I appreciate the ARC but was confused by some things in the beginning, after doing some searching I realized this was actually a spinoff of the author’s other books These Hollow Vow’s duology.

I wish this had been stated in the description. I don’t really feel like this is a standalone series. It feels like you’re missing out on important world building and details if you don’t read the other two books first.

This is my first book by the author. Although I still have questions, I am assuming the answers can be found in the next book. The character and world-building were great. It makes you think and try to piece the puzzle together. I love reading about a world where fae, goblins, and other magical creatures interact with humans, working as allies or enemies. There are more courts involved in the stories, and I am looking forward to learning about them. There is still a lot of mystery about Mordeus, Erith, and the oracles that needs to be explained and solved. The ending ends with betrayals and a cliffhanger, so I can definitely say I am invested in this story 100% and the chaos the betrayals and deceptions may lead to. The other two things I like about this story are the sweet romance and following the struggles of Jasalyn and Felicity. Both have been through a lot; both have to fulfill a mission, and somehow I am hoping they will be able to find healing and the HEA.

I LOVE THIS WORLD. The two POVs gave a whole new perspective on this world. Maybe I missed it in the first duology, but I loved the added layer of the resistance group and the corruption in the human realm. I was hesitant going into this about Jas, but wow I love her. She is broken, yet still fighting. And Kendrick? Ugh my heart! I also loved seeing more of Misha. I was so curious about him in the duology and am happy to learn more about him.
The writing draws you in and the plot keeps you engaged. The characters are relatable and the magic had me guessing. I'm eager for the second!

I think I’m realizing YA fantasy isn’t for me. It just seems like the Same story over and over these days.

I loved the first two books in this world but this one fell a little flat for me. It just didn’t have the same vibe. I loved being back in the same world in this spinoff but I just didn’t connect to the characters in the same way.

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this story as I was unaware it was connected to a larger series and I haven't read that one. I felt some confusion about some parts, and glanced at other reviews that mentioned that this book would probably be better enjoyed having read the other series. I'd be happy to come back to this book if I read the other one, to be able to really get into the story better. But as of now, I could not get into this book.

2⭐️ DNF @ 60%

I couldn’t for the life of me get into this book. I loved the idea of this book and how we followed two FMCs on their journeys to find not only themselves, but their purpose and their loves.

Unfortunately I found Jasalyn insufferable. I was hoping that Felicity and Misha would be enough to keep me engaged. But every time I came to one of Jas’ chapters it took a concerted effort to pick the book up again and finally after about a month of trying, I decided to call it quits. Which was so disappointing because I absolutely loved the These Hollow Vows duology. I think I own three sets!

Maybe I’ll try again later. But for now I had to stop.

The following is a review for the early arc of beneath these cursed stars from netgalley.

Rating 2.5/5

I just finished this and I would say I feel kind of unsatisfied. i found the story interesting as well as the characters. I had read the trilogy that came before this so I already knew the characters and was very interested in what happened to jas. But I feel like it was an incredibly slow start and nothing really happened until the last 25-30% of the book. I'm interested in the book that will follow this one because I want to know what happens to the characters and in the story. I just think that this book was a lot of slow build up compared to her other series. I just wish more happened overall.

I was bored reading this. The concept was interesting in theory, but the execution fell flat for me.

I had a really hard time getting into this book & unfortunately didn’t have any better time after forcing myself to read it. I’m a little disappointed. I feel like there was a lot that could have been worked with but just kinda went no where. If there is another I will try it again but my hopes are a little low.

I did not post my review on my Goodreads because it is a low review and didn’t want it to review negatively because of it

What an entertaining ride. I picked this book up because it sounded like a nice break and, boy, am I glad I did. It had all the fun things; court intrigue, shapeshifting, magic, a little slow burn action, a mix of femme fatale assassin. I loved it. I did not read the previous and connected series and had no trouble following but I will more than likely go back and read the Hollow Bonds series later.

Jas is a princess with a lot of past traumas and even more secrets. Felicity is a shapeshifter with a skill of evading a prophecy until she can no longer. When Jas is kidnapped by none other than a handsome boy, Kendrick, from her past she has a hard time saying no to the request he makes of her while Felicity has been set on a new mission to get close to the Wild Fae King. I honestly didn’t have a favorite “couple” but have fallen in love with them both for different reason and cannot wait to continue on this dangerous and fantastic adventure.

Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to finish this ARC prior to the release date. I’ll be reading the published version now that it’s out.

3.5 ⭐️

I’m going to start this by saying that you ABSOLUTELY have to read the first duology set in this world to not feel lost here. It full relies on you understanding the world building beforehand.

That said, this was a great installment! Lexi Ryan is going for the fans of Holly Black’s Elfhame with the lore and banter in these books!

I loved our three POVs and can’t wait for the sequel.

I very much enjoyed this continuation. Until the end..... ugh.... why with the multiple major cliffhangers?!?!? But oh, so good!! The intrigue, the romance, the betrayals.... just, *chef's kiss*

I thought this was a very unique fantasy. Not only did I like the dual POV, but also just seeing where the story went was fun. I love seeing how authors create new worlds.

