Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This was actually very captivating. It was my first read from this author and it was so easy to read and I felt like I flew through it. I loved the characters and the story. The story was so interesting and definitely had a good plot. The characters had great development throughout.

I felt I was slightly confused regarding the magic and in the epilogue, just felt like certain aspects weren't explained thoroughly but it was still a great read!

First and foremost I received an audiobook arc from NetGalley. 😊

Now, this is a story filled with all kinds of action, magic and love. I enjoyed most of the book until the end. So much happened that it felt rushed. More details could have been added to make it more of an Impactful ending.

As for the audio….The fmc narrator did a great job. However, the male voice sounded a bit off when it comes to audio quality.

I thought this was a pretty good book It was definitely out of my comfort zone in different than other things that I have listened to but I definitely would recommend it especially if you're a huge fantasy fan I think you would enjoy this book It had some really good details throughout the book and the story was very upbeat it kept you roped in and kept you interested in what was happening next from the very beginning until the very end

This book had two narrators, which was an interesting choice, but unfortunately, it didn’t save the story for me. The male narrator I truly hated and dreaded him speaking.

The premise—girl with a something inside her, a hidden power her mother locked away—definitely caught my attention. But as the story unfolded, I couldn’t help feeling like it was a rushed, less compelling version of similar books I’ve read before. Honestly it felt like a cheap version of Amélie Wen Zhao’s Song of Silver, Flame Like Night.

The story felt like it borrowed heavily from popular fantasy tropes without adding much originality. The “shadow daddy” vibes and the brooding bad boy with secrets were straight out of Fourth Wing. Even the concept of portals reminded me of Victoria Aveyard’s Realm Breaker. It felt like the book tried to pull from too many sources without bringing something unique to the table.

One aspect I found frustrating was the romance—or lack thereof. The protagonist’s dynamic with the prince was hard to follow. Why was there a wall between them? What was the boundary keeping them apart? In other books, this might be explained with “he’s the villain” or “he’s dangerous,” but here, it just felt vague and underdeveloped.

The shadow man subplot also felt abandoned. Dreams about him were a big focus early on, but by the 75% mark, they just disappeared without resolution. What was the purpose of the dark god? These elements felt like loose threads in a story that struggled to keep its focus.

That said, the author is skilled at writing steamy scenes. But honestly, those scenes felt unnecessary here. If the explicit content were removed, this could have been a strong YA novel. As it stands, the romance felt forced and didn’t add much to the story.

Despite its flaws, I’ll give credit where it’s due—the last few chapters tied things up neatly, though not enough to make me eager for book two. Ultimately, this book felt like a romance parody of a typical teen fantasy adventure.

Wow! What an exciting journey of magic and starlight! Suraya, our FMC is brave, independent, caring, and just a good person. She gets summoned to the king’s palace along with many women from around her kingdom, and that starts the beginning of great change and revelation for her.

I got very “Aladdin” vibes just because of the setting. It seems to be a hot, desert country. The plot was exciting and unique, not just another romantasy. R te his is something new. Not fae and dragons, although I like those things, but it’s nice to have some creativity shine. This is an adult book, so there is language and bedroom scenes. But if you like fantasy and folklore themes, I highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

Wow! I can't even explain how great the narrator was at bringing this story to life! She felt every emotion and made me feel like I was listening to the character herself tell her story.

The story was amazing, it was action packed with a slow burn that really delivered. There was never a dull moment and it was all important to the story.

I had a rough time with this book and ended up dropping it at 59%, which was a lot more time than I should have given it. The main issue I had was that I started listening to The Starlight Heir while I was in the middle of reading Trial of the Sun Queen and I had to immediately put down this audiobook to continue my physical reading due to the similarities (I continuously confused the book with the audiobook plot). I was thrown off that both books had trials that would ultimately lead to marrying into royalty, but on top of that, the royalty in question was looking for a secret "power" hidden away in our FMC. It felt too similar from one series to the next. I also didn't think this book was adult enough to be classified as an "adult" book - the only adult feel to this book was the cuss words and the strong and long sex scenes.

This is the first book that I've listened to that was read by Anais Inara Chase and I had a couple of complaints on the audio side of things: (1) whenever I listened to this on my drive to work, I would have to turn it up to hear the softer parts of the dialogue due to the tenor of her voice, which means I usually got blasted with sound a couple minutes later when the dialogue was a bit more heated, and (2) I could not for the life of me discern who was speaking when the FMC and the MMC (prince) had such similar voice casting by the narrator that I often lost the thread of dialogue.

