty, this book is one of the top three favorite books that have come out this year.
If you like any of the following I suggest you pick this amazing book up:
-Steamy tension
-Enemies to lovers
-Heavy Plot
-Alpha Male
-Strong FMC (but relatable)
-Thrilling
-Mystery
-Page Turing, edge of your seat, screaming at the book about losing your actual mind, wanting to throw the book because you get what you want, wanting to throw the book because you know what is about to happen, and honestly just literally falling in love with characters that aren't even real and being sad when the book is over because now you have to wait until the next one gets released which who know will be when...
If you read and liked any of these books you will love this one:
Frost
Serpent & Dove
Shadow and Bone
October 25, 2022
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a fantasy novel by an Aussie author and it feels a bit like coming home. I have to admit that this story took me by surprise and drew me in straight away, it’s extremely easy to get into and follow along but has enough twists and interesting characters to keep it from ever becoming boring. There was not one part of this book that felt like a drag. I appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning too, nothing worse than discussing a book in person only to discover that you’re mangling the names of everything.
Our heroine, Alora, is extremely relatable. She’s tough yet soft when she needs to be, she’s one of the boys but is completely comfortable in embracing her femininity. She’s talented but most definitely has her faults, and even recognises that. I adore her and her ferocity, and I look forward to more of her adventures in Endence as we readers discover more about the magical Fae realm she’s found herself in, prophecies and the hot Fae men alongside her.
Some people may take issue with the amount of swear words that pour out of the Alora’s mouth but it makes her all the more relatable to a foul mouthed tomboy like me. I think that fans of Maas’ will enjoy this book quite a lot! I needed a good fantasy read and this hit the spot wonderfully.
Thanks to Book Sirens, I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Our heroine, Alora, is extremely relatable. She’s tough yet soft when she needs to be, she’s one of the boys but is completely comfortable in embracing her femininity. She’s talented but most definitely has her faults, and even recognises that. I adore her and her ferocity, and I look forward to more of her adventures in Endence as we readers discover more about the magical Fae realm she’s found herself in, prophecies and the hot Fae men alongside her.
Some people may take issue with the amount of swear words that pour out of the Alora’s mouth but it makes her all the more relatable to a foul mouthed tomboy like me. I think that fans of Maas’ will enjoy this book quite a lot! I needed a good fantasy read and this hit the spot wonderfully.
Thanks to Book Sirens, I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 24, 2024
Toward the Stars - K M Parke ✨
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. . .” 𝙃𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. “𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙧. “𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙜?”
I just finished this book this morning and I think I’m going to be obsessed with Killian for the rest of my life. And as for Elora, she is the kind of badass FMC that I love.
This book had me holding my breath, giggling, blushing and kicking my feet! What an incredibly well written story. I was sucked in from the start and need the next book right now! It was so engrossing. I couldn’t put it down.
And that epilogue 🤯
If you’re a fan of fantasy, found family, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, action, court/political intrigue & a nice dose of spice - then this book should be your next read!
5⭐️
“𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩. . .” 𝙃𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. “𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙖𝙧. “𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙜?”
I just finished this book this morning and I think I’m going to be obsessed with Killian for the rest of my life. And as for Elora, she is the kind of badass FMC that I love.
This book had me holding my breath, giggling, blushing and kicking my feet! What an incredibly well written story. I was sucked in from the start and need the next book right now! It was so engrossing. I couldn’t put it down.
And that epilogue 🤯
If you’re a fan of fantasy, found family, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, action, court/political intrigue & a nice dose of spice - then this book should be your next read!
5⭐️
January 8, 2025
THIS BOOK. Legit so not on any radar at all and it was so friggin good. If you are craving a gripping fantasy read this one NOW especially if you like the SJM world.
