I absolutely loved this book! In a very saturated genre, this one stands out for the uniqueness of the world-building and magic. I have read the author’s historical romance books and so was unsure what to expect, but it vastly exceeded my expectations..l also think that Anais Inara Chase is one of the best audiobook narrators in the game. My only complaint was that some of the dialogue felt too modern for the world and out of place. That being said, I still couldn’t put it down and it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Can’t wait for the second book!

Princesses on parade! (Basically) When it’s confirmed her invitation to the palace to compete with other eligible ladies for the Crowned Prince’s hand, Suraya Saab is conflicted. Crowned Prince Javed has a not-so-savory reputation, but this opportunity will get her closer to the royal forge! And her blacksmithing (and Jadu-imbuing) really wants to see it in action! Turns out, though, this competition has a nefarious agenda, to seek out the Starkeeper of myth.

Between horrendous challenges and heated moments with the prince’s brother Roshan , Suraya learns a lot about herself and her destiny!

I was so quickly drawn into this book and I’m ready for a sequel!!

Amalie Howard delivers an immersive fantasy tale with The Starlight Heir! This is definitely a solid 4-star read in the Romantasy category. While earlier in the book it gives YA vibes, this is definitely a New Adult book.

The world-building and unique setting immediately drew me in. I especially loved how the main character, Suraya, is a bladesmith—a refreshing and strong female protagonist that stands out. Suraya is drawn to Roshan, who turns out to have many secrets that are reveled throughout the book.

That said, I found it a bit challenging to keep track of all the characters, often needing to pause and reread (or relisten) to clarify who was who. The plot is packed with twists and turns, which kept me intrigued, but at times it felt like there were a few too many "untwists," making it harder to follow.

I listened to the audiobook (thanks, NetGalley!) and supplemented it with the Kindle Unlimited e-book. The narrator was fantastic, with a slight accent that felt authentic and added depth to the world without being overdone.

As the first in a series, this book lays a strong foundation for what's to come. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!

I have read four of Amalie Howard’s previous historical romance books and I had a great time with them. I loved the adventure, the romance, and the characters in them and this was no different. I had such a great time with Suraya and Roshan and I had a great time with the antics they encountered throughout the book.

Personally, I didn’t love the female narrator in this one. I felt like her tone was pretty flat the whole book. I knew I’d heard her voice before and it’s because she was the narrator in the first Amalie Howard book I read which I didn’t like very much because I didn’t love the audiobook.

This was very much a me problem, not the books. I did enjoy the story, but the narrator just didn’t vibe with me.

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.

Starlight Heir is a quick pace story with lots of twists and turns. There’s action, adventure and, yes, love scenes. I enjoyed the way the book was written. The intimate scenes were woven wonderfully to the story, and not just thrown helter-skelter to tick a box for spice.

I’m excited to see where the rest of the story takes us, as we are left with a cliff hanger. I’m a sucker for a good cliff hanger.

I also read this as the audiobook. The performance was great, and added to the overall story

When I received this as an ELC I was SO excited. I really wanted to LOVE this book. Its magic system is original, but it also felt confusing at times. The pacing was just too fast to fully flesh out details of the world building and magic, in my opinion. The characters and plot were enjoyable, I loved that the story felt like it was going in the typical romantasy direction and totally went a different way, but again, the pacing was just so fast I felt like my brain was always a few second behind trying to catch up and put pieces together (but not in a good way). Overall I enjoyed listening to The Starlight Heir, but I never found myself excited or wanting more and probably will not opt to continue the series.

3.5 ⭐️🎧

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for this ALC of the Starlight Heir. With a heaping amount of chosen one, a dash of trials, and warring gods, this book had so much action packed fun in its mere 360 pages! I really liked the fast pace and the FMC was fantastic.

I did have a hard time with some of the terminology as I kept getting the magic terms confused as they sounded similar. Also, the God of Night character and that arc really confused me for most of the book. However, when I saw there will be a sequel I think most of those questions will be answered! I look forward to seeing whether that becomes a tension filled love triangle ;)

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.

