The Vibes: bride hunting (and trials), falling for your betrothed's brother, shadow sex dreams

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Bladesmith Suraya is shocked when she's summoned to compete with other women for the hand of Prince Javed—she certainly never expected to be a princess, and isn't all that interested. But the threats of the trials are nothing next to what happens when Javed singles her out... she develops a connection with his flirtatious yet mysterious half-brother Roshan. However, the court isn't truly looking for a bride... they're seeking the starkeeper, a girl destined to carry untold power in her blood. And when unrest has Roshan and Suraya on the run together, the starkeeper's identity—and the risks surrounding it—only becomes clearer... and more threatening.

The Review:

I've long loved Amalie Howard's historical romances, and I didn't even know she had a background in fantasy romance. I was super excited to see that she was weaving in, among other things, Persian and Indian mythology into her world—I mean, in general, the current wave of fantasy romances seems to be more diverse than the last. It's exciting stuff, especially when someone who you know can write takes it on.

This wasn't a perfect series opener for me, though I'll admit that's probably in part because I have a generally high opinion of Howard. However, it's also a series opener, and I expect the next book to be where the star of the show really steps up. It's not that this is all set up and no action by any means, but... without giving away spoilers... she's laying breadcrumbs throughout this novel. And she's leaving some seriously unresolved shit (I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, though) on the table in a good way.

Where this book excels is in the pure entertainment factor. The world. is really rich and well-built. Food, sights, costumes are gorgeously described. You can really sink into this space, and that's something I think a lot of fantasy readers are going to enjoy... while the romance readers still get a good love story and, um, some really hot sex scenes.

Was the romance one of my favorites I've read from Amalie? Not quite. Roshan and Suraya have definite chemistry, and again, the sex scenes were great. Everything was well-built. Honestly, the critiques i have of it are really more a matter of taste. I liked Suraya, and I liked Roshan, but Roshan, while being sexy and flirty and fun and by no means boring, was a bit nice for my taste. I just prefer a grittier hero in general, especially with higher stakes books like those in the fantasy romance space.

That said, I'm constantly made aware of the fact that my opinion there isn't that popular right now, so I'm sure he will please many!

However... There's, again, this whole other thing. And it does involve shadow sex dreams. Some tentacle vibes. I mean, I would be lying if I said that the shadow sex dreams weren't my favorite part of the book. The elements to which those dreams are bound, and again I'm trying to be subtle and teasing about it... Will lead to something a bit more intense in the next book, I think.

One thing that did throw me, I think, and is more a note about the current fantasy romance field in general, is that the language is very modern. Lots of slang, contemporary vibes, etc. It's not badly written, but it did kind of surprise me (and I'll confess, it's not my favorite—I think the ideal is a happy space between "doth and narry" and "fuck yeah bro". Not that this book includes the latter). I see something like this with a series like Fourth Wing, for example, so it makes sense that it folds into the New Adult x Fantasy Romance niche. It just did jar me a bit.

The Sex:

I mean, it's Amalie Howard. She writes a damn good sex scene. They're hot and passionate, you get good foreplay, there's some mixing it up in terms of tone, riskiness, and more. Solid use of magical birth control. It's vanilla, but it's very good vanilla.

And the dreams... a bit less vanilla....

While this could have gotten me a little more hyped, it's still another good entry to Amalie's backlist and I am very much looking forward to the next installment! I'm excited to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The main characters were both endearing, with the male lead standing out as charmingly humorous and sweet, a refreshing deviation from the typical brooding archetype. The romance was satisfactory, though not particularly memorable for me. The author skillfully crafted their pre-relationship tension, yet the speed at which his feelings developed seemed a tad unbelievable. As someone who appreciates a gradual romantic build-up, this aspect didn't quite resonate with me. However, their witty exchanges were a delight. Looking ahead, the hinted romance in the sequel appears far more intriguing than what unfolded in this installment. If executed well, it promises to explore compelling dynamics and pose provocative questions. Anticipation is high, and I'm eager to delve into the next book once the synopsis is revealed.

This was fine! Nothing about it really stands out for me. It felt rushed at times and I prefer a slow burn + more tension and chemistry between the love interests. The spice was ok but the losing virginity trope is not for me. I also dislike when books set back in time use a bunch of modern slang - just a pet peeve of mine. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Wow! This was a unique take on magic mixed with fate and a twist with the Gods.
You get :
-unknown magic wielder who slowly comes into her own with the help of a "croon" in her visions.
- some witty spicy romance with the bastard prince who has his own secrets.
- unalive people coming alive again! UGH!!
- a great adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat while slowly falling in love with each character

My brain is still trying to process everything I read. I feel like the ending was a twist on its own and a cliff hanger for whats to come in this series!
I cannot wait!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing me with an arc! My rating for this one is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

My favorite thing about this book was probably the mythology and world. I haven’t read much Persian/Indian inspired fantasy, and I really enjoyed it here! So many fun concepts to read about. I’m intrigued by the magic and house systems and hope to see it explored even more in the next one.