However, I did have trouble with the world building. Maybe because I didn’t read the other duology first, but I struggled a little trying to figure out what was going on, and the world they were in. Even towards the end I was confused at times. I may have to check out the other series to see if it helps. Though I did enjoy the world, I just didn’t fully understand it.

I also thought the relationships were a little rushed. Possible because I could be missing backstory with some characters, but it all just felt quick to me.

All in all, though, I did enjoy the story. The storyline was different than most fantasies I read. And the cliffhanger at the end left me anxiously awaiting the next book. It’ll be interesting to see what happens!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

When I got this book, I was excited because I knew I had enjoyed the last 2 Lexi Ryan books I had read. What I did not connect somehow, was that this book was connected to the other duology by her that I had read. I had to go back and do a bit of refreshing to remember what had happened in the duology, but that's fine.

This story was split between 2 points of view - Felicity and Jas. It very much reads YA. The story is complicated, and it felt difficult to fall in love with any of the characters since there were so many lies and deception floating around.

I also thought it was a standalone until about 75% of the way through when I realized there was no way that things could wrap up with what was left of the book. It does end on a cliffhanger.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. This feels a little rougher than the original These Hollow Vows duology, but I will read the next one that comes out.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and Lexi Ryan

I feel like you definitely have to read the previous series before you read this one otherwise you'll be in for massive spoilers. It was a good story. It got you hooked from the start.

With an enchanted ring, Princess Jasalyn sneaks off at night to assassinate the followers of the fallen King Mordeus. Shapeshifter Felicity has been using her ability to disguise herself and hide from a prophecy she doesn’t want to fulfill.

When rumors of Mordeus’s resurrection start to spread, Jasalyn and Felicity reluctantly team up in a mission intended to end Mordeus for good. Jasalyn sets off with the handsome Kendrick. In the meantime, Felicity takes Jasalyn’s form and works to get close to Misha, the Wild Fae King. As each girl’s mission progresses, the girls find themselves drawn to the boys by their sides. But fate can be cruel and the secrets that come to light may shatter everything they knew.

Without reading These Hollow Vows, Beneath These Cursed Stars was a little difficult to get into - Jasalyn and Felicity are both secretive characters. They’re hiding a lot but so are the people around them. The magic system and world is also a touch difficult to grasp at first.

That being said, the storyline is complex and deliciously dark. If you like secrets, betrayal, and forbidden romances, this book is right up your alley. As the story progresses, you get more perspective into each girl and their backstory.

Plus, I’m admittedly biased - Jasalyn is the closest I’ve come to having my name in a book. Yes, I’m doing my happy dance. No, I did nothing to deserve it.

Rating 4/5 ⭐️s - The start was slow but once I had a basic understanding of the world and began to know the main characters, I was hooked. And now I wait for the next book because, you can’t just drop that bombshell!

Spice Rating 1/5 🫑 - Some hot and heavy moments. Definitely some steam and at least one “Oh my” scene. Appropriate for a slightly more mature teen reader.

Thank you Lexi Ryan, Harper Teen, and NetGalley for this fascinating read. Now I need to dive into These Hollow Vows.

This book is this first book in a new series, based on the way it ended. It's not so much a cliffhanger as it is stopping in the middle of the story, with crucial information finally being revealed. This book is also the continuation of another series, "These Hollowed Vows." While I suppose you don't technically need to have read the first two books, I think you will definitely be missing out on a lot of the world building and understanding the motivations behind many of the characters. Plus, there will be numerous spoilers if you decide you do want to read them. So, do yourself a favor and read the first two books and then start this one.
There are two points of view in this story, and both women are struggling with their identity and trauma from their past. The romance is slow burn and not the main focus of the story. I also don't think it's a spoiler to say that both romances seem doomed from the beginning, but that doesn't keep you from rooting for them.
I really enjoyed this book and hope I won't have to wait too long for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Harper Teen for the ARC of Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan. All opinions are my own.

Before reading this book, I read both These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds and loved both of them. I was so excited to read this first book in this spin-off series, and it did not disappoint!

If you haven’t read the These Hollow Vows duology, I would recommend reading them first because a lot of the world building takes place in those books, and this book takes place after those two books.

Unlike the other books in this world, Beneath These Cursed Stars mainly follows two points of view and an additional POV at the end of the book. I really liked reading from all the different perspectives, and I enjoyed the romances of each main character.

The first POV in the story is Jasalyn, Brie’s sister. She is living as a scared princess by day and a maiden of death by night. When the opportunity arises to team up with Kendrick, a man she met when imprisoned by Mordeus, she decides to take it. In order to be able to leave without Brie knowing, she agrees to allow Felicity, a shapeshifter, to take her place. Thinking she’s Jasalyn, Brie sends Felicity to go stay with King Misha in his court, where she gets to know him while trying prevent the fated prophecy about herself from coming true.

I loved both Jasalyn and Felicity as main characters, and I enjoyed the romances between them and their respective love interests. There were a lot of cute moments that made me smile.

The plot of this book was so fun, and the story ended in a way that makes me want the next book immediately. I hope that I don’t have to wait too long for it!

I listened to the audiobook for this book and really enjoyed the narrators. I thought they did such a great job, and I liked how both main characters had different narrators.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!