Thank you to Avon Books for the eARC and final print copy and Harper Audio for the ALC.

4.5 stars.

The beginning of The Starlight Heir was a familiar concept: women are brought to the kingdom to compete for the Prince’s hand in marriage. But then hoooo boy, all hell breaks loose and the story runs wild.

Roshan, the Prince’s illegitimate brother, and Suraya escape the castle in a whirlwind. Roshan was a very likable character, although you can tell he’s keeping some secrets. Naughty, naughty boy…but can’t stay mad at him.

The plot was crazy and everything moved so quickly. And yet, I couldn’t stop listening. I was so invested and enthralled and oh my god everything that happened was wild. I can’t wait for the next in the series, to see how this all unfolds.

A wondrous and entrancing fantasy read.

Sadly, I couldn’t bring myself to finish this book because I just couldn’t connect with the characters or the world-building. The characters felt one-dimensional, and both the plot and world-building were so underdeveloped that it left me feeling lost. What disappointed me the most, though, was the dialogue. It leaned too heavily on modern language, which made it feel awkward and even cringeworthy at times. Despite the characters being adults, their behavior and dialogue felt more suited to a Young Adult book, which didn’t match the tone I was expecting. It’s a shame because I genuinely wanted to like this book. The premise and cover were so promising, and I had high hopes after enjoying The Diamond Series by Amalie Howard, a lighthearted YA historical rom-com that I loved. Unfortunately, this one didn’t deliver the same experience.

I loved the premise of the book however I just feel like it missed the mark for me. The modern slang and overall young adult feel wasn’t right for me.

This was incredible. Action packed, unique magic, spice, trials, and prophecy. This is a must-read for romantasy fans. Amalie has such a smooth writing style that had me captivated from the very beginning. The FMC is a spitfire which made for some top tier banter. The MMC is protective and has a spicy mouth that had me swooning. I loved the connection the two main characters had and I cannot wait to see where there story goes.

Thank you to Amalie, Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this ARC/ALC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

I loved the world in which The Starlight Heir is set, with its rich culture influenced by astrology, an interesting system of magic, and competing old and new religions. I enjoyed all the characters, and liked that women are free to express themselves and be sexual without judgement.
The writing is full of details that paint a lively picture of the world. There are so many descriptions of beautiful clothing, ornate architecture, and delicious food, I could feel the author's love for the world she's writing about.
That said, I wasn't clear on where and when the story was happening. The main character, Suraya, works as a blacksmith and helps her family run their inn in a small town that seems right out of historical fiction. But, the way characters speak and act is modern, especially when Suraya is with her best friend, Laleh. A conversation that references real-world literature hints that these events might take place in our world, in the future, but this possibility isn't expanded upon or mentioned again.
Suraya is summoned to the capital to participate in a cruel and deadly bride competion for the corrupt Prince Javed. The prince is looking for a specific person who bears the lost magic spoken of in prophecy, and guess who that is? His half-brother helps her escape an unwanted marriage, and the two develop feelings for each other while trying to avoid capture. I won't go into too much detail, but if you've read any YA novels, you'll see every major plot point coming from a mile away. The beauty the novel shows in its characterizations and detailed settings is let down by the lack of originality in plotting.
Suraya initially comes across as an intelligent, spirited woman, but as the plot rolls on, she misses so many obvious things, despite being beaten over the head with them (like the connection between the rebels and Roshan) that she starts to seem stupidly oblivious.
In the final chapters, she makes every bad decision known to YA protagonists, agreeing to marry the bad guy to save her loved ones while knowing he'll probably kill them anyway, believing the people trying to kill her are dead, but not bothering to check, and running away from the man who was by her side, fighting for her the entire book because she's angry over something unimportant. I was groaning.
I did enjoy the book overall, and I look forward to the sequel, but I hope the author is more thoughtful about developing the plot. If the events of the next book are developed with the same care and inventiveness as the worldbuilding, it could really be amazing.

I really enjoyed this book. I love how the mfc learns to love herself, forgive and grow in her power. I do think the love story was obvious early on and would have enjoyed a little more build up. Through visuals were beautiful, world building can be tedious at times but I was mostly always engaged. I listened as well as read the kindle version and I think both added to the story for me. I can't wait for the next one.

for fans of:
- Powerless
- the Red Queen

This book includes:
- a tournament to earn the future king's hand in marriage
- a conspiracy
- two powerful princes

This book will certainly be popular on TikTok. It is similar to any bland romantasy and has little to offer in terms of prose or plot. This book is perfect for fans of Powerless. Much in the same way that "Powerless" is an exact replica of "the Red Queen," but worse written. "The Starlight Heir" is an exact replica of "Powerless," but even worse written. I was so excited for this read, so this feels like a big disappointment.

