This book gets three stars, but barely. To start with, the first half of the book kept mentioning things that had absolutely no explanation. I was so confused that I thought this book was a sequel, and was even more confused when I realized it was the first book. The amount of plot twists in this book was unbelievable, and it got to the point where the entire story just wasn’t making sense. Jas traded the Grimoricon and her immortality for the ring and kiss of death, but apparently there’s a second ring and Mordeus has it and is using it to draw power from her? Not to mention, the author just dropped the bombshell that apparently Jasalyn is a phoenix, and then doesn’t explain what it means at all and ENDS THE BOOK! The ending was so abrupt and unexpected that I thought I had somehow skipped the last few pages, but nope, it was just over. The writing was very questionable at some points, and a few times even made me cringe. The amount of betrayals was also insane. Like, Kendrick’s a fae and is working for Mordeus, and Shae literally burned Felicity’s supply of Jasalyn’s hair and could have gotten her killed??? Also, the scene near the end where Crissa turned into a wyvern??? What was that? I had to reread it three times to even somewhat understand what was happening. I really wanted to like this book, it was even on my list of most anticipated reads for 2024, so I feel really bad leaving such a negative review, but I really didn’t love this book. I’m probably not going to read it again anytime soon, and I’m most likely not going to read the next book…

This is the first Lexi Ryan book I’ve read, and I am in love!!! I haven’t read a YA fantasy in a while, but I am happy I was given the opportunity to read this one because this book was so good. My one complaint is that I was a little lost with the lack of world building. I realize this is a world being revisited from a previous series that I have not read, so that may have been a miss on my part, but I feel like I needed some gaps filled in. Specifically the background of who has magic, how that magic manifests, what the relationship between the walls are, etc.

The book flips between the POV of our two main characters Felicity and Jasalyn, who are equally captivating. Felicity is a badass shifter, on the run from her evil father who poses as a savior and protector in the human realm. Jasalyn is a newly dubbed faerie princess, battling with her trauma from being held prisoner by the evil Mordeus whose rule was ended and replaced by Jasalyn’s sister. Jasalyn fights against her true nature as fae and trades something monumental for a chance at revenge. Mental health is addressed in a very realistic and gentle way in this book, making Jasalyn a very relatable character.

You will also be equally in love with Misha and Kendrick, our two main male characters who are each forbidden for different reasons. They bring out new sides of Jasalyn and Felicity, helping them cope and grow past their own traumas and insecurities. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE has their own agenda going on in this book. The overall goal might be the similar for some, but the motivations and underlying reasons are vastly different. Even with some pretty clear foreboding, the plot twists STILL got me because I was thinking there is no way we are going to suffer this type of betrayal! I can’t wait for the next book—hoping there has to be another coming!?

Reviews to TikTok and instagram will be posted on release day and I will update with links.
“And what if you find yourself living beneath nothing but cursed stars?”

“Then you go find yourself a world with a whole new night sky.”

Thank you NetGalley and HarperTeen for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a first book in a YA Romantasy spin off from the authors ‘These Hollow Vows’ duology. I went into this book having not read them as I didn’t realize it was such a closely related spin off rather than a based in the same world kind of spin off. I decided to read it anyways to see if one had to have read the other books to enjoy and I don’t think you need to have. While you will have a better understanding of the magic system, world and some characters if you have Lexi does a good job letting you learn what you need without having that background. (I did read the previous duology when I finished to see if it colored how I perceived the book).

I enjoyed that the FMCs and MMCs aren’t the usual archetypal YA chosen one always does good. It created a dimension to them that sometimes I find lacking in YA books where everyone is either good or bad. I did have a bit of trouble connecting to a couple of the characters at first (this may have been because I hadn’t read the other duology) but by the end I was invested in them and more then a little angry at lies and deceptions that were revealed.

The world building isn’t anything necessarily new and exciting but it doesn’t always have to be. Lexi does a good job of shaping the traditional faerie/fae lore into something that was hers and worked well with the story she wanted to tell.

Overall I would recommend if you are looking for a new YA Romantasy.

Thank you NetGalley and TeenHarper for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

I loved diving back into the court of shadows and meeting some new players. I think the author did a nice job of recapping the important parts. As it’s been awhile since I’ve read the first duology!

Felicity and Jas couldn’t be more different. I really enjoyed jumping into both of their heads. I will say I think I enjoyed Felicity more as more things happened. Plus we normally got a look into Jas’s past through Felicity.