I think this is likely the last book I'll read from Amalie Howard as it wasn't my cup of tea. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio Adult, and Amalie Howard for the ability to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 ⭐️

The Starlight Heir is an exciting romantasy debut that combines rich worldbuilding, creative magic, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. The story follows Suraya, a bladesmith with the rare ability to imbue her creations with jadu, the last source of magic in the realm. Her quiet life is upended when she’s invited to the palace to compete in a tournament for the Crown Prince’s hand in marriage—a cover for a much darker purpose: the search for the elusive Starkeeper, a girl with the stars’ magic in her blood.

Suraya is a powerful and determined FMC, fiercely loyal to her loved ones and unwilling to let anyone push her around. Her chemistry with Roshan, the illegitimate brother of the cruel Crown Prince Javed, brings sparks to the story. Roshan is charming, witty, and deeply protective, though his character feels a little underdeveloped compared to Suraya’s complex inner turmoil. Their romance, while sweet, unfolds a bit too easily and lacks some of the tension you might expect—but their banter and connection keep it engaging.

The fast-paced plot doesn’t linger too long on any single event, keeping the stakes high, especially as Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run. The political intrigue, rebellion, and the cruel trials orchestrated by Javed (a true psychopath) add layers of tension, while the mythology and worldbuilding—including the concept of four distinct houses and a mysterious fifth kingdom of magic wielders—create a vivid and fascinating backdrop. The addition of another POV adds depth to the story and teases even more intrigue for the sequel.

While the romance and some character development could have used more depth, the creative magic system, diverse mythology, and Suraya’s compelling journey make this an impressive start to a series. The final pages introduce a mysterious new character that left me eager to see what happens next. If you’re a fan of romantasy with strong heroines, lush worldbuilding, and high stakes, The Starlight Heir is worth a read.

I love a good Romance book with an actual strong FMC! I really like the blooming relationship between the lead characters .MMC was something else lol.

Thank you to the publisher And Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

First, thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an audio copy of this book. I was so thrilled to jump into this one!

The Starlight Heir is a solid standalone fantasy. I really enjoyed finding out about the Magi in this book and was intrigued by the blade-smith from a small village with hidden powers. Suraya had a real “I don’t give a f*ck” attitude and I loved that (& when an author gives their character a fierce love of romance books, we get it 😉) she was strong and eager to help in dangerous situations. Watching her evolve as she learns more about herself & her power was satisfying.

There were many revelations at the end and lots of twists! Pacing was rapid & while there were high stakes scenes it still felt like a cozy fantasy to me? I can’t figure out why… maybe the voice acting? The audio performance was one-note and monotone to me, making it hard to really emotionally invest in the story.

The romance between the FMC & MMC wasn’t one that will stick with me. It was ok. Their banter was fun & it was filled with horny quips left & right, but when it came time for spice it felt mechanical. There was so much talk about soul bonds and nothing really came of that either.

My biggest gripe with The Starlight Heir has to be the ending. Solely because I was under the impression this is a standalone, but the epilogue frustratingly paints a very different picture that could totally set up a 2nd book. I wanted more out of the God of Night & the most we got was in the epilogue…

Another bummer was the deadly bride trials… we got one trial! As a person who is into this trope I was a little let down.

Overall Amalie gave us a unique world and a strong FMC! I’m all for a refreshing stand-alone and am happy I gave this book a listen.

I am someone who is constantly listening to audiobooks & this one did not disappoint! I loved the narrators and appreciated the depth it gave this story.

There are so many things to like about this book but I was very intrigued with the magic system, mythology, and world building the author created! It felt very immersive (especially with the audio) and helped me become invested in our main character, Suraya, from the beginning.

Once I adapted to the modern language use in the story, I was able to enjoy the journey this book took me on! Although I don’t usually like “insta-lust”, the tension between Roshan and Suraya was taut and waiting to snap and kept me so invested in their journey 🔥 Loved the fast paced plot and although I saw some of the twists coming, it didn’t take away from me being surprised and already looking forward to a continuation to this story.

Thank you NetGalley & HarperAudio for the audiobook! 🎧

The Starlight Heir By @amaliehoward

Thank you to @netgalley and @harperaudio for the Audiobook!!

“A bladesmith blessed by the stars. A prince with a dangerous secret. A god bound in shadows.”

This was a fun fantasy with trials, falling for the “wrong one” and a FMC coming into her power. It had twists and turns that made it exciting and great side characters!