Edit 1/8/2025 since this review is getting likes and i need to give KM Parke her deserved hype:
still thinking about this series - READ IT!!! Every girl I’ve recommended it to has rated both released books 5 stars. Second book is even better than the first!! 🫶
Edit 1/8/2025 since this review is getting likes and i need to give KM Parke her deserved hype:
still thinking about this series - READ IT!!! Every girl I’ve recommended it to has rated both released books 5 stars. Second book is even better than the first!! 🫶
February 20, 2024
An incredible debut novel. The writing is amazing. A Fae Fantasy with elements of enemies to lovers and forced proximity. This book had me hooked and ended with one hell of an epilogue!
The descriptive writing about the fae world was incredible!
Even has a nice little dash of spice 🌶️
Cannot wait for book 2.
The descriptive writing about the fae world was incredible!
Even has a nice little dash of spice 🌶️
Cannot wait for book 2.
January 5, 2024
Ahhh I’m screaming!!! This book is so dam good!! From the start it had action, the twists and turns in it omg. It made me mad at part and sad at other parts. And Killian mm what is say!? Is the end is all so worth it can’t wait for the next one!! 🥰
August 11, 2023
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fantastic debut novel! A must read for all fantasy lovers.
A fantastic debut novel! A must read for all fantasy lovers.
November 29, 2022
ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!
I am completely flabbergasted, lost….feeling bamboozled. This book…THIS BOOK 😮. I almost don’t have words. I felt SO many emotions while reading it! I completely did not expect Towards the Stars to rock my world like it did! This book was so freaking good and I am simultaneously dehydrated waiting for book 2 and not wanting to read it because I am SO MAD ABOUT THE ENDING!!! How could you?!
But no seriously this book was absolutely amazing. It’s like ACOTAR but without all the politicking and a very much easier to follow plot. That doesn’t mean that the plot of this book is boring or without surprises because it has SO MANY! It starts off one way and completely veers left, then right, then up, then down and diagonal until you’re confused about where you came from and where you’re supposed to be going. Oh and did I mention the sexual tension?! Whoo baby! It was such a tease the whole book and made you excitedly turn the page hoping…..and hoping some more…and some more. I can honestly say I absolutely did not expect a single thing that happened in this book and I cried at the ending….because it was the complete opposite ending that I assumed we were getting just a page or two before…and because I blindly trusted the author was going to give me what I wanted haha.
The fmc was my favorite from the beginning. She’s mouthy, stands her ground, is strong in her belief in herself and the way she was raised. But most importantly she is strong in the conviction that she belongs to NO ONE and she will do what she wants regardless of what the males in the area might think.
Toward the Stars has adventure, so much adventure, danger, romance, fae, other worlds, mystery, suspense, tension for days, and a badass FMC with some equally badass found family. Oh can’t forget the touch her and unalive vibes are HEAVY.
I absolutely need book two because I want to be proven wrong with how I think this book ended lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am completely flabbergasted, lost….feeling bamboozled. This book…THIS BOOK 😮. I almost don’t have words. I felt SO many emotions while reading it! I completely did not expect Towards the Stars to rock my world like it did! This book was so freaking good and I am simultaneously dehydrated waiting for book 2 and not wanting to read it because I am SO MAD ABOUT THE ENDING!!! How could you?!
But no seriously this book was absolutely amazing. It’s like ACOTAR but without all the politicking and a very much easier to follow plot. That doesn’t mean that the plot of this book is boring or without surprises because it has SO MANY! It starts off one way and completely veers left, then right, then up, then down and diagonal until you’re confused about where you came from and where you’re supposed to be going. Oh and did I mention the sexual tension?! Whoo baby! It was such a tease the whole book and made you excitedly turn the page hoping…..and hoping some more…and some more. I can honestly say I absolutely did not expect a single thing that happened in this book and I cried at the ending….because it was the complete opposite ending that I assumed we were getting just a page or two before…and because I blindly trusted the author was going to give me what I wanted haha.
The fmc was my favorite from the beginning. She’s mouthy, stands her ground, is strong in her belief in herself and the way she was raised. But most importantly she is strong in the conviction that she belongs to NO ONE and she will do what she wants regardless of what the males in the area might think.