Jas has a lot of trauma so being in her head sometimes was annoying. I understood why the author did it as it did lead to character development. I kept waiting for things to peak and then when they did the book ended. We were finally getting somewhere!!!

Overall I felt the pacing for this book was perfect. It kept me intrigued and wanting to know more. I enjoyed the swap between characters as well as the flash backs. The author did not hold back for the flashbacks and it really helped me understand Jas. That ending really made me want more and left a lot of intrigue!!

I received this book as an ARC and have not read These Hollow Vows. However, I really enjoyed this book. There were a few things that I didn’t understand such as the magic system, but I suspect this might have been explained in the other book. I really felt for Jas and Misha (even though he was a side character) throughout the book as they dealt with their plights. I need to know how the next book goes!

Damn. This book left me reeling and I know that this was just an ARC but I would like the next book asap… please.

Deceit, lies, everyone looking out for themselves. Jas is someone who has gone through horrible trauma and is struggling to find her way without letting anyone to actually let her do so. Her sister, the queen, coddles her and protects her. I admire that but you do have to let some people live to help them get back up, and sometimes it has to be in their own way. Jasalyn’s motivations and feeling stuck is completely understandable after everything she’s experienced.

Kendrick is the one who forms the plan to use his sister, Felicity, to shift and impersonate Jas so they can continue with the plan of saving Elora. Felicity I also admire, doing something challenging in order to try to protect the one she loves. As Jas, Felicity goes to Misha’s kingdom to try to find everything else they need to destroy Erith. What she doesn’t expect, is to start falling for Misha and vice versa.

However, the part that makes all of this work is lack of honesty and communication throughout the entire book and I have to say I love it, for the sake of the story, despite me wanting to scream at some of them.

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ms. Lexi Ryan, I would like a formal apology for that cliffhanger you just left me on because I cannot wait another year to see how this story ends.

If you love the These Hollow Vows duology, you will probably enjoy this book, however you do not need to read the previous series to understand this one. It follows Jasalyn, the previous main character’s sister, as she handles the aftermath of her months of torture at the hands of Mordeus. She swaps places with Felicity, a shape-shifter, to get revenge on her enemies.

If there is anything Lexi Ryan knows, it is angst and pining. There are two couples to follow and they each have their own circumstances that make it challenging for them to be together. You will be on the edge of your toes trying to see how and if the couples will end up together. I didn’t find myself favoring one couple over the other because the author creates unique love stories for each one.

It is unbelievable how easy it is to read Lexi Ryan’s writing. She has a way of making the story compelling and engaging yet also easy to understand. I do admit that some plot twists were predictable, but I still had a fun reading experience. I would love to see the author explore adult fantasy because I think she would be great at it.

I loved this new installment in the world of These Hollow Vows. I found the first book at a bookstore because I liked the cover. I know that’s shallow but these books do not disappoint. I enjoyed being able to glimpse Jasalyn’s life since the ending of previous book. This book jumps forward 3 years. It introduces new characters and continues the story of other characters. I was just as eager for both storylines as it jumped back and forth. Let’s just say Misha. This book did end on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to find out how it finishes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I was familiar with some of the characters from These Hollow Bonds and These Twisted Vows, but I enjoyed learning more about Jasalyn's story. The tale is told between two alternating viewpoints, Jasalyn's and Felicity's, who is impersonating Jasalyn at the Wild Court. I thought that there was a lot of action throughout, and readers will become engrossed in the mystery of what is going on with Jasalyn with respect to Mordeus' blood magic. I thought it was a well-written fantasy tale with likable characters. I would very much recommend this to fans of fantasy with a little romance, particularly if you enjoy tales of the Fae!

I could not put this book down—it was that good! The plot had me hooked from start to finish, and the characters were so captivating, with Nigel being my favorite side character. I live for those unexpected plot twists, and this one had me totally enthralled! Without a doubt, this book is my favorite in the connected series. I am so excited for the next book; it cannot come soon enough! For fantasy fans who crave high stakes and a sprinkle of romance, this is a must-read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

At this point, Lexi Ryan is an immediate "click & purchase" author for me! I don't need to know anything about the premise, just need to see her name and I'm sold!

For fans of "These Hollow Vows" duology, the story continues with Jasalyn, Abriella's sister, who had been kidnapped by the evil King of the Unseelies. She faces unimaginable horror while imprisoned that has affected her way of life, as well as her relationships, with those who care for her.
It also follows shapeshifter, Felicity, who has been unable to live in her true skin for years, lest her evil father find her. She has been fated to kill him however, the cost of doing so is not something she can live with and as a result, has exiled herself and hidden her true identity from everyone.
Jasalyn and Felicity's paths cross and they are forced to confront not only the evil that comes for both of them, but also their own personal demons they're running from.
This was such a fantastic read, from start to finish. My only complaint is the helluva cliffhanger it ends on. I need to continue this story!

