💜 The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard 💜 4.5 ⭐️

🐺🦜🦚✨🔥 Can we talk about how cool this cover is?

This one is about Suraya, a bladesmith from an unassuming village who receives a summons from the king to join several other young women at the royal court in Kaldari. Congrats, you all get to compete to be the crown prince’s bride! Suraya doesn’t much feel like crown princess material, what with her humble background, medium looks, and illegal magical blade forging (shhhhh ‘tis a secret!). Buuut her mother loved the palace, so for that reason, and because refusing the king is a huge no-no, she travels to the palace. Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear that the selection process is much more intense than she bargained for. Not to mention the prince is cold, creepy, and nowhere near as alluring as his illegitimate half-brother, Roshan. Things get even more intense when political turmoil in the city boils over, and Suraya finds out that the bride competition is a front for the prince’s hunt for a magically powerful being. “At least in all this chaos, I can count on him.” All I will say is, Famous Last Words.

Enough spoilers, just read it! The book has some fairly intense pacing, and was just slightly reminiscent of TOG for me in the tone, lost heir/savior trope, and the inclusion of life or death trials. I appreciated that the world-building was pretty intricate and that we had some rich additions from middle eastern culture. There was some spice but not a ton, this one is pretty action-packed.

I really enjoyed the audiobook quite a bit. The narrator had a great voice (slight British accent). I listened at different speeds and this one seemed a bit slower at 1x speed than most. 1.5-2x speed were very comfortable but there was some distortion at faster speeds (totally normal).

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC!! 💜💜💜 You spoil me! (don’t stop)

🫖 I paired this book with jade tieguanyin tea from David’s Tea. In the book they have a substance called Jade that sounds a whole lot like heroine and honestly I’d probably die without tea so…

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy!

This was my first book by Amalie Howard, and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun, fast-paced story that pulled inspiration from Persian and Indian mythology, as well as astrology. Suraya Saab is a bladesmith summoned to the King's presence to take part in a competition, the winner becoming the King's bride. Things go awry, and Suraya discovers so much about herself and her true nature while on the run with a very charming companion.

It is a very interesting world that Howard has created, and I loved the dynamic between Suraya and Roshan. Their banter was so fun, though I will say that the one thing that took me out of the story a bit was the author's use of more modern terms and phrases. It just didn't seem to flow with the rest of the language and feel of that world.

Overall, I had a good time, and I am very intrigued by the developments in this story. I can't wait to read the next book!

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a great job channeling the emotions of their characters. It was a fun and easy listen!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook The Starlight Heir. I am an avid romantasy reader, but this fell flat for me. I found the world building to be lacking and confusing- half of the time I was wondering what was happening and why! I did like the romance aspect of The Starlight Heir. I feel like this should be marketed was a YA romantasy with some steamy aspects. 3 stars

Great standalone romantasy! I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and narration of this novel.

Thank you HarperAudio for granting me an ALC, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by the publisher.

First off, I love the cover of this book! It drew me right to wanting to read this! Though it centered mostly on Suraya and Roshan as they go on the run after the big reveal of who Suraya really is (and that section is definitely romantasy!), I had a liking or several other characters, from Suraya's best friend Laleh, to Aran, Clem and Amma (the best cook ever!) and they really helped the story along. Conversely, it was very easy to hate the bad guys, Prince Javed and his mother mostly (no grey villains in this book!).

This was a very interesting world, with the stars and how most of the magic was rooted out, except for jadu which can be imbued in things, or people. Plus how much unrest there was. It definitely needed Suraya to come and stir things up in this fast pace book and with her viewpoint but also an intriguing other voice popping up every now and then, it makes me quite eager for the next book to see what his place will be in the future of this world and how it will affect Suraya with her love for Roshan.

The narrators did a good job in bringing this book to life and a big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to this audiobook!

3.5/5 *
I was enthralled with the beginning of this novel, and the ending was really well done. I wish, however, that Suraya's time in the castle had been drawn out more--I wanted more tension, more competitions and challenges. Once she and Roshan escaped, it felt like the plot came to a crawl until the last hour and a half of the audiobook. On the other side of that, I enjoyed the dirty jokes and innuendos throughout the novel; maybe I have the humor of a middle schooler, but some of the d*ck jokes were hilarious.