4.5 ⭐️| 1.5🌶️

This was such a fun immersive story. The Persian and Indian mythology brought this story to life as an epic adventure. I’m anxious to see where this story goes in the future. There are games and trials, forced proximity, and some spice.
Thank you to HarperAudio for the NetGalley ARC.

3.5 Stars!
At first I thought that this book would be another cookie-cutter romantasy but I was pleasantly surprised. In this adult novel Suraya is pretty content in her life working as a bladesmith until an invitation to compete for a chance to be the royal bride arrives at her doorstep. She reluctantly arrives at the palace and finds that the prince’s illegitimate brother might be the better choice. After an attack at the palace Suraya and Roshan go on the run together to and discover that together they are unstoppable.
My favorite part of this novel is that it takes what is a somewhat overdone storyline but gives it a refreshing twist by basing it in non-european folklore. The indian/persian elements bring a fun twist that made the magic system one I had never encountered. Another thing I quite enjoyed was that Suraya was older than typical protagonists of this genre and her actions really reflect that, she is very level headed and makes grownup choices. As for Roshan I found his character quite fun and I felt he provided some needed reprieve from much of the chaos that surrounds their situation.
There was a lot to love about this book but one aspect that left me wanting more was the fact that it is technically dual POV but it is mostly told from Suraya’s view with only a few glimpses of Roshan. I will say that I loved both narrators Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef for their clear diction while also adding emotion to the story. I’ve seen some people complain about the modern language but in my personal opinion it does not detract from the story enough to bar anyone from reading it unless they are a fantasy purist. I will also say that while I quite enjoyed the novel I don't think it will be the kind of story that I think about days or even weeks later but, I will be reading the second book.
Overall it was a fun fast paced read that I would recommend to anyone trying to expand their reading … but not too much.

Thank you to Avon and HarperAudio for proving me an ELC of this book!

The Starlight Heir had its moments, especially in the first half, with its engaging adventure and competition storyline. The mythology-inspired world-building and the fun magic system were definite highlights. The palace scenes stood out as particularly vivid and immersive, adding depth to the setting.

However, the second half felt muddled. The story veered away from the competition and “which prince will she choose?” plotline, which I found more compelling than the direction it ultimately took. The romance, while sweet and a slow burn, lacked the intensity I was hoping for. Roshan’s character, in particular, felt like he needed more depth to fully connect with.

Despite these issues, Suraya’s strong personality and internal struggle were excellent, and the book had a lot of potential. While it didn’t quite deliver as a standout “romantasy,” it was an enjoyable and easy read overall. With a bit more focus and development, it could have truly shone.

This book was amazing. I really enjoyed how the female main character learned to trust in herself, her powers and forgive. I listened and read the kindle version and both formats really added to the story. I can't wait for the next one

3.5 ⭐️ A romantasy steeped in Persian mythology with a reluctant heroine, a broody bastard prince, and a shadow god? The Starlight Heir seemed poised to deliver everything I love in the genre. And while parts of it lived up to my expectations, others left me wanting more.

The story follows Suraya, a bladesmith from a quiet desert village who is invited to compete for the hand of Prince Javed. What starts as a bride competition quickly spirals into a high-stakes adventure involving political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and dangerous powers. Along the way, Suraya finds herself drawn to Roshan, the prince’s brooding illegitimate brother, as the two are forced to flee together and face threats that stretch beyond the mortal realm.

The world building is one of the book’s strengths. Howard weaves a vibrant, Middle Eastern inspired setting that is both refreshing and immersive. However, the tone of the writing occasionally feels out of place. Casual phrasing and references to Disney princesses broke the immersion for me and made it difficult to stay grounded in the fantasy world.

Howard’s slow burn romance between Suraya and Roshan has potential, but the execution sometimes feels more like insta lust than a true connection. There are moments of genuine chemistry, but they are overshadowed by awkward and repetitive sexual tension.

Several elements, like Suraya’s mysterious dreams and the POV of a mysterious shadowy god, feel like missed opportunities. They are introduced but never fully explained, giving the impression of fan service rather than an integral piece of the story.

The book definitely reads like a new adult novel, not quite adult but too verbally spicy to be YA.