Toward the Stars has adventure, so much adventure, danger, romance, fae, other worlds, mystery, suspense, tension for days, and a badass FMC with some equally badass found family. Oh can’t forget the touch her and unalive vibes are HEAVY.
I absolutely need book two because I want to be proven wrong with how I think this book ended lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
January 10, 2026An incredible debut fantasy novel by Australian indie author K.M. Parke. If you love fantasy with romance, this one is for you my friends.
With a fantasy writing style that dances gracefully through the pages, KM has crafted a world that's both enchanting and effortlessly captivating.
The plot, like a GPS with a wicked sense of humour, takes unexpected turns that keep you on your toes. Alora, our fearless and refreshingly flawed protagonist, strikes the perfect balance between independence and the occasional need for guidance.
The character growth is well-paced, and the hot-headed temperament mixed with moments of vulnerability makes Alora wonderfully relatable and a character you can’t help but love.
You know when people say that you know a book is great when you can close your eyes and you’re right there? Yup, well that’s what this did to me.
In a nutshell, "Toward the Stars" is an incredible debut which left me eagerly orbiting the universe, anticipating the next adventure!
★★★★★/5
Themes/Tropes:
- Fantasy romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
With a fantasy writing style that dances gracefully through the pages, KM has crafted a world that's both enchanting and effortlessly captivating.
The plot, like a GPS with a wicked sense of humour, takes unexpected turns that keep you on your toes. Alora, our fearless and refreshingly flawed protagonist, strikes the perfect balance between independence and the occasional need for guidance.
The character growth is well-paced, and the hot-headed temperament mixed with moments of vulnerability makes Alora wonderfully relatable and a character you can’t help but love.
You know when people say that you know a book is great when you can close your eyes and you’re right there? Yup, well that’s what this did to me.
In a nutshell, "Toward the Stars" is an incredible debut which left me eagerly orbiting the universe, anticipating the next adventure!
★★★★★/5
Themes/Tropes:
- Fantasy romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
June 1, 2024
Finally the start to a fantasy series that has thoroughly captured my attention. I felt like I read two books in one and the ending gave me chills. I think I know one thing that might happen and am excited to see if it’s true in the next book!
ETA: I was right in my prediction but sooooo not in the way I thought I would be. READ THIS SERIES!!!
ETA: I was right in my prediction but sooooo not in the way I thought I would be. READ THIS SERIES!!!
October 22, 2022
This is honestly such a fun debut. Alora's the kind of heroine you can root for, and the plot is engrossing. There's a good mix of wondrous fantasy adventure, court intrigue, manners, and steamy romance. And the cover is GORGEOUS, just as a side note.
June 4, 2024
Best book ever!!!
There are no words. Just buy/download this book. Your life will not be the same without. Absolutely bloody amazing. Everyone needs this book in their life.
There are no words. Just buy/download this book. Your life will not be the same without. Absolutely bloody amazing. Everyone needs this book in their life.
March 31, 2024
So obsessed… if you love SJM then this series is for you 🧚🏼 wow haven’t devoured a book that fast in a while!!! S/o Gabby Cardina for the rec
November 7, 2023
I am in actual denial that this is a debut novel! I have been in kind of a rut when it came to fantasy after finishing the Bonds that tie series, but THIS BOOK!
This novel is absolutely amazing and I was invested from the start. I feel in most fantasy books you read the main character is someone you look up to or at least have an aim to be, but instead the protagonist Lor was genuinely one of the most relatable people to ever exist. I found myself constantly highlighting because she was doing or saying things that I would do and it just made me devour the story more.
Each character within the book was someone you loved. K.M MADE ME GIGGLE AND LIVE FOR A RIVALRY BETWEEN A GOOSE AND LOR.... A GOOSE! FUCK YOU DALE YOU GLORIFIED DUCK.