The fmc and mmc were both likable as characters, and I enjoyed that he was more funny and sweet than the typical brooding mmc. The romance I thought was okay. I can’t say it will be one that sticks with me. She wrote their tension decently well before they got together, but I don’t know if I believed how fast he had feelings for her. I am a fan of super slow burns though, so that’s always going to be a me thing! I did like their banter though. Generally I still think the potential set up for the second book in the romance department is a lot more interesting than what we got in this one. It could be really good depending on how she spins it, and it brings up some interesting questions. I will definitely look into reading it when the synopsis drops.

There were a few things that felt a bit tacked on or like afterthoughts. I would’ve loved more relevance to her being an expert blacksmith! There were also a couple places where I found the dialogue a bit cringey, but that kind of stuff doesn’t usually bother me too much.

Also author’s descriptions of food are criminal because they made me so hungry. Everything sounded so delicious!! It was a small detail that really immersed me in the story. And some of the action scenes felt very movie esc! I loved the little twists and turns she added in.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Love!Love! Love it! Amalie can't do no wrong in my eyes. Love her writing and her storytelling! Multidimensional characters and the world building.When I tell you I ran to read this and she delivered! I definitely recommend this if you are in search for a great fantasy with a great slowburn and engrossing plot! Can't wait to see where it goes next!

This story is a fun as this cover! Suraya is on a journey of self discovery. She goes into these bride trials wanting nothing to do with this prince and this process. These trials are so crazy. Not just decorum and balls.

When she finds herself on the run with the prince’s half brother, she has no choice but to put her trust in him. They have a sassy meet cute, and I love some good ol’ fashioned chemistry. It's a slow burn with a rewarding fire.

Suraya discovers her own hidden magic throughout this story. She needs to discover the extent of her power and how to wield it herself. She’s fleeing to escape being some else’s pawn. It feels like at every turn someone is trying to use her.

Amalie’s lore includes Indian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean influences. It feels fresh and exciting. I want to see more. I have no idea where this will go, and I love it.

I was given this as an ARC from NetGalley. This review might contain slight spoilers. I enjoyed the book, but wish there had been more of the trials at the beginning. It moved fast and that was just brushed off. I also wanted more of Sura working in the forge because it felt important, but once again was just brushed passed. At the bringing of the book I had to keep reminding myself that the MMC and FMC were adults because their dialog felt juvenile. It did mature as I continued reading. I really enjoyed the lore in the book and will definitely be reading the next book mostly because I need to know more about the soul-fated and Darrius… WHO IS DARRIUS AND WHY DID WE NOT GET MORE?

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

First of all, how am I supposed to wait for the next book?!? This was such a great fantasy book! Completely unique, excellent world building and magic system. The pacing was perfect I could not put this book down! I loved the characters and the banter and friendships. Incredibly intrigued by the politics and what’s to come. Didn’t hang on a cliffhanger per se, things warp up for the most part but left a huge opening that I cannot wait to see explored. Going to search now for more books by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is for sure in my top five reads of the year. I have been in a huge reading slump for the past few months and I literally read this book in a day. It was fast paced with a unique world that I only wanted to keep learning about. I thought the plot moved along well without being too all over the place. This would be for sure one of my recommendations for someone who wants to get into the fantasy genre without being overwhelmed by world building. This book did have similar scenes to some of my other favorite books which is why I liked it so much but it didn't copy them. The author made it her own. The only complaint that I have is that there are certain chapters that don't really get tied up towards the end. I'm assuming they'll continue throughout the next book but it didn't seem to connect much to the story being told other than briefly mentioning the main character. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out!

This is a solid 3/5 stars.

Suraya Saab, (I'd honestly consider her an amateur bladesmith, and I'll get to some of that), is invited to the palace along with 99 other women to vie for the hand of the crowned Prince's hand in marriage.
Her mother, who had passed years prior, has always told her stories of how beautiful it was, but her father and aunt didn't want her to go for secret reasons she only over hears snippets of reasons why. (tsk tsk, secrets)
So, she goes.
There are unexpected "challenges" that await the women, a rebel faction against the crown causes a deadly attack during a ball following one such challenge and she runs off with (guess what, The Crown Prince has an illegitimate brother) Roshan but not after the Crown Prince decides that it's she he wants.

Well, well, well...

The world-building is great. I do enjoy stories based on Persian and Indian Myths and I've been reading more stories like that lately. (Although somewhat coincidentally.)
We have some mysterious shadow (daddy???) guy who intermittently shows up with a POV, someone I can assume is her fairy godmother guiding her with her riddles and meddling.
We have an evil queen and her equally, evil son. I mentioned him, but that shouldn't have been a surprise.