All in all, I did really enjoy the story. I was thoroughly entertained, and the narrators really did a fantastic job with nuances. That said, I did listen to the audio at 2x speed anything less and it was spoken too slowly to remain fully engaged in the story.

Despite its flaws, the book has its moments. There were scenes that made my breath catch in my chest, and questioning why my eyes were suddenly a little blurry. Howard knows how to tug at the heartstrings, especially in the emotional climax.

Fans of ACOTAR or Fourth Wing may find familiar tropes here, from shadowy gods to reluctant heroines discovering their powers, as well as life or death stakes and a quest to secure the safety of the ones our heroine loves.

I’m also unclear if this book is expected to be a series, as I’ve heard different impressions from people. It did more or less read as a standalone, yet there is room for growth and expansion should the author choose to follow through with a series.

Thanks to @Netgalley and @Harperaudio for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard! This dystopian fantasy took me on a thrilling ride, blending diverse mythologies with a richly crafted world and a truly compelling heroine. The story draws on various mythological traditions, giving it a unique and fresh take that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The protagonist, a fierce and determined “chosen one” FMC, is exactly what fans of the trope will love. She’s strong, smart, and full of heart, making her journey incredibly satisfying to follow. The stakes are high, and the world-building is immersive—there’s just the right mix of mystery, magic, and tension to keep you turning the pages (or, in this case, listening!).

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing an ARC of the audiobook. The narration was fantastic and really brought the world to life, giving even more depth to the characters and their struggles.

Some readers might note the use of modern slang, but personally, I didn’t mind it at all. It added a layer of relatability to the characters, especially the FMC, and didn’t take away from the overall tone or atmosphere of the story.

If you’re a fan of dystopian worlds, complex characters, and mythologically-inspired adventures, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! Highly recommend!

As a newer fantasy reader, this world building was easy to follow. I also enjoyed the Indian influence as that is not you typically see. Suraya is a bladesmith who lives in a quiet town with her father and aunt. Unexpectedly, she is invited to the palace to compete for the crown prince's hand in marriage. On this journey, she learns more about herself, her mother, and her new confidant, Roshan, who is the spare to the crown. There is a lot of banter between the two that lightens the mood throughout the book. I listened to the second half of the book as an audiobook and found the narrator enjoyable. Thank you to the author and publisher for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

DNF at 14.5%.
I was looking forward to listening to this one because I have read good reviews about it but sadly it didn’t draw me in or keep me engaged. I will try again at a later date. I may not be in the mood and didn’t want to force it.

A very special thanks to Harper Audio Adult + NetGalley for the ALC.

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 audiobook 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 me feening for book 2! How unique this magic system is and only giving us the tip of the iceberg of what's sure to come in the next book. I felt the development of the main characters was perfect. We have our strong FMC who's magic is awoken at being summoned by the King and Queen for possible courtship of the prince. Our fierce MMC who is gorgeous and holds many secrets. The narrator of the book was perfect! She did a wonderful job helping the listener immerse themselves into the story. I could picture everything in my mind. The narrators voice was perfect for the middle eastern vibes I was getting and flowed so well. I enjoyed the world building, story/lore telling, the steamy romance aspect, and the witty banter between our MMC and FMC. I could go on and on but I don't want to spoil the story!

Thank you NetGalley and Amalie Howard for an advanced audiobook copy for my honest review.

Honest Review
Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted audiobook and book.
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is a delightful romantasy that sweeps you into a lush, vibrant world inspired by Persian and Indian mythology and culture. The unique setting and magical system make this story stand out, creating a rich backdrop for an exciting and emotional adventure.

Packed with all the best tropes—prince as the MMC, a delicious slow burn romance, forced proximity, and plenty of political intrigue—this book keeps you hooked from start to finish. It’s action-packed yet perfectly balanced with character-driven moments.

The audiobook performance is top-notch and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story, making it even easier to get lost in the world. Whether you read it or listen, The Starlight Heir is a quick, easy, and immensely fun read that’s perfect for romantasy fans.

The book is out now—don’t wait to dive in!