Also don't even fucking start me on that last chapter! PLOT TWIST CENTRAL!
In all seriousness, I was kicking, squealing, gasping and laughing! K.M went above and beyond with this one! I am so impressed with this and I have heard the second book is coming any moment now and that is just another thing for me to look forward too!
LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN
This novel is absolutely amazing and I was invested from the start. I feel in most fantasy books you read the main character is someone you look up to or at least have an aim to be, but instead the protagonist Lor was genuinely one of the most relatable people to ever exist. I found myself constantly highlighting because she was doing or saying things that I would do and it just made me devour the story more.
Each character within the book was someone you loved. K.M MADE ME GIGGLE AND LIVE FOR A RIVALRY BETWEEN A GOOSE AND LOR.... A GOOSE! FUCK YOU DALE YOU GLORIFIED DUCK.
Also don't even fucking start me on that last chapter! PLOT TWIST CENTRAL!
In all seriousness, I was kicking, squealing, gasping and laughing! K.M went above and beyond with this one! I am so impressed with this and I have heard the second book is coming any moment now and that is just another thing for me to look forward too!
LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN
November 19, 2022
I am so sad that I finished this book. If I could read one book forever on repeat, it would be this one. This new adult fantasy book contains enemies to lovers, tension, strong FMC, and a page-turning plot that makes you feel like you are in the story itself. This is not your typical fantasy book. I got whiplash from the number of plot twists I did not see coming! Also, do not get me started on the ending. I am still in recovery. But, in all honesty, this is the best book I read all year and even better than another fantasy book that contains winged fae that rhymes with MACOTAR. I know this book will get all the love it deserves. Because I am going to make everyone I know to read it.
Thank you, Booksirens and K.M. Parke, for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
Thank you, Booksirens and K.M. Parke, for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
this was a beautifully done fae romance, it does what I was expecting from this type of the book. K. M. Parke has a great fantasy writing style and I really had a great time reading this. It left me wanting more in this universe and from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2024
DUH! I feel so dumb that I fell for the classic fantasy “sitcharoo” AGAIN! Loved this book so much I immediately picked up the next one in the series. Perfectly paced. Scratches the fantasy itch without intense world building. Perfect for someone battling a reading funk (me).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
**4.5 Stars rounded to 5**
Toward the Stars is a fabulous debut from K.M. Parke! The plot is easy to follow, without being obvious as to where it is headed. The well-crafted world building gets the point across without being overly convoluted. The character descriptions are well written and keep you immersed and invested in the story.
I adored the main character, Alora, who is tough, but can accept guidance without coming across as naive. This is something that is often overlooked in New Adult Fantasy - finding that balance between no longer a "teenager" but not quite old enough to have everything figured out yet - but I think Alora's character definitely has found a great place along that line. Her hot headed temperament and independence made her very relatable, but I also appreciated her ability to admit her mistakes. Her character growth was well paced. I also loved her relationships with Veric, Jude, and Killian, and watching them grow as her (and in turn the reader's) knowledge of their world developed.
The Gods/religion are well explained and easy follow, as are the politics (evil angels? love). I want to continue on and gush about the plot, but at the risk of spoilers, you'll just have to read for yourself to find out! ;)
I will definitely be coming back for the rest of the series!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an ARC from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
Toward the Stars is a fabulous debut from K.M. Parke! The plot is easy to follow, without being obvious as to where it is headed. The well-crafted world building gets the point across without being overly convoluted. The character descriptions are well written and keep you immersed and invested in the story.
I adored the main character, Alora, who is tough, but can accept guidance without coming across as naive. This is something that is often overlooked in New Adult Fantasy - finding that balance between no longer a "teenager" but not quite old enough to have everything figured out yet - but I think Alora's character definitely has found a great place along that line. Her hot headed temperament and independence made her very relatable, but I also appreciated her ability to admit her mistakes. Her character growth was well paced. I also loved her relationships with Veric, Jude, and Killian, and watching them grow as her (and in turn the reader's) knowledge of their world developed.