I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Amalie Howard, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted across my socials under the username @tinynightingales, check out my GoodReads profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863
my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/
and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This book has a bit of everything: Epic quest, witty banter, forced proximity, dangerous trials, slow burn, shadow daddy, enemies to lovers, Persian AND Indian mythology.

I was lucky enough to snag an e-ARC via Netgalley and dove right in and was instantly immersed into the world. Suraya is a blacksmith who receives an invitation to compete to become the crown prince’s bride. She ultimately discover that that competition is a veiled hunt for a prophesied star bringer.

Suraya is FIESTY! Roshan is a cinnamon roll. I knew I would love them on this journey especially after their very first interaction.

The pacing was a bit inconsistent for my tasted. The other thing that threw me off was some of the dialogue that made me think that this should have been more of an urban romance. That being said, I would still recommend it!

Can’t wait to continue this journey in book 2.

THE STARLIGHT HEIR had the makings of an interesting read but felt bogged down by a romance I did not care for all that much. However, given some of the more positive reviews of this one that I've read, I feel like that's a "me" problem. Ultimately, Howard displays a masterful craft with her writing, decent worldbuilding (it felt like a blend of Indian and Middle Eastern mythos--how cool!) and pacing. I will say that overall, I did enjoy this, but it lacked the emotional drive with the main relationship and, at times, very jarringly modern language. (This latter critique I find is strangely common in romantasies.)

This reads like a YA novel but the juxtaposition of this with the constant references to sex and sex scenes was jarring and cringy. I know this is Romantasy so it’s to be expected, but this is written for readers who appreciate the romance more so than the fantasy elements.

The world building had me initially intrigued but the modern dialogue did not match with the world building and setting and therefore I could not buy into the story although I wanted to. The author does seem to have a good sense of humor and some parts did have me giggling.

But goodness, that cover is gorgeous.

This was just too far into the romance side of the Fantasy/Romantasy spectrum for me.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy. All views expressed are my own.

Equal parts adventurous and alluring, The Starlight Heir is a new romantasy inspired by Persian and Indian mythology from bestselling author Amalie Howard.

When Suraya Saab is invited to compete for the hand of the crown prince, she couldn’t be more perplexed as she is hardly princess material. A bladesmith by trade, Suraya is one of few able to imbue her creations with jadu, the realm’s last source of magic. Nevertheless, she travels to the palace only to discover that the bridal competition is a trap to find the Starekeeper — a girl rumored to hold magic from the stars. A rebel attack leaves Suraya vulnerable, and she flees with the prince’s half brother Roshan, kickstarting a journey that will draw the ire of gods and men alike.

The Starlight Heir plops readers directly into the action. This book is plot heavy, leaving little time to come up for air in the best way possible. The fast-paced story beats kept me engaged and made me want to continue flipping pages to see what was going to happen next. The intensity was well executed and I ended up feeling very attached to Suraya, Roshan, and many of the side characters. Just when I kept thinking the stakes couldn’t get higher, Howard found new ways to gain momentum, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

As with all great romantasys, The Starlight Heir thrives on the tension between its leads. Suraya and Roshan’s relationship starts off precariously but slowly unfurls into a delicious romance. Roshan’s charm and flirtatious nature made him quite the formidable book boyfriend. His banter with Suraya was top notch and there were so many scenes that had me giggling and kicking my feet. I loved how they were both capable of rescuing themselves and each other and enjoyed how their partnership was forged on equal footing.

The Starlight Heir leaves off in an interesting spot, with some questions yet to be answered. I’m excited to see what happens next in book two and can’t wait to see what else Howard has in store for these characters.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

💕ARC & ALC REVIEW💕

The Starlight Heir @amaliehoward
Narrator: Anais Inara Chase & Ramiz Monsef
Pub Date: January 7, 2025 (OUT NOW)
Book #: 2/130

Thank you @avonbooks and @harperaudio for a copy of this book & audiobook in exchange for a review.

“Darkness can never thrive where light burns.”