I didn't mind the MFC and MMC. The author does know how to write characters with development and well-rounded with interest.

There is a lot of foreshadowing about Roshan's secrets and because there were so many secrets about herself being held back regarding her own deadly power his, (honestly luke-warm) secret angers her. I wasn't really impressed. This was the one thing that frustrated me.

Back to shadow (daddy???)... His whole deal was basically set up for book two which is of more interest to me. I think that one is going to be more interesting.

The main conflict in this book was too easily resolved, but it wasn't a bad read, so 3 stars and the longest explanation as to why.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC. :)

Review in exchange for ARC from NetGalley.

This is one of the most exciting, fast-paced, romantic fantasies I've read this year. It's a perfect balance of action, romance, and lore. Our two main characters are easy to root for, and their chemistry is off the charts. Fans of this genre are going to devour this. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved this book and would absolutely recommend it
🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit and multiple instances. Most of the scenes weave into the plot and move the plot forward, though some may not

The Starlight Heir is a spellbinding journey that completely captivated me from the start. Inspired by Persian and Indian mythology, the story is full of vibrant, detailed world-building that leaps off the page. Every scene was painted with such vivid color making it easy to place yourself right there with them.

The adventure was everything I hoped for—high-stakes, fast-paced, and utterly engaging. From the moment Suraya, our main character, receives an invitation to the king’s court, the story pulls you into a world of danger, myth, and mystery. This was a page-turner I couldn’t put down.

Suraya herself is everything you could want in a heroine—smart, witty, brave, and honorable. I adored her character from the first page, and she kept me rooting for her until the very end. Her interactions with Roshan, the prince’s illegitimate half-brother, were full of tension and biting bantar, making their dynamic even more enjoyable.

I particularly loved the way mythology was woven into the plot, adding a layer of complexity and beauty to the entire tale. But what really stood out for me were the chapters featuring the God of Night—dark, mysterious, and utterly mesmerizing. I’m already dying for more of him in the next book.

While I adored this book, I did find the ending a bit too sweet. Knowing there’s a sequel, I would have preferred a darker twist with a cliffhanger, something to leave readers on the edge of their seats. I personally would have cut the back half of chapter 29 and shortened chapter 30 to a brief foreshadowing before jumping into the epilogue. I might be the only reader who likes to be left hanging with loose ends though. That said, the journey through this story was worth every moment.

In short, The Starlight Heir is a gorgeously written, high-risk adventure that kept me hooked from start to finish. Waiting for the second book will be absolute torture.

Thanks so much to netgalley and Avon for this ARC!

This book was BEYOND AMAZING. Finding out who you were always meant to be and everything that happens along the way is what life is about. I am so excited to follow this series and this author.

Fly through a world seemingly missing all but small jeweled scraps of magic and follow a strong young woman and she finds her life and her fate is nothing like she thought it would be.
A spicy action-packed romance filled with mystery, twists and turns, and some of the best spicy scenes you'll read.
I audibly gasped MANY times for many different reasons throughout reading this story and I bet you will too.

The cover drew me in immediately and I knew it was a book that I would want to have on my shelf. This book was a great read with all things that fantasy lovers want: myths, magic, romance, interesting characters, and a good plot!

This was the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to check out more of Howard's catalogue.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper-Collins, and Amalie Howard for providing me with an arc of this very entertaining book! The mythology, magic, and romance (even though insta-lovey) were all very entertaining! The characters were interesting, and the plot was great! I'm not really into smut and feel like the parts that had it could have been left out and it would have been a little better as to me it always sounds a bit over the top. However, this is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the second to come out as well! I will definitely pick this physical book up once published for my collection.

This was pretty good!!

The writing was, at times, a little bit adolescent feeling? Or just a little bit too young for me. But on a plot level, I did really like this. The connection between the FMC and MMC was a little too out of nowhere for me, but everything else was working.

I love romantasies with a prophecy and this really hit the spot on that! Was a little confusing at first with the POV of the god but it start to made sense after a couple chapters of it. It was a fun mystery to unravel too.

I did not particularly enjoy this book.

The world building was clunky and the characters were underdeveloped. the " bad guys" were cartoonishly evil and our heroine was obtuse, reactive, and myopic
The plot felt both rushed and rambling at times.

This just doesn't feel like a completed and refined story

I really liked this book and I especially loved the blend of Indian and Persian mythology because those are two mythological systems I know little about. So being able to see it and learn a little about it in this book was really fun for me. I think Howard is really good at world building and it shows with the level of detail that is in the book and how the world around them effects the characters. I greatly enjoyed this book and I look forward to see what else is going to come from her.