Read May 2 2023.

3.5 star

This didn’t capture my attention as much as book 1 but I definitely want to read the third one. I have a feeling everything will move pretty fast.

I really loved the first book. It ended on a cliffhanger! Thus, I was very excited to read the sequel. I still love Daphne and Beatriz and reading about their predicaments. However, I wish Sophronia was in the novel because she was one of my favorite characters. Stardust in Their Veins feels more like a filler novel that is gearing up towards the conclusion. Nevertheless, this was a very solid novel with compelling characters! I can’t wait for the third novel! This series is Mrs. Sebastian’s best series yet!

I very much enjoyed the first book of this series. The triplets discover their role in the larger plan, coming into their personhood and morals. The ENDING! I was looking forward to what would happen next but Stardust in Their Veins felt a bit more of a slog to get through. I'm not sure if it was just me/when I read this (highly likely) or just the middle book syndrome after such a promising start. I just never felt invested or engaged with the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

After reading Castle in Their Bones I had no idea how I was going to survive waiting for book 2. Castle in Thier Bones has a huge cliffhanger. I will say the cover is a bit disappointing. I don't think it goes with book 1. I would not even realize these were the same series if I didn't see the author's name. I think they need to redo the cover for book 1 since books 2 and 3 look like they go together. Once again holy crap the ending was mind-blowing. The twists and turns. That cliffhanger!! I can't wait for the next installment. I was hesitant to read this one because I did not want another cliffhanger and extremely long wait between books. I can't wait to reread them!!
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for my review.

After how much I enjoyed the first book in this series, I almost was a bit disappointed with this one. This was a perfectly fine read. I didn't hate it by any means, but I also didn't love it. And I think a huge issue was just how long the book was. I felt it dragged at times, and there was simultaneously a lot happening while also nothing was happening. I think some of the character growth (especially with Daphne) was really good, and I enjoyed certain characters and scenes, but together, I felt that it really didn't need to be as long to get the same story out in this book. Perhaps part of the issue was the 3 POVs, especially when some of the characters overlapped enough that maybe we didn't need to get quite as much from each POV.

Overall, I'm still interested in the story, and I am very intrigued to see how it all ends. I just wish that I enjoyed this one more overall.

This was pretty great for the second book, as usual book one was amazing! I did enjoy the story that came more from Beatriz's POV! def enjoyed!

Just finished this book last week and it was so good! I'm dying for book 3, I have been holding onto this e-arc for awhile because it's been so long since I've read book 1 but wow am I glad I got this arc! Thank u to Decrote press for sending me an e-arc and then decided to pick it up physically from my library and now I'm dying to buy myself a copy!!(:
I loved how we have a multi pov in this series the only bad part is when I was playing the audiobook, and not following along it and not paying attention to the book the characters kind of blend together for me. But, my favorite character was totally Dahpen! I can't wait to see what book 3 has in store for us!(:

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

SPOILER WARNING: Major spoilers for Castles in Their Bones, the first book in the series.

Raised to be weapons for their mother to use against neighboring kingdoms, triplet princesses Daphne, Beatriz, and Sophronia have lost their faith in the plan – and in the end, Sophronia lost her life. Beatriz and Daphne might have a chance still, but only if they can unite forces.

Castles in Their Bones ended with such a twist that I found myself in shock, unable to believe that what I had read had actually happened – so of course I immediately had to read the sequel, at the very least to find out how Beatriz and Daphne would react to their sister’s death and the revelation that their mother had always been lying to them.

Though Sophronia, my favorite character, is gone, the introduction of Violie as the third narrator and the progression of Beatriz and Daphne’s character arcs and how they are shaped by their grief over Sophronia’s death kept me invested. I was surprised and pleased by the direction that the plot progressed and how characters from different storylines began to link up and affect each other. It was also interesting to learn more about the magic system alongside Beatriz, as the author filled in a lot of gaps that are elided over in the first book, as well as hinting at broader problems beyond the political ones with Empress Margaraux.

However, this book definitely suffers from second book syndrome. We get characters moving around a lot and a fair amount of plotting and intriguing on the part of our heroines, but plot towards the middle of the book especially becomes slightly threadbare. I am very excited for how things are set-up for the third book, but I could have done with more action in this one! I also felt that secondary characters rather faded into the background, especially Pasquale and Ambrose who are mostly around to provide support to Beatriz and do little else.

Really loved the sequel in this series! Things really heated up in book 2. With Sopharonia gone, Daphne and Beatriz have to figure out how to protect themselves and figure out what their mother has planned for them. I really loved the friendship that blossomed between Tris and Pas! They may not be romantic, but their love for each other has grown so much since they first met. They have each other's backs and trust each other more than anyone else. Pas goes along with Tris plans with very little questioning and just trying to keep her safe. I also loved the romantic relationship developing between Daphne and Baire! I couldn't wait for them to actually get married. I am waiting with bated breath for book 3!! Yay!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this DRC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the trilogy. Triplet sisters are married off to three different kingsdoms to fulfill their mother’s megalomaniacal desire to rule everything. Luckily, although clearly skilled in deception and murder, the Princesses start making their own decisions. Tense and exciting, there are many characters to root for and plenty to despise!
#StardustinTheirVeins #NetGalley

3.5 Stars, rounded to 4 stars

Continuing in the grand tapestry she began weaving in "Castles in Their Bones," the author plunges us back into the turbulent world of Vesteria, where politics and destiny are inextricably linked. In this installment, we witness the heart-wrenching aftermath of choices made, especially the tragic loss of Sophronia, which casts a looming shadow over the narrative.