Read if you like:
✨Forbidden Romance
💜Slow Burn
✨Dangerous Trials
💜Hidden Powers
✨Secret Identity
💜Creative world building
✨Chosen One FMC
💜Magic & Magical Creatures
✨Persian & Indian mythology

Wow!! What a fun book! I picked this one up based on the recommendation of an #bookstagram friend @janaandbooks and I’m so glad I did. Not only is the the cover absolutely beautiful, the story was very creative and full of magic.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book! Suraya, our FMC, was such a badass, while still being a good person who loved with all she had. Roshan, our MMC, was also so great. While he was a prince, his disinterest in the the crown and his willingness to help people was admirable, even though the queen and his brother were absolutely horrible to him (and everyone else, hated them). Even the side characters were so much fun.

The witty banter between Suraya and Roshan was so much fun and their chemistry was undeniable. The magic was very unique, the world building was great and I love that the author drew inspiration from Persian & Indian mythology. Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next one !!!

🎧This book had dual narration and it was amazing. We only got a little of the the male narration, but I’m hoping in book 2, there will be more. The audiobook was just perfection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Starlight Heir had almost like a Lord of the Rings feel to it in the beginning, but with the protagonist being female! Love it. There was so much action and adventure in this story, with a good dose of romance and suspense too. Suraya is so cool, I wish I could be her. Female in a male dominated field? Yup. She’s amazing. And so strong!! Both physically and mentally. I thoroughly enjoyed her character and the lack of naivety in comparison to many FMCs in fantasy novels. She was so real and for that, I thank the author.
Roshan is…swoon worthy. To say the least! Lol I adored his character from the very first interaction and found myself smiling at his antics throughout the book.
There was a level of seriousness in this story too, however, and hard lessons were learned. It’s often easier to take the first step in the wrong direction, because the right direction forces intense self reflection. Do with that what you will!
Supporting characters were awesome, Laleh and Aran both seem like the best friends a person could ask for. There were a few moments where I felt a bit puzzled at context in the book but overall I enjoyed it. I would definitely read more by this author!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

This was a well written, fast paced romantasy that had me hooked pretty quickly. The only thing I would have enjoyed a bit more of would be world building but I’m thinking we’ll be getting a bit more of that in the next book.

I enjoy the fated mate trope, but I have a feeling this is not going to be one I find satisfying. I don’t know how I feel about that right now.

Thank you netgalley for the eArc of The Starlight heir

4⭐️/5

This was a great book. The storyline had me hooked from the beginning and kept my attention throughout. There were some great twists in the book and there were some predictable ones but it still an intriguing plot. It had great world and character building. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for you're next romantasy book.

I have long been a fan of Amalie's historical romance and she brought all that lush and lustful storytelling to a new genre that I know she is going to excel at. The Starlight Heir is a magical and harrowing story that makes sure readers get the happy for now's that Amalie is know for.

Dangerous and heartbreaking and hopeful all in one, this was the start to what I'm sure will be an exhilarating ride with heat, passion, and some jaw dropping twists.

Queen of the Night Sky cannot come soon enough!

4.5 rounded up

This was my first time reading a novel by Amalie Howard, and overall, it was an entertaining and fun read. The story was interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the elements inspired by Indian and Middle Eastern mythology and astrology.

That said, I did find myself wishing for more in the main female lead's connections with some of the side characters. Strengthening those bonds would have made the ending far more impactful, especially when it came to a certain side character’s arc. Without that emotional bond, the conclusion didn’t quite hit home for me as much as it could have.

One aspect that didn’t entirely work for me was the contemporary dialogue and language. In a fantasy setting, the modern, casual tone felt out of place, almost like two girls in a mean girls movie talking about sexy times. Which was distracting at times. In terms of spice, it was decent but I wasn’t a fan of some of the word choices used.

Despite my nitpicks, I found this to be an easy and fun story with potential. The palace scenes stood out as a highlight, and I couldn’t get enough of them. However, I would have loved to see more emphasis on the trials, they had so much potential to raise the stakes and expand the story.

All in all, I’d say this was an okay read for me. It wasn’t perfect, but it had its moments that held my interest. I’m curious to see where the story goes in book two and hope to see the mythology and worldbuilding developed more.

Thank you Avon and HarperAudio for providing a ARC and Audiobook.

Well crafted, fast-paced, wildly entertaining romantasy

slow burn romance
magic + magical creatures
chosen one FMC
Prince MMC
Great, easy to follow world-building
secrets, deceit, and prophesy
A little spice and 🤌🏻 tension that is so good

This is a favorite. I loved it so much I NEEEEED more! Absolutely highly recommend! The characters were well written and the world building was on point! 5 stars!

Wow , love this book so much, i need the second asap.
Great mix of fantasy, the spice so well placed and feels natural to the flow of events. I really liked the start feeling like the selection but how it rapidly turns into a survival story. The MMC im still so intrigued by him, I need to know more!!!.