I really loved the audiobook too, the narrators did a great job at bringing the story to life. I listened to this while I cleaned and it made cleaning more bearable 🤣

If you like:
✨Fantasy
⚔️Deadly Contest for a Bride
👤Shadow Daddy
🤴🏻Tortured Prince
☠️Touch Her and Die
💫Magic
❤️ACOTAR x Prince of Persia vibes

Thank you again for this amazing gift! 💜✨

#bookmail #advancedreaderscopy #arc #bookreviewer #bookstagram #bookmerch #booklover #fantasybooks #avonbooks #netgalley #audiobook #harperaudio

I do love the story but I have a hard time to understand what is saying because of the accent of the narrator.
I will be reading it physically and then go back to the audiobook.

So I received this as an audio ARC
I liked the voice actors however the accent for the female is so thick it made it incredibly hard to understand when you sped it up at all.

OK onto the book itself
I’m giving this three stars because it’s not necessarily my cup of tea, but I also didn’t think it was horrible
It was like the author watched Dune and the Netflix version of persuasion one after the other, and decided to write a book.
The vibes are very much western Asia/Middle East, a lot of Persian and Indian influence but with random modern language thrown in.

Honestly, the modern language being thrown in kind of takes away from the story and really jars you out of this world that you’re trying to let yourself sink into.

But while we’re talking about sinking into things, the sex scenes are not it, they are so cringe.

It’s giving YA but with random awkward smut thrown in. The language used rivals the embarrassment you’d fell if your grandmother publicly said the word “moist” or “girth” to you crush.
I got second, third, fourth, fifth hand embarrassment.
My children’s children will be embarrassed
I skimmed the hell out of those scenes

Imagine the vibe of Shadow and Bone meeting the soul of Damsel with Millie Boddy Brown but spiced with Persian and Indian mythology, and you've got The Starlight Heir. It’s a romantasy that has you tasting the edge of a low fantasy blade, dripping and emerging with hidden powers! (I need more, by the way. Lol)

Now, let’s talk about the plot. The Starlight Heir races along at the pace of a runaway chariot, throwing our FMC into “marriage tests.” These challenges are really "marriage material." I perched on the edge of my seat, thinking, "What's next?" Spoiler alert: These trials don’t take long to derail gloriously. (Not really, a spoiler as the realization comes quickly!)

The slow-burn tension here isn’t just slow—it’s a gourmet stew simmering for hours. At one point, I was practically serenading the book: “Sha-la-la-la-la, don’t be scared, kiss the girl”—except it wasn’t the prince on the receiving end. Nope, cue the Prince’s half-brother swooping in. I love how deliciously it's nontraditional with falling in love with "Prince Charming."

The pacing is as ferocious as a mythological beast on the hunt, and while I’d love to spill the beans about where these tests lead, I’ll keep my lips sealed tighter than a genie’s lamp.

Also, the audiobook? Phenomenal. Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef deliver outstanding performances. As someone who hoards audiobooks like a dragon guarding gold, I can confirm their narration is an enchanting blend of voices.

In short, The Starlight Heir is a must-read (or listen). Mythology, tension, romance, and enough unexpected twists to keep you gasping—it’s everything if you are sliding into the romantasy genre. Read it. Now. You're welcome.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is a fast-paced, scorching romantic fantasy that will leave readers spellbound. Suraya Saab, a bladesmith blessed by the stars, receives an unexpected invitation to the capital city of Kaldari. What she believes is a simple request for her skills turns into a dangerous journey filled with court intrigue, dark magic, and a simmering romance.

Suraya’s encounter with the crown prince's illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, is far from what she expects. Instead of a potential match, she finds herself entangled in a hunt for the Starkeeper, a girl with magic running through her veins, and rumors swirl that Suraya might be that girl. As unrest builds between the noble houses and a rebellious militia, Suraya and Roshan must navigate a city on the brink of war, all while denying the growing attraction between them.

The stakes rise even higher when Suraya finds herself drawing the attention of a dark god—an immortal being who might prove to be the greatest threat of all. With her powers spiraling out of control, and secrets lurking beneath every corner, *Starlight Heir* is a thrilling adventure of magic, destiny, and self-discovery.

The audiobook narration is a standout, deserving a 5-star rating. The voice performance enhances the intensity of the plot, bringing the characters and world to life with rich emotion and suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard hit that sweet spot between familiar fantasy comfort and fresh, engaging twists. If you’re into worlds packed with magic, political intrigue, forbidden romance, and a pile of spice, this one’s worth your time.

