Rating 3.75/5
Spice ⭐⭐.5

I liked the premise of the story. The world taking place was beautiful and for once I liked it was a different take of fantasy. The story felt inspired by desert parts of the real world, (I would say Middle East, but there's more countreis than just those). I do however, felt specific scenes throughout the book felt very rushed.

I also very VERY tired of ommiting truths and "secrets" trope. Suraya getting mad about that, sure fine that's how she feels, but she literally contradicted herself. Roshan said he has secrets, and guess what Suraya says? SHE SAYS ITS OKAY TO HAVE SECRETS. SO WTF WAS THAT BACKTRACKING FOR WHEN YOU YOURSELF SAID IT WAS FINE?! I'm calm, I'm calm, its fine. (It's not really fine)

The book could have been more than 14 hours. I wouldn't it have minded more information and back history. Heck, just more connection between the characters. I thought this author was a debuting for the first time, but she has written other works. So I will say, please don't be scared to have the book be bigger, indie/debuting or not. This book a real potentail that could have been a 5 star rating for me.

I received an ARC audiobook from Netgallery. Though my review is honest and true, I will the author the best of luck. Thank you HarperAudio for allowing me to listen

I really struggled with this one. There were times I picked it up and then had to go back and reread a chapter or two because it had been so long since the last time it was my hands. It had a really promising start and although there were great elements to it I found it hard to read due to the current slang that was mixed in. It really takes me out of the fantasy element unless it is an urban fantasy which this was not.

Come along with Suraya to find her personal truth and save her realm….

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 - VIBES ARE IMMACULATE. Themes of consent, against book banning, and individual freedoms against political interference.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - One tension filled sexual scene, not vulgar but not off page either. Sexual references through the book.

Audiobook - I listened to this book and I’m glad I did. The narrator was the perfect pick for this character. Her voice fits sooo well. Her cadence is amazing. I wouldn’t have ever said anything correctly without the audio version.

However, This book wasn’t one that I could binge, the information felt so dense and came all so quickly, but I still loved the complexity! I can acknowledge that the extra “brain work” I used was due to the westernization of Americans and the stories we tend to read. This was inspired very heavily on Persian culture and Mythology. I learned about new creatures and ended up looking into the history of the azhdahas and simurghs.

The desert setting was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the way they framed it. Deserts are many times framed as wastelands and nutrient deficient areas. And while that’s true in some cases, the desert is also unique and colorful and beautiful. This book gives life to that possibility.

The conflicts in this book had me yelling and jumping and doing all of the reactions. I got goosebumps and tears during dialogue. I loved the writing style with modern vocabulary as a comedic relief.

The only reason it’s not a 5 star 🌟 is that the God of Night mystery has no part really in the story. If you took out his chapters, you’d have the same amount of information. I get it’s going to be a series and this will have more weight to it later but it just felt useless right now. There could’ve been other ways to drop the bomb later.

Disclaimer: I have read this as an ARC for a genuine review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I got 30% through this and couldn't take anymore.
The use of modern language is so off-putting. I also would say this is way more YA than adult and the FMC needs a hormone balance! I read spice, but this wasn't even that it was just like teenage hormones over a strong breeze!
I had higher hopes for this book, as the Indian/Middle Eastern fantasy theme was intriguing...but the negatives outweighed the positives in this book.

First of the narration was great! I could see and feel everything the characters saw and felt. Their voice was easy to listen to and fall into.

This book was very fast pace and to me it didn’t leave a lot of room for character development. I want more background on both Suraya and Roshan. I would have also like more world building and more information about their gods and belief system. I feel like had this been included the story would’ve had more depth.

For anyone going in thinking this is a full romance it is not. It is romance-ish. Which I didn’t mind.
I did like the plot of the story. I like the idea of one person being born every so often to save the world or just to bring it more joy. The heavens coming to Earth to spread hope, healing, and protection.
Over all this is an okay for me. 2.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley & HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio for the Advance Listener Copy for me to review. This, however, plays no part in how I rated or reviewed his book.

I wanted so much more from this book. It started out well but I just lost interest half way and near the end.

The narration on the audio is beautiful and that was great. Probably what kept me in this story

Predictable, fell flat, and ultimately the romance was just nothing I was rooting for. I honestly liked the beginning way more and they left the castle way faster than I wanted them to. I wanted more of the trials and that was barely in the story.

Positives: unique story telling, it’s a standalone, it’s a quick romantasy without too much world building,

I hate reviewing it this way because the cover is stunning. I just felt like it needed something to be unique to make it memorable

“ Darkness can never thrive where Light blurs”

This was my first Persian inspired romantasy and I have to say I loved it! The world building while simple and easy to understand was so beautifully written! Everything was described in such vivid colors that my imagination had a blast!
I loved the romance and friendships in this book!! The banter was great which for me is a big deal in my books. The spice level was not over done but when it was done it was done well!!
Our MFC was strong willed and had a strong heart and definitely gave some baddie vibes!
And out MMC…. Drool worthy!!!
Although I’m VERY interested in getting answers about those shadows that tend to show up out of no where sometimes!!!
I loved this whole world and the magic system!
I cannot wait to dive into book 2!!!!

SUMMARY
What starts as a Cinderella-esque story, quickly turns Hunger Games in this Persian/West Asian folklore inspired romantasy.
Suraya Saab, a forge-smith and daughter of small town tavern owners, receives an invitation to a ball where the crowned prince will select a bride. Despite her family’s concerns and poorly-veiled fear of the royal family, she takes the opportunity as one of the chosen few to see the world outside her village.
The selection of a bride stretches beyond a typical ball, and Suraya finds herself in a fight to the death with the other contenders. She finds she not only has the attention of the crowned prince, but his roguishly handsome, illegitimate brother.
The cover-story of finding a bride slips throughout the trials as the royal family hunts for the rumored girl who carries starlight in her veins.