The Gods/religion are well explained and easy follow, as are the politics (evil angels? love). I want to continue on and gush about the plot, but at the risk of spoilers, you'll just have to read for yourself to find out! ;)
I will definitely be coming back for the rest of the series!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an ARC from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
October 22, 2022
4,5 rounded to 5
OMG! OMG! OMG! More! I just need more! I cant just stop here. Its midnight almost… just finished book 1… Im so high up and beside getting more of it I donno what else to do?!
Sooo: this book was amazing! Totally swapped in to the story from first sentence! The adventure, the tension… everything was just so nailbitingly good… The world but was great but I mainly liked the characters and their interaction. I really liked that the heroine’s intro was showing she is a toughcookie but still not a showitall and killitall from square one but has a learning curve!
I absolutely enjoyed the romantic tensions as well….
But nontheless I luved V&Js character and the familyfocus!
I also very muched like the Fallen part (would luv to see a drawing on that castle)
So all in all Im totally fan and would like to be in the firsts getting B2!!! Cant wait (starstruck emoji (lol))
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
OMG! OMG! OMG! More! I just need more! I cant just stop here. Its midnight almost… just finished book 1… Im so high up and beside getting more of it I donno what else to do?!
Sooo: this book was amazing! Totally swapped in to the story from first sentence! The adventure, the tension… everything was just so nailbitingly good… The world but was great but I mainly liked the characters and their interaction. I really liked that the heroine’s intro was showing she is a toughcookie but still not a showitall and killitall from square one but has a learning curve!
I absolutely enjoyed the romantic tensions as well….
But nontheless I luved V&Js character and the familyfocus!
I also very muched like the Fallen part (would luv to see a drawing on that castle)
So all in all Im totally fan and would like to be in the firsts getting B2!!! Cant wait (starstruck emoji (lol))
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2022
Wow! I’m lost for words! I was in love from the start. I have loved watching the character growth but nothing beats watching the relationship growth. The was enough action and plot twists to keep it interesting and prevented this book from becoming just another fae romance. But that ending!! I sobbed. I’m so intrigued to find out what happens next, I’m desperately hoping for more of Killian - because well damn I can’t even give words to him but I’m also begging to know whose POV that last character was from - I have my suspicions however it would be a very big heartbreaking plot twist if it turned out I was wrong! kit has caught my attention though so I’m looking forward to seeing more of his character in the future. I highly recommend this book and I’m praying to anyone who listens that I don’t have to wait too long for the next book (although it would be worth the wait I’m sure).
November 30, 2023
Omg I DEVOURED this book. The banter is top notch! The tension is real, and OMG the epilogue!! I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I have a few suspicions that I need clarification on lol
October 17, 2024
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed Toward the Stars by K.M. Parke, and I’m glad I went through the effort of searching for recommendations for fantasy romance with older protagonists. This book was a great setup for what looks like a promising series, and I’m excited to continue it.
I really liked Alora as a main character. She felt realistic, and I appreciated how honest she was about her own limitations. It was honestly funny to read lines like, "And if he ran into something he couldn’t handle, I wouldn’t be any help anyway, so there was no use worrying about that either." One thing that surprised me, though, was how easily she accepted the fae and her new reality. I expected more resistance or questioning, especially at the beginning, but maybe because she’s older and already feels like she never fit in, the strange events in her life just added up and made it easier for her to accept. Still, I would’ve liked more depth around what she left behind—her father, her sister—it seemed like that part of her life was just dropped without much conflict.
I’m want to learn more about Alora’s connections, especially the people closest to her mother. I’m hoping the person who protected her for so long is tied to her mother’s past, particularly the name mentioned in the diary.