I think Howard is a remarkably good writer, and I will be reading the second book in this series when it's released, and hopefully the middle of the next book will be as intense as the beginning and end of "The Starlight Heir".

Lastly, Anais Inara Chase was delightful to listen to! I'm currently on the hunt for other audiobooks she's done.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Starlight Heir! The things I enjoyed about this book was the concept of it and I think the author had some good ideas with what she wanted to do with this book. The beginning felt a little slow for me but the pace eventually sped up. I wish I could have gotten to see a little bit more of her best friend that she was constantly talking about throughout the book so I had a better understanding of their friendship. I personally really enjoyed the ending of this book and how everything came together but I will say I am a little confused if there is gonna be a book two or not with how the final couple of pages played out. Overall I liked the narrator and the concept of the book. Thank you again to NetGalley!💕📚

Big thanks to Avon books for the arc and HarperAudio for the alc which I have voluntarily read/listened to & reviewed. All opinions are my own.

I AM OBSESSED. First of all, I love romantasy so that's no surprise but I also just love Amalie's books and have to say she killed it with this one.

I loved all the characters -- well the likeable ones obviously, but the villains are also very well crafted so I loved to hate them (: It's fast paced, full of action, magic and romance. Suraya is an easy character to love, she's strong, loyal, determined and passionate -- when she loves, she's all in. Roshan is full of secrets, but he's exactly what I want in my romantasy MMCs: hot, flirty, witty, protective, strong -- a leader who treats people with care, but also won't hesitate to do what he has to. I love the romance between these two, but we also get glimpses into a god's thoughts through a couple of the chapters and truly I need him to be a big part of the next book because while I loved the morsels of tension, connection, and hints at what is to come, I want more!

There are so many characters, but it's easy to keep track and I felt like each one had their own unique qualities and parts to play. I truly thought it was gonna be more of a trials/competition fantasy story but it's so much more than that. Sure, it starts with a competition to be King Zarek's bride, but it quickly becomes much more of an adventure that's full of action and our MCs on the run. The magic is interesting and the politics are intriguing; I truly can't wait to see how this story grows in the next book!

Narrators Anais Inara Chase & Ramiz Monsef do a fantastic job! They kept me engaged in the story to the point where I had no idea how much time was passing. Their voices are clear and the audio is well-paced and entertaining. If you prefer audio or like to listen and read at the same time like me, then I definitely recommend this one. I look forward to hearing them narrate more in the future.

10/10 - highly recommend!!! Published today 1/7/25, so go on and check this one out asap.

The Starlight Heir was a fantasy that had me intrigued from the first page, especially with the unique world building and magic.

Suraya gets an invitation to attend the palace to fight to be the wife of the noble price. Shocked, she agrees to go and learn more about the city that captured her late mother's heart. But, when she arrives at the palace she encounters trials and things that are beyond her wildest dreams, especially when it is revealed that she may be the Starkeeper that everyone is on the hunt for. On the run with the king's half brother, she is on the watch daily and nightly for those who want her powers while also trying to learn what her powers actually are.

I enjoyed listening to The Starlight Heir and felt it was a fresh voice in the fantasy world dominated by dragons at the moment. The world building was easy to understand and I could easily picture the different settings vividly in my head. I adored the quick chapters voiced by a male character at points during the book however; it also confused me as I was unsure who was actually talking and what was happening. I did feel that the author wrapped up book one in a satisfying way that kept me curious to discover what will occur in book two, truly as I have questions about the who's in book one and hope those to be answered. I would definitely recommend those wanting to read Amalie Howard's The Starlight Heir do so via audio, narrated by Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef. Both narrators kept me on the edge of my seat, anticipating what was to come next and waiting for that male narrator to drop every time it occurred.

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

If The Stars are Dying and Lightlark had a baby, it's this book. And I'm here for it!

Suraya, who can wield powers into the blades she creates, gets an invitation to the capital city as a candidate to potentially be the prince's wife. Little does she know that there is something dark and sinister waiting for her there, those seeking out who she really is. The prince and the queen are looking for something and she might be the key to what they are seeking. She meets the prince's illegitimate brother, Roshan, and starts to form a bond with him. Together they go on the run but soon she discovers that Roshan is also hiding his own secrets.

