4.25

I am so grateful to have recieved an audio ARC for this read! This was a highly anticipated read for me, and it did not disappoint! The MMC's love for the FMC was believable, and their passion was electric. While there are some on-page intimate acts, this would be something that I feel a 16/17 y/o would be mature enough to read, keeping in mind the other themes and trigger warnings for this book.

I will say that the themes of vampires/nightwalkers, dark vrs light magic, mortals vrs the gods, and forbidden/hidden romance are all a part of this book. There are also trigger warnings for amenisha used as a plot device, a controlling/abusive partner (including some borderline non-con/submission for survival acts), and an on-page death also takes place.

I found that the book itself had similar elements to some of my other recent reads, but in many cases, I was enjoying the events, world-building, and writing style better than some of my past reads. I am looking forward to getting my hands on book 2 and then book 3 in December when it is released!

adventurous, dar,k emotional, mysterious, tense, medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

Really tried to get into this book but unfortunately it just sort of dragged for me and I had to DNF.

I flew through this audiobook. There is just something about Chloe’s writing that really does it for me and I will pick up any of her books every single time.

Nyte is my favorite! Is he a walking red flag, yes; but he is also charismatic and has big shadow daddy energy. If you love character’s like Azriel and Rhys from SJM’s books or character’s from Carissa Broadbent’s books, you will love him too.

Astraea was really put through the wringer, that woman went through a lot. While I understand all the trauma she went through and her circumstances, there were still times where I found myself annoyed with her naivety. She actually reminded me a lot of Auren from the Plated Prisoner series and the way she was written in Gild.

I cannot wait for the second book and to see how the story continues.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!! The storyline was very intriguing and i think it was an interesting take on paranormal/fantasy. The character dynamic was super good and the romance was to die for!!

The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda is an engaging fantasy novel filled with romance and mystery. The story follows Astraea, a young woman with no memory of her past, who uncovers secrets in a world full of vampires and magical beings. As she grows closer to Nyte, a mysterious figure, the romance builds slowly, adding to the intrigue. While some parts of the story feel a bit unclear, the emotional depth and strong character connections make it a fun read for fantasy lovers.

Book received for free through NetGalley

I liked the idea of this book but after starting and stopping only got 75% through. The published date has already past so I wanted to submit a review for what I listened to so far. Written and read well; just not my cup of tea.

This book has been written a hundred times, a hundred different ways: Human girl faces trial to save the realm, but surprise! - she’s not human! She’s actually had magical lineage this whole time. Of course there’s a broody, shadowy male who she shouldn’t be attracted to but her body can’t help it.

I was drawn to the cover and synopsis, but that’s were the story fell flat after I started reading. I did listen to the audio format, and although the performance by Corvin King and
Jacci Prior was great, I never connected to the story.

*many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I really like this book but I felt like things were a little repetitive from other popular books and not unique enough for this book. I liked the characters and world building!

3 Stars

This one ended up falling a little flat for me. I had a hard time getting into it and paying attention. I love audiobooks and the narrator was great it just wasn't one of my favorites.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

This one fell a little flat for me unfortunately. Not a bad listen, just wasn't quite what I was expecting and the pacing felt a little slow but with a lot going on at the same time!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio!
I was excited to try out this story but unfortunately, it ended up not being for me. I struggled to get into the story; I felt it took a while for the book to pick up and I struggled to stay engaged with the narration. Sad I didn't end up loving it as it's such an interesting premise.

The audiobook was just not for me. I could not follow along well with all the jumping around. I will probably pick the book up in paperback and give it another try.

The Stars are Dying is the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and trials. Astraea, our FMC with missing memories, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a world teeming with vampires, deceit, and danger. As her quest to uncover the truth behind her lost memories unfolds, she faces heartbreaking discoveries and is left questioning everyone and everything. The world-building is done so beautifully and the spice level, oh my goodness, YES DEVINE! The Stars are Dying is a must-read for fans of When the Moon Hatched, as it is a similar emotional impact. Be prepared to have your jaw on the floor while eagerly awaiting the release of book two, which I'm hoping is just as Devine as book one!

Audio - the duet narration was okay but I felt like it was obvious in the difference in sound quality of the audio. I did like both narrators separately but the first portion of the male narrator’s audio seemed very rough quality.

I felt like this book lacked a bit of world building. I did enjoy the mystery aspect of it and the trials. I would still want to read book 2 in this series.

The Stars Are Dying was impossible to put down. The world was unique and I desperately needed to konw who/what Nyte really was. And also the mystery behind Astrea. The side characters were fantastic and I love how Penaranda wove everything together beautifully. Cannot wait to dive into the next book!

This is one of the first romantasy books I read when I got back into reading (read in July 2023), and I devoured it in two days! Nyte is a perfect addition to the morally grey book boyfriend club. There are so many twists and turns that I was on my toes until the last page of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book to discover more about Astraea’s lost memories.

I just did a reread (February 2025) via audiobook and the narration was perfection from two of my favorite narrators - Corvin King and Jacci Prior. They sound exactly like I would imagine Nyte & Astraea, and truly bring the story to life.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

This story left me a bit confused. I even went back to check if I had started mid-series, but it turns out this is the first book. I gave it two tries, but I still couldn’t get into it. That said, I really enjoyed the narration by Corvin King and Jacci Prior, their voices were great together.

DNF. This was a disappointment for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night or Shadow and Bone. Unlike those books, this one was very confusing. You're left unsure of what you just read and struggle to connect with characters or the plot. Very disappointing.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for this arc

Spicy, dark, and underwhelming. Not my type of book if I am honest. I hope the author keeps at it and keeps trying. Many authors failed their first handful of books and then became successful later.