Killian is an overall good mmc, and I’m curious about where his story will go. It’s bittersweet to think about Alora and Killian getting closer but potentially not having an ending together due to them having someone destined to be their other half. I wonder how Alora will come to understand that connection or how it will impact her feelings. As for Kit, while I love a dark-haired, mysterious male lead, I’m still not sure about him so far. He didn’t have much time in this book, and most of his scenes were heavy on flirtation and innuendo, which didn’t feel like enough to make me connect with him. I’m looking forward to seeing more depth in his character in book 2, as it seems he’ll have a bigger role.
Overall, I’m definitely continuing the series. I’m excited to see how the story and characters grow from here!
I really enjoyed Toward the Stars by K.M. Parke, and I’m glad I went through the effort of searching for recommendations for fantasy romance with older protagonists. This book was a great setup for what looks like a promising series, and I’m excited to continue it.
I really liked Alora as a main character. She felt realistic, and I appreciated how honest she was about her own limitations. It was honestly funny to read lines like, "And if he ran into something he couldn’t handle, I wouldn’t be any help anyway, so there was no use worrying about that either." One thing that surprised me, though, was how easily she accepted the fae and her new reality. I expected more resistance or questioning, especially at the beginning, but maybe because she’s older and already feels like she never fit in, the strange events in her life just added up and made it easier for her to accept. Still, I would’ve liked more depth around what she left behind—her father, her sister—it seemed like that part of her life was just dropped without much conflict.
I’m want to learn more about Alora’s connections, especially the people closest to her mother. I’m hoping the person who protected her for so long is tied to her mother’s past, particularly the name mentioned in the diary.
Killian is an overall good mmc, and I’m curious about where his story will go. It’s bittersweet to think about Alora and Killian getting closer but potentially not having an ending together due to them having someone destined to be their other half. I wonder how Alora will come to understand that connection or how it will impact her feelings. As for Kit, while I love a dark-haired, mysterious male lead, I’m still not sure about him so far. He didn’t have much time in this book, and most of his scenes were heavy on flirtation and innuendo, which didn’t feel like enough to make me connect with him. I’m looking forward to seeing more depth in his character in book 2, as it seems he’ll have a bigger role.
Overall, I’m definitely continuing the series. I’m excited to see how the story and characters grow from here!
October 19, 2023
My apologies to the author for the *very* belated review of her phenomenal debut! (I thought I wrote it, but it might have been lost in an account merge 🫣)
I had the privilege of beta reading this prior to publication, and after realizing that I either didn’t write a review or it got lost in Goodreads nonsense, I decided to re-read it so the details were fresh in my mind.
I tend to judge books on whether or not they stick with me, and I can say for certain that this one definitely stuck around. Ive been thinking about Alora and Endence at regular intervals over the last 14 months, and that’s not something I can say most authors are capable of for me.
K.M. created a world that is lived in and full of details that keep you engaged (like Dale! 🦢). Upon my reread I caught little snippets of information that lay the groundwork for later reveals in the first book, and it’s done in such a way that rewards the reread. I’m still full of questions (and those are full of spoilers, so I won’t be sharing them here).
If you like secret Fae, inexplicable abilities, courts, wings 🦇, prophecies, cheeky Oracles, spies, assassinations, and generals, please consider this for your next read. (Also the author is Aussie and I personally just love the little regionalisms that come through 😍)
I had the privilege of beta reading this prior to publication, and after realizing that I either didn’t write a review or it got lost in Goodreads nonsense, I decided to re-read it so the details were fresh in my mind.
I tend to judge books on whether or not they stick with me, and I can say for certain that this one definitely stuck around. Ive been thinking about Alora and Endence at regular intervals over the last 14 months, and that’s not something I can say most authors are capable of for me.
K.M. created a world that is lived in and full of details that keep you engaged (like Dale! 🦢). Upon my reread I caught little snippets of information that lay the groundwork for later reveals in the first book, and it’s done in such a way that rewards the reread. I’m still full of questions (and those are full of spoilers, so I won’t be sharing them here).