It's your typical FMC who has hidden star powers but doesn't know it yet, and MMC who is hiding his true identity. But what really stood out to me was how well the characters were written and the world building. I enjoyed the fact that she wasn't a damsel in distress, and that she could fight for herself and protect others. The spice was spicy but this was more plot heavy, which I do appreciate and enjoy!
The other part of this plot is that her soul is connected to another god, you get bits and pieces of information thoughout the book, which l hope, we will get more of in book 2.

I was chosen to review the audiobook and I truly believe Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef did a fantastic job with the narration. Easy and enjoyable to listen to.

Thank you, Netgalley, HarperAudio, Amalie Harper for trusting me with their work.

This is my first experience with this author, and I enjoyed it. The book was very good. I was invested from the very beginning, although I was a little bored in the middle, but the ending was great. I enjoyed both main characters and the romance. I think a lot of people will enjoy this And it’s a great Romantasy. The narrators also did a wonderful job. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 3.75 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC of the audiobook!

i was unfortunately unable to finish this book before it’s release date, but from the percent i’ve gotten through this far, i can see i’m in for an entertaining and romantic fantasy realm- i genuinely can’t wait to continue this and i will not provide a public review currently <3

Book Review: This is a rousing adventure of a fantasy romance. It is fast-paced and epic in scope, but everything still felt well-developed. I have many theories about where the story will go from here, but I appreciate that the author wasn’t so heavy-handed with hints that I know for certain.


Book Rating: 4.75/5
Spice Rating: 2/5

Audiobook Review: I generally have a hard time getting into audiobooks, in large part because the trend in narration right now seems to be that everything, even rote description and casual interactions, should be saturated with intense emotion and emphasis and sound seductive. I actually really enjoyed this audiobook in large part because the female narrator - responsible for the lion’s share of the book - doesn’t fall into this trap. She’s still emotive and arch and interesting, but conversational dialogue and exposition is allowed to simply be conversational rather than imbued with unwarranted drama. Sometimes a description of a room is simply meant to describe the room, and she allows us those moments to breath between the action and adventure of the story. Her MC voices aren’t distractingly strained, just pitched enough to be clear who is speaking. I will actively seek out other books that she has narrated.

The male narrator, on the other hand, was precisely the sort of overwrought and aggressively dramatic type of reading I do not like. However, I imagine that dedicated romantasy audiobook readers will love him because the man does do a deep growl with authority and enthusiasm.

Audio Rating: 4.75/5

Tropes:
- Deadly games and trials
- Hidden magic and identities
- Persian-inspired culture and mythology
- Betrayal
- Band of rebels in the desert
- Bride competition
- Chosen one
- Meddling gods and fates
- Caves (iykyk)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to listen to an advance copy. All opinions my own.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie is an intriguing romantasy that has dangerous trials, forced proximity, and a secret identity.

Suraya is a bladesmith invited to a competition to win the hand of the crown prince. However, things are not as they seem. She quickly learns that the prince is hunting a girl with magic in her blood, known as the Starkeeper. Suraya finds herself on the run with the crown prince’s half-brother Roshan.

I enjoyed the world-building and the unfolding of the magic. This story is fast-paced and filled with secrets that unravel.

The narrators in this audiobook did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was soo honored to get the ACL of The Starlight Heir on Netgally. It was a book I had on my TBR for when it came out and squealed with delight when it came to me in my emails.

The narration for the audiobook is amazing. Anais Chase and Ramiz Monsef were the perfect choice for this story.

I was enamored with their voices and they had the perfect intonation and cadence. I never wanted to press pause. I could have been lost in their voices all day if it weren’t for real adulting.

The story itself was completely captivating. I was hooked from the first chapter and loved seeing Suraya and Roshan discover each other. Both characters are interesting and complex. You can’t help but want to know more about them.

The third act drama was so anxiety provoking. Be prepared for not only some toe curling spiciness but also page turning excitement!

There is something for everyone is this book! Action, adventure, deadly trials, unique magic, court intrigue, romance and spice. This is a book that will stick with me for days to come.