Suraya Saab is everything you’d want in a protagonist—bold, skilled, and with a quiet vulnerability that makes her easy to root for. She is, of course, driven by emotion over logic quite often. Her bladesmithing craft and connection to jadu set her apart, giving the story a unique hook. Then there’s Roshan, the brooding illegitimate prince who will have readers swooning and rolling their eyes in equal measure. The chemistry between them? Let’s just say it’s intense enough to make you keep flipping pages late into the night.

While the setup feels a little reminiscent of ACOTAR or Fourth Wing, that’s part of its charm. It has all the beloved elements—high-stakes battles, a touch of court drama, and simmering tension—but spins it in a way that feels new with its “Starkeeper” mystery and star-bound magic. The pacing falters in places (sometimes the tension between Suraya and Roshan overshadows the bigger plot), but the rich worldbuilding and solid twists kept me hooked.

I’m absolutely here for the sequel—I want more chaos, more secrets, and even more from that dark god. This is a must-read for romantasy fans who love a bit of danger alongside their romance.

2.75/5

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and Ms. Howard for the ARC of the audiobook!

Suraya is a bladesmith minding her own business when she gets an invitation to a royal ball, where Prince Zarek is seeking a bride. Despite her father and aunt having trepidation about her going (hinting that there's something hidden from her, about her past), Suraya goes to see the city of Kaldari.

Once there, she undergoes a series of challenges to demonstrate herself as the most worthy bride - something she's not particularly keen on winning. The other prince, Prince Roshan, is far more interesting. And the forge and castle library are more appealing than the royal ball.

But when the rebels attack the castle, the truth as to just why Suraya had received an invitation to begin with is revealed: her magic. And all the challenges that she faced to be the best "bride" pale in comparison to her challenge to overcome her magic, the people hunting her, and the revelations of her life, past and present, hiding around every corner.

I enjoyed being in the story of this world, and the idea of a Starkeeper being imbued with magic that can change the world. What I didn't enjoy was the very modern references that were scattered throughout the text. It brought me out of my suspensions of disbelief and took me completely out of the novel more than once. I don't mind the occasional f-bomb , but Ms. Howard also had wonderful in-world oaths that I think were detracted from by using modern swearing. And some of the phrases said are things I hear day to day now, outside of this second world and very much in English/American vernacular. It just didn't settle well with me and made it easier for me to break concentration.

I wish there was a little more description of the world and the magic, and a chance to really immerse myself in it a bit more. There was just enough to keep me intrigued and yearn for more, but it didn't seem to materialize. But I am used to reading epic fantasies so I acknowledge that the point of this genre may not have been a detailed history on the royal family (which Ms. Howard does give!). I also wanted some more bladesmithing! What an interesting profession for an MC that wasn't able to be used too often.

I didn't find the twist with Roshan particularly surprising, and I think it was laid out pretty well from the start. Suraya's characterization also seemed to oscillate between overly competent and fearful. I think it solidified toward the end, as she came into her own, but there were a few parts that made me pause.

Overall, not a bad story in the least, but just not for me.

This had a LOT of potential, but really fell flat for me in a number of ways.

Let's start with the good: the world, magic, lore and aesthetics of this book are really stunning and drew me in quickly. I loved the idea of the Storekeeper being born into a bloodline of Magi, and I initially thought I'd really like the tournament of potential brides (more on that later, though). The way magic is explored and described is really beautiful and captivating, and I really liked the overall lore and how the lesser gods relate back to the larger gods. I enjoyed the banter of the romantic couple, and their premise upon first meeting.

However, a lot of the things I initially liked (or suspected I WOULD like) led to things I didn't. The lore wasn't explored as well as I wanted it to be, and I felt like the aesthetics and rather vague language surrounding prophecies and the gods was actually covering up how poorly developed it all was (or at least how poorly explained.) I liked certain premises related to the romance, but it also felt like their attraction to each other was really shoved down our throats with a lot of "Ugh he is so sexy I can't even stand it!" type of internal monologue and comments, that just came about so often that it felt really clunky and disingenuous. The pacing also felt quite off, and while the ending was exciting if you didn't think about it too hard, it also really illuminated the lack of exploration of the world I've noted before.

I'm still deciding whether I will continue this series with the second book, but overall it just felt a bit meh and disappointing to me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to ARC read this regardless, and am still interested in this authors other works! Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this early copy!

I really enjoyed this unique fantasy setting and magic system! I was under the impression that this was a stand alone, which explained the rapid pacing of the book, but the epilogue leads me to believe we'll be getting a sequel.