Daphne and Beatriz are meticulously fleshed out, their individual journeys diverging yet intertwined by their shared mission of revenge. The theme of familial bonds tested by external forces and internal rifts is a consistent undercurrent, effectively drawing readers into the emotional roller-coaster the princesses are on.

However, while the world-building remains robust and the plot teems with intrigue, the pacing occasionally meanders, and some subplots feel as if they could be more tightly woven into the main narrative.

Nonetheless, the story delves deep into the exploration of power—both its external manifestations and the inner strength of the characters. The climax sets up a tantalizing premise for the final installment, promising a conclusion that could potentially be explosive. Fans of the series will no doubt eagerly anticipate the concluding chapter, hoping for a resolution that does justice to the saga's epic scope.

I wasn't sure where the author was going to take this story in the second book, but I really enjoyed it! I really felt caught up in the court drama and loved the end, can't wait for the next. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Stardust in Their Veins by Laura Sebastian (Castle in Their Bones #2)

Reviewed by Sam!

What I drank prior: ok so I’m trying to remember that alcohol fucks everything up. But…. Listen…. Today was actually the biggest day of my professional career. I got the promotion I’ve been working gfor. I cant even believe it. Truly. So i had a bottle fo wine and two shots. Minimum. I’m drunk so i can’t be held accountable for anything I’ve forgotten in my drunken celebration.

Drunk Overview: ok so…. We have the two remaining ladies… wait omg. Ok if you haven’t read boook one get out. Literally usually i say “follow your heart” but there isn’t quite as much drama usually in YA so here’s what I’m gonna say. We lose a main character in the first book and if you don’t want to know who it is then get out.

So, we’ve got the remaining ladies tryna figure things out after the death of their sister, one on the run one trying to figure out if her mom is the worst. So this is 100% the continuation of the previous book. Daphne and Beatriz are just tryna figure out what’s up after what happened in the last book. I was v worried about second book syndrome and i didn’t get it with this. Thi book was fab.

Spoiler-free Thoughts: lol so i think i was supposed to put the last para in his section but HEY i didn’t so whatever. also i loved this

Characters: ok so how do i deal with these characters. I also have a note here that says “why are all the boys so swoft” and I think that’s hilarious and accurate.

Beatriz – poor thing is dealing with trauma but has to go home to the WORST trauma. So what is she supposed to do, idk but I love her relationship with Paz. It’s goals. I can’t even describe.
Paz – I truly love him. He was so innocent in the first book but he’s trying to figure out everything else with being in your fake wife’s house and your favorite human (read: bf) being so close by.
Daphne: I kinda want to slap her. Like, she has this super hot super trustworthy dude, Bairre, who is the actual best, but you care more about yo mama then anything else. ANYWHO. I loge her journey.
EVERYONE ELSE: they’re all in support of these two but in the actual best way. They have challenges but the girls have made their allies and they know what’s up.
Ok i lied
Val: she’s the actual best, she wants to do what she promised for Soph keeping her love safe, but has her own reasons behind everything
Leopold: his journey in this book is long and arduous and painful but it’s also beautiful
Plot: I was never bored. Not once. The multiple POVs and settings and interwoven plots are masterfully done.

Writing Style: I will forever read Laura’s books. I think she takes YA to another level and makes everything so unique.

World Building: Not much to say here

What to pair it with: port wine. It’s delicious after such a meal of a book

Rating: 5/5 shots

Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,
Sam

Not my favorite sequel. I got lost a lot and at some point the plot twists stopped being interesting. It was good though.

Laura Sebastian has yet to disappoint me and I am enjoying this series as much, or even more, than her Ash Princess series! I love the court intrigue and the politics, in addition I thought that the character development was done extremely well in this installment. The only complaint I had was that I felt the middle was a bit drawn out and I feel that more could have happened to further the plot, but I’m still very excited for the next and to see how the series concludes!

Thank you Netgalley.

This sequel was just like the first book: full of politics. You really have to be invested in the political side of this series, otherwise you will be bored out of your mind.

The story line was entertaining, but I felt like it drug on and on. It was definitely way longer than necessary.

Laura Sebastian is a great author. I have loved both books in this series. I can not wait for the next one! The world is great. The characters are all different and have their own personalities. I just can not rave enough about this author and series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eArc.

Okay first the bad news. Yes, I think that this book falls into a sophomore slump. It’s a long one but not a lot happens. But I think it does do a really good job of setting the readers up for an explosive third book. It’s not pretty but it did its job.

I also think it was really impressive that Sebastian introduced a new POV character but the storylines were all interesting. I don’t often say that!