If you like secret Fae, inexplicable abilities, courts, wings 🦇, prophecies, cheeky Oracles, spies, assassinations, and generals, please consider this for your next read. (Also the author is Aussie and I personally just love the little regionalisms that come through 😍)
January 2, 2023
DNF. Amateur, bad writing.
And worst of all - snarky heroine alert. Example on like page 3:
"Fuck-wit"? Seriously? This is a dang fantasy novel in another world. I just can't take these types of books seriously...
A few pages later...
Btw, that's the second-time "dickhead" is used in the first 10 pages of the book. And "fuck" is used 177 TIMES throughout the book!! I curse and use "fuck" occasionally myself...but jeez, when theres that much cursing, the characters just seem immature and the writing simplistic. I'd highly advise the author to get more creative and make her characters behave more maturely...
Also, is 27 NA?? Many reviewers have classified this as NA but the heroine being 27 (and almost 28) makes this adult for me...
And worst of all - snarky heroine alert. Example on like page 3:
Being a woman meant I was required to be escorted by a male family member, despite being twenty-seven and not a fuck-wit.
"Fuck-wit"? Seriously? This is a dang fantasy novel in another world. I just can't take these types of books seriously...
A few pages later...
The men in our province fell into two clear categories - domineering or dickhead.
Btw, that's the second-time "dickhead" is used in the first 10 pages of the book. And "fuck" is used 177 TIMES throughout the book!! I curse and use "fuck" occasionally myself...but jeez, when theres that much cursing, the characters just seem immature and the writing simplistic. I'd highly advise the author to get more creative and make her characters behave more maturely...
Also, is 27 NA?? Many reviewers have classified this as NA but the heroine being 27 (and almost 28) makes this adult for me...
November 13, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Holy fabulous! This book was everything after the major series hangover I had been nursing. It has so many tropes. Including the following ;enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, touch her and die, found family. The list goes on! I immediately was pulled into K.M. Parke’s immensely beautiful world with a smart mouthed FMC Alora. Perfect for fans of Fantasy or Romantasy, NA (includes very adult themes) I really cannot wait for the next installment, this book had me at the edge of my seat. Laughing, crying and blushing. It was quite the journey and I will be ordering a hard copy pronto.
November 10, 2022
So I couldn’t get enough! I was surprised that I found myself feeling the high I got from the acotar series. I crave more of it and the epilogue at the end I screamed! How dare it be left that way…. I cannot wait for book 2!! and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the world created before me and I find out more about the main character! I have my suspicions and I want to see if I am right! I have already recommended it to a friend once it becomes available! I did receive an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily! I can’t wait!
November 5, 2022
I did not expect a great novel….but I haven’t loved a book more in years. I do not give such praise lightly, the plot is amazing, the characters are so well developed, it’s a wonderful fantasy without being too much like the others of this genre. The spice is there, without being too overpowering. I am not sure how I’m going to survive waiting for the next one, quite honestly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2023
Ok, I loved this book! The world building was fantastic, the transition was done really well and the character development was amazing.
I love Killian, I love Alora and I love that other person
I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen, and make little connections and was second guessing myself the entire time.
And that ending - what. The. Fuck.
I need the next one. Yesterday.
Fantastic debut novel by the amazingly talented and beautiful K. M. Parke.
I love Killian, I love Alora and I love that other person
I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen, and make little connections and was second guessing myself the entire time.
And that ending - what. The. Fuck.
I need the next one. Yesterday.
Fantastic debut novel by the amazingly talented and beautiful K. M. Parke.
January 15, 2023
'Toward the Stars' had me hooked from the very first page, kept me intrigued the whole way through, and has left me wanting more.
I affectionately consider this book to be 'Stardust' meets 'Fifty Shades of Grey', and would recommend it for people who have enjoyed either.
Can't wait for the sequel!
I affectionately consider this book to be 'Stardust' meets 'Fifty Shades of Grey', and would recommend it for people who have enjoyed either.
Can't wait for the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews