The Starglass Girl

Of Candlelight and Shadows #0.5

by Sylvia Mercedes

Hidden in the shadows, the doomed fae lord awaits his stolen bride . . .

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Ebooks, Romance

Kindle Edition

About the author

Hi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. You get my novel, Song of Shadows, for FREE when you sign up!

Reviews

[Jessica Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this is only 25 pages, but I’m giving 4 stars because it sold the series to me in those 25 pages. I could probably summarize it in 3 sentences, but those 3 sentences wouldn’t sell it. There’s zero smut, which is never the right amount, and I’ll definitely read the series.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing Lord Dymaris’s point of view!! My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer!! Need more from his perspective!!!

[Maddy Martinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my review of The Starglass Girl on my blog, here: https://thepaperworlds.blogspot.com/2....

This is a spoiler-free review!

I absolutely loved The Moonfire Bride, and was delighted to find out that there was a companion novella that gives Erolas a short introduction in his perspective. Exploring this pivotal moment from the first installment through Erolas's eyes allows the reader to understand the predicament both Valera and Erolas are in, as the bridegroom and Moonfire bride.

With Valera having such an intense personality seen through her own perspective in The Moonfire Bride, it was nice to see the way that Erolas internally reacted to her response to their wedding. He wants to be respectful of her natural reaction to being put in such a position, but he also has a responsibility that needs to be carried out.

Being able to understand what the goblins say was a major plus in this addition to the duology, considering we are not aware of the translations in the first book. The relationship and concern that Erolas has with the goblins and other creatures exhibits his concern and morals on a greater level, and with the exhibition of his care toward Valera upon her arrival, it only builds upon his good character.

I wish this was longer! I would have loved to explore even more of his mind and the moments after the wedding, especially considering how much we were able to learn about Erolas in this short story. From a publication standpoint, I would definitely recommend reading this after completing The Moonfire Bride, but if read prior, it certainly would not spoil any major plot points.

This story has me excited to complete the duology and see how Erolas and Valera's relationship plays out as more information is brought to light and as they overcome the obstacles in their way. For readers looking for a solid combination of romance and fantasy, Of Candlelight and Shadows series offers a great balance.

You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads (maddymartinelli), Instagram (@thepaperworlds), Twitter (@thepaperworlds), and following this blog in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Starglass waters are precious, and I paid a terrible price for them. I should have saved the rare droplets for better use than peering into the mortal world to catch shadow-glimpses of my bride... But she is such an interesting creature.

PLOT SUMMARY
Erolas, a fae, asks the Starglass, a magic mirror, to show his true love, and it shows Valera, a common woman. His henchmen, goblins, bring her to him unconscious and when she is recovered they are wedded. Repulsed, she asks him if she can return home and Erolas reveals she must stay with him for a year and a day, but can never see his face and can only meet under the cover of darkness.

This is told from the first-person present-tense POV of Erolas.

OVERALL OPINIONS
This short Novelette introduces Sylvia's Of Candlelight and Shadows series, inspired by Hades and Persephone for Book 1, and Eros and Psyche for Book 2. I more get the vibes of Beauty and the Beast here, especially with our "Beast", or rather fae, Erolas using the Starglass which is essentially a magic "mirror", reflections on the water.

The title of this book makes me think of the song Stargirl Interlude by The Weekend.

I just want to see you shine 'cause I know you are a star, girl

My error was assuming this was a standalone when in fact, this is the wedding scene from Book 1, The Moonfyre Bride from the point of view of Erolas, but this was a good introduction to the series.

It was interesting to see their tension, Valera's fiery nature, and Erolas' efforts to be kind. I am a sucker for books where you get to read the man's point of view, so I adored this! I do want to read more.

I am a little disappointed at how short this was (around 14-20 pages depending on the edition). I know that is, of course, the point of a short story but again, I had no idea it was short. It sounded like it was its own book until you get it and then realise haha. Terms like the Law of Claiming and Choosing are thrown around willy-nilly and you get the jist of it but again, thrown into the deep end without much explanation. I think some standalones of a series (or this sort of story showing the man's point of view) are better when terms and situations, regardless of whether people have read the other books or not, are explained or reminded.

The goblins singing, and then it being translated reminded me of Tolkien's works, especially The Hobbit as he liked including both songs in a different language and a translation. The mirror concept especially made me think of Lady Galadriel's mirror. I personally liked this as I love anything that gives me Middle-Earth vibes.

[Shawna Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

From The Moonfire Bride this short story gives us a look from Lord Damaris’ POV when his subjects haul home an unconscious Valera and his first meeting with her after. It does add to the scene, but certainly isn’t needed in order to enjoy the duology. It is certainly endearing how tender the Lord comes across and his pain over her terror. Of course that’s unsettling, but then he has no idea how his goblins enticed her outside by trickery rather than of her own choice as he suspects.

Still, I’m glad I read it, even if it’s only a few minutes reading in length.

This short is available for free by subscribing to the author’s digital newsletter.

[Annie Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story, but definitely not intended to be a standalone. It will probably make more sense after reading the series it was intended to go with, but I haven't read any other books in the series. As it is, the story is incomplete and has no resolution. However, the characters and situation are interesting, so I'll give the book the benefit of the doubt and will probably eventually read the others.

[Kelvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, apart from the start which I wasn't really enjoying per se, the story did pick up and make up for the first few pages. It was honestly much more interesting than I thought it would be and although I'm not really into books with Fae, and as much as I can't believe I'm saying this, I will be considering reading the rest of the series that accompanies the book. The story is definitely promising.

[The Overflowing Inkwell]

A short freebie you can find on her website like Night of the Shadow King. Click on the free book tab; you'll get a random novella from a selection of her series, but if you put /free-book3 at the end of the URL you'll get this one. (https://www.sylviamercedesbooks.com/f...)

[Danielle M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story of the first night the couple met. It is to be read at least after the first book (I saw the link at the end of the 2nd ebook).
I wish there was a bit more of his pov, but loved this look into his view and the start of their story.

[Courtney Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started the series with this book and I’m hooked. I didn’t realize it’s an Eros and Psyche retelling, so as I was reading this I kept thinking to myself this reminds me of the Eros myth. This is a page-turner. The author leaves out just enough information to make you curious.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet look into Erolas POV into the time leading up to and initial meeting of his bride.

[Rikke's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm intrigued enough to put this series on my TBR to come back to. It's Fae but with what seems to be fairly deep lore which has me interested - it had goblins!!

[Tracie.Reads📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story of the when Erika’s met his bride Valera. There not enough of their story. I will definitely read the series.

[Maryam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐
mh mi aspettavo qualcosa di più, mi sono ancora rimasti dei dubbi sulla storia