[4.5 stars]

Thanks to HarperAudio for the ALC! The Starlight Heir was a fast paced, action packed romantasy with a swoon-worthy romance. It kept me completely captivated as the narrator did a fantastic job with the performance.

The world building and mythos of the story was intriguing and beautiful without being overwhelming. I’m looking forward to my physical copy as a reference for the gods and the map. I also found the twist on soul bonds to be refreshing.

Suraya was a fierce FMC and I greatly enjoyed her character. And her banter with Roshan. Though I did feel like she overlooked some glaringly obvious suspicious developments in the middle 😂. Roshan fell pretty hard for her and his devotion had me giddy. The spice was spicy 🥵.

This first book is definitely setting up for a much grander plot with bigger players yet to come to light. The way things wrapped up and that epilogue has me very eager for the sequel!

If you’re expecting a sweet, fairytale-esque romance where a girl from the slums falls for a dreamy prince… think again! Starlight Heir is anything but fluffy. This story escalates the moment Suraya steps foot in that shady palace, and it’s a wild ride from there.

Suraya isn’t just a regular bladesmith—she’s packing some serious magical power, the last of its kind in the realm. When she’s summoned to the palace alongside 99 other women to compete for the prince’s hand, you know things are about to get sketchy. And guess what? They do! Turns out, the prince isn’t your charming royal; he’s a straight-up monster hunting for the starkeeper’s magic so he can ascend to godhood. Casual, right?

But let’s talk about Roshan—the prince’s half-brother who Suraya first mistakes for a humble gardener. Their chemistry is decent, but honestly? Not earth-shattering. It’s the kind of romance that makes you go, “Hmm, cute,” but I wasn’t exactly swooning or dying to see more of them.

The world-building, though? Chef’s kiss. Amalie Howard weaves a lush tapestry of Persian and Indian mythology, and once you get the hang of the structure, it all clicks beautifully. The mix of culture and lore adds a rich depth to the story, making it stand out from other romantasies.

That said, the pacing was a bit inconsistent. I found myself rolling my eyes at Suraya lusting over Roshan at some point throughout the book… even in the middle of life-or-death situations. Girl, focus! I get it—it’s romantasy. But there’s a time and place. For me it felt like it was forced in there at random times.

Still, if you love fast-paced romantasies with a touch of mythology, dark intrigue, and a fierce heroine wielding forbidden magic, Starlight Heir is worth a read. It’s got palace drama, ancient magic, and plenty of betrayal to keep you on your toes.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard
Fantasy with romance. Romantasy.
Suraya Saab receives an invitation to court in the capital city. The prince is looking for a bride. Suraya doesn’t care about the prince or becoming his bride. She just wants the adventure in the city and then she’ll come home and continue to work in the forge with her bladesmith skills.
Suraya hasn’t had any magic in the past but all that changes at court where she is provoked, forced to fight, and watch innocent people die. All in the name of the prince finding a bride. Her magic sparks when confronted by a creature that has already eaten several of the other females contenders in the ring. Now the Prince, King and Queen have their eye on her. And they won’t stand for her innocent flirting with the gardener anymore. Not that he is really the grounds keeper. Very soon, fight to the death will mean just that. For the entire kingdom.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook to read this. The narration is performed by Anais Inara Chase (the majority) and Ramiz Monsef. Both do a wonderful job of making their presence known with a compelling performance. I like a print version for visualization but an audiobook to make the characters come alive. And this does not disappoint. The terror, and rage, and lust and determination come through clearly as the fantasy progresses from a daughter and commoner going to a party to that of a god of the stars. An impressive text and narration. I’m sure I will listen to this again.
I did increase the speed to a normal conversation level of 1.5.

Breathtaking adult fantasy that simply comes alive.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher HarperAudio Adult.

This is a wonderful, fantastical story with beautiful writing and amazing magic. I loved the characters and the mystery surrounding the magic and shadows that Suraya had hidden from her. This was a beautiful story of intrigue, hidden power, sexy ire and so much more. I was hesitant going in with such intense world building and the pacing that was set but I am now sold! I cannot wait to see what happens with Roshan and Suraya next and I can't wait to see what may lurk in the shadows...

I was expecting more from this. The cover is so beautiful and I would frame it! Unfortunately the plot felt flat to me