Thank you NetGalley, Lexi Ryan, and HarperCollins for ARC.

I’m torn on how I feel about this book. On one hand, there was a fairly long period in the middle of the book that seemed to drag and almost made me lose interest. I felt like I kept reading just to try to get to the end.
On the other hand, the last few chapters definitely drew my attention back in! The stake became high and I was concerned for our main characters, Jasalyn and Felicity, and their friends.
I definitely wouldn’t read this without reading These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds first. There are major spoilers for that duology and I think a lot of the world won’t make sense without that background knowledge.
Overall, should you read it? If you enjoyed the original duology and want to return to that world, then yes! It was fun to see familiar characters again and learn more about the world.

*thank you NetGalley for the ARC and the chance to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

i loved this! i recommend reading the “These Hollow Vows” series first because this is a spin off!

i love being in this world that the author has created. secret identities, who did this to you, magic, and so much more!

i feel like with dual POVs, one is always better than the other or one captivates you more and that was the case in this one for me.

i can’t wait to read more of this series!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!

Beneath These Cursed Stars is a spinoff series to Lexi Ryan's These Hollow Vows duology. In this book we follow Brie's sister; Jasalyn and a brand new character, Felicity. We also get a lot of time with Misha (my favorite from the OG story), which was my favorite part of the book.

Beneath These Cursed Stars follows Jasalyn, the Shadow Princess who is armed with a cursed ring and a vendetta against King Mordeus's followers and Felicity, a shape shifter who is on the run from her father who is trying to kill her. When rumors spread of Mordeus's return, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all, and she needs Felicity to take her form so that she can hunt Mordeus in secret.

I loved the idea of this book: two girls switch places to hunt down an evil king and bring peace to the realm. We're given duel pov's, forced proximity, who did this to you, hidden identity and a cliffhanger. All things I love in a YA fantasy book. But it took about 200 pages to get into the story and things only started picking up the last 30 pages.

Some of the issues I have with this book are:
- shape shifter lying to potential love interest about who she is,
- slow paced,
- very little character development,
- age gap and romance with a minor.

The cliffhanger was the most interesting point of this book, but I'm not sure if it'll be enough for me to want to read the next in the series. There are so many questions unanswered and both FMC's were so whiny and hard to root for. It was tough for me to continue picking up the book when I just found all the characters so incredibly frustrating.

This book lacked the magic of the original series which is a shame because the original is so good. I think it's important to read the first two books before diving in to this one, because without it the world and the magic system is confusing. Overall the potential was there for a really great story. I just had a hard time connecting with the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to netgalley for providing me an arc to review! These thoughts are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.

I enjoyed Beneath These Cursed Stars. I liked seeing the development of Jasalyn as she leaves the castle and has to face the consequences of her actions made while hurting. The flashbacks helped the readers understand her traumas a little more, and i liked that they also went to Felicity as she was pretending to be Jasalyn because it added more depth to her character and made me feel more for her without Jasalyn's POV.

That being said- I wanted more. I felt like there was such a big opportunity for Jasalyn to have her story be told and instead we got stuck in the cycle of I'm angry, no one understands me, I am a burden. About halfway through it started to get bogged down for me. Having Felicity's POV helped me tremendously with this, because she has a front row seat that a trauma she didn't endure. It helped me to feel more for Jasalyn and helped me justify the decisions she made. I wanted to learn more about how she meet the witch that gave her the ring, and how the transaction of her morality came into play. Also how Hale is not affected? Does he truly not remember or is that another deception. I LOVED the scars coming up and how it was revealed to be blood magic. It was such a unique plot point that I don't think I've ever read before. That uncovering had my jaw on the floor.

I wish we had gotten more of Felicity's Orcale reading since it plays such a large role in her doing this, and it impacts not just her but Hale, and Jasalyn. Especially because we meet her in a place that she ran to, to escape it. I would have liked to have that flushed out, just a little bit more to make me feel more connected to her. I liked the romance budding between her and Misha, it added the complexities of relationships that had you rooting for them, even knowing she isn't in her true form. Him seeing her in his dreams, and him revealing that after we heard the conversation with his ex-wife. It makes me believe that they are mated but now have this to work through so I'm excited to see how their story gets told.

The betrayal of Shae wasn't super shocking to me, however I would have (again) loved more hints of it. Him not showing up on time to meet Hale and burning the hair to force Felicity to move faster was great, but a few more scenes discussing his character would have made me understand why. I'm sure it will come up in the next book in the way this ended, but some background to build would have been helpful.

I would recommend this book to my friends, I love Lexi Ryan's writing and the way she builds worlds and relationships. I read these hollow vows previously and it was so fun being back in the world with Finn, Brie and the gang. I liked seeing bits of the previous books in this as well.

I didn't read These Hollow Vows so I'm new to this realm I'd characters. There are several things in here that are pretty predictable but one that definitely wasn't and on that cliffhanger ending I'm like, ok I need to know what happens next. Bonded fae creatures will never not annoy me but the hint that drops about two and then what comes later....that was well played.

Let's see where this one goes. 3.5 stars

Beneath These Cursed Stars
by Lexi Ryan
Pub Date: Jul 30 2024

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

*Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book; it made me very happy.*

As someone who remembers thinking that the original series needed another book, this pleases me.

Jasalyn is a fascinating MC. Her mental state is wild. I cannot fault her really because she has been through it, but she would seriously benefit from intensive therapy. Her method is not healthy.

Felicity is lovely. I actually really like her. I am glad that she got a POV because I find her more feminine and refreshing than Jas. She wants to be good and tries even when she is doing something shady, and I just think that is wholesome.

Kendrick. I am not a huge fan. The amount of times he spews an inspirational quote at Jas, you would think he is her AA sponsor and not her friend. It is mildly exhausting. His little band of people are chill. Natan seems to be the most likable, but Remme is fun, too. I find Skylar a little much 80% of the time.

The plot of this book…is actually really intriguing. I am not gonna be spoiler-y (if I was, I would have put it where I talked about people ‘cause woah), but the magic and depth of lore are very intriguing. Jas’s storyline (while I don’t like her as much as Felicity) is incredibly gritty and harsh and daunting, and it keeps me engaged.

As with every book in which the original characters are older, I find that there is some discontinuity between who they were and who they are now. Everyone seems softer in their “later years” (meaning Abriella and Finn). Misha is still a freaking delight. I mean wow. But really, what can I say…it’s a M name.

So grateful to have been able to read this one early. Such a good read! Can’t wait for the next one!

Honestly, folks, it’s harder to list things I liked about this book than things that absolutely pissed me off. In the name of transparency, I have not read the initial duology that this is a “spin-off” (more accurately, a sequel from a different POV) of, and that in itself is a problem because I am not the only one who seemed unable to tell how this related to the first two books based on the novel’s description listed on Netgalley. But that is a separate issue of marketing. Let’s talk about the book itself, which had me repeatedly asking myself and the author: what the hell are we even doing here?

Wow. How many tropes can one book cram into 300 pages to drive me up the wall? Here is a summary list of SOME of the problematic aspects of the novel (many of which are not noted enough in other reviews):
age gap featuring a minor
shape shifting identity and therefore perennially lying to a love interest
“I’m traumatized and will not speak to anyone about my trauma, but will make my traumatized nature everyone else’s problem”
trauma and PTSD solved by a man liking you back
FMC who NEVER asks questions ever—regardless of how fishy and fucked things are

To be more specific, both of the romances failed to feel authentic. If the plot and the horrific age gaps were not so abhorrent to read about, there were certain scenes where the romance could have been nice, but with the storyline given to us, I did not find myself invested in the couples at all. Plus, again, let me repeat, the options being a romance with a minor OR a romance with a thousands-of-years-old fae just felt wrong on both sides. Lastly, both Jas and Felicity were written really whiny, and for a character who was supposed to be incredibly skilled at impersonating other people besides herself, Felicity absolutely utterly FAILED to be anything like the quiet and closed-off version of Jas that she had been TOLD to impersonate explicitly. So I repeat: what are we even doing here?

On the whole, I hated the entire experience of reading this. The writing style was not special or unique in any way; the tropes were all terrible; I was forced to read sexual scenes featuring a minor in a book where Jas being 17 and a minor was actively part of the plot, so I couldn’t just pretend she was 20; and on the whole, I just did not find myself caring about any character at all. The last TWO LINES of the book potentially piqued my interest, but if it means I have to read about young women being pursued by much older men any longer, my head might explode, so I doubt I will be reading a future sequel OR going back to read the original duology. People who read the initial two books may like this book a lot more than me, but for those who haven’t read the prior books… I’d save your time. 1.5⭐, rounded to 2 on Goodreads.

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*