ROMANCE TROPES INCLUDED:
• Enemies to lovers (briefly annoyed with each other, light on the enemies aspect)
• Secret identity
• Wedding fever
• Rejected as unworthy/emotional scars
• Different worlds
• Altar diplomacy
• Anti-hero/lovable rogue

WHAT WE LIKE:
• The World Building - While influenced by Middle Eastern and West Asian culture, the city of Kaldari and its surrounding kingdom are a world of their own. Howard blends the grit of old world life with the charm of modern sentiments and powerful women who speak their minds.
• The MMC • Roshan - The forsaken prince had us drooling! His relationship with Suraya starts with the briefest enemies to lovers hue, but it would be more accurately described as minor annoyance fast tracked to steamy situationship. Their banter is so good, and there are so many points along the way that give the ‘squealie schoolgirl’ feels. It makes one nervous that it could be setting up the sequel to have a second love interest wrench thrown into the mix. 👀
• The FMC • Suraya - She forges daggers and swords! Come on! The arm strength that would take! And it shows. She’s a buff badass who’s magnetically charming and sexy, but can also kick ass and take names. Her friendship with her bestie is the best kind of women empowering women, and we loved seeing how much influence her friend had on her even when she wasn’t with her in Kaldari.
• The Narrator - Anais Inara Chase, you husky-voiced goddess. The best compliment you can give a narrator is that, while listening, you forget it’s only one person reading all the voices. Chase manages to do just that. Giving all the characters personality and distinction isn’t easy, and we give her all the props for crushing it with every character!

REAL TALK
• The Shadow Daddy • **SPOILER ALERT** - We found this character both intriguing and confusing. Suraya has dreams of a shadowed figure that she is irresistibly drawn to. And those dreams get hot and heavy right away. The fact that he isn’t who you would initial suspect him to be is a fantastic twist, but we would have liked more from this character in book one, before having the lead up to book two.
• The Second Narrator - Ramirez Monsef narrates the brief chapters where we hear from the mysterious Shadow Daddy, and they are intense. It can be startling to go from Chase’s sultry timbre to the feral thoughts that Monsef narrates. But perhaps that shocking change is the point?

BOOK DRAGON RATING
Overall, Starlight Heir gets a 4.5/5 on the Book Dragon Scale. Despite some questions about one mysterious character’s role, we have hopes that all will be spectacularly revealed in the sequel. Which we will absolutely be reading! As far as spice, it rates a 3.5/5. The slow burn between Suraya and Roshan is sexy and you definitely get the payoff in book one! There are also “dreams” that are a little wild, but it’s still very heavily Romantasy and doesn’t lean as far into the Erotica genre.

3.5 ⭐️The Starlight Heir is a thrilling, action-packed romantasy. It’s starts with a deadly competition for the crown prince's heart, but Suraya falls for another prince. A prince with secrets. She has been blessed by the stars with unimaginable power that could destroy the realm. When the political rebellion hits the palace, her and Prince Roshan embark on an epic journey when they flee. It’s hard to know who to trust along the way because everyone wants her power. It’s very fast paced and I wanted a bit more depth to the characters, the storyline, and especially with the romance. There was no conflict and it felt more like a friendship, so it was hard for me to root for them as a couple. I kept waiting the whole book for the shadow daddy, the God of Night to show up! Especially with the early reference to him in her dreams and his shadows protecting her. Now I can’t wait for the next book to see how everything unfolds between them.

“Perhaps there’s darkness in my own soul and that’s why I dream of it—of him—so clearly. My king of night.”

✨Slow burn
💗Forced proximity
✨Hidden identity
⚔️Magical powers
✨Secrets
💗prophecy
✨Chosen One
⚔️Rebellion

I really enjoyed this one. I wasn't too sure at first when I originally lived in but the story was fast paced. Things just go, go, go from the moment our FMC gets around the royals. I wasn't sure of the love interest trope at first but it kept making me go "d'awwww."

A few times I did want to shake our girl because ma'am you missed how many signs? But she more than made up for it.

I just wanna know when the next comes out because that end? Are we getting a shadow daddy/god? I'm sure we aren't supposed to like whoever it is but look, something is wrong with me. I'm interested!

The narrators did an excellent job with the pacing and tones. I really enjoyed their voices and look forward to hopefully hearing them narrate the next when it's out.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for this Audio ARC Copy! 3.5 Stars

I saw the cover for this book and absolutely fell in love. I knew that this was a romantasy that I would absolutely need to read. This book also reminded me why I enjoy reading romantasy sometimes. Was the world building eipc and the story mind blowing, no. Did I still enjoy every minute of it, yes. It was a good time. I do feel like the romance was a little bit too instalovie for me but that is just my personal preference, there was till plenty of tension to keep me happy.

This was my first time reading anything by Amélie Howard, and overall, I enjoyed The Starlight Heir. I loved the way it wove in influences from Persian and Indian mythology, which made the world feel fresh and unique. The book starts off strong with a series of trials that immediately pulled me in, but I found myself less invested as the story progressed.

My biggest struggle was connecting with the characters, especially Suraya. Her choices often felt frustrating and I had a hard time understanding her decision-making. The romance also didn’t fully work for me—I wasn’t sure exactly when or how Suraya and Roshan fell in love, it just seemed to happen all of a sudden. That said, I know a lot of people have criticized the modern language in the book, but that didn’t bother me at all.

One thing I did really appreciate was that the ending felt complete. Even though this is part of a series, the book still wrapped up in a way that was satisfying, which isn’t always the case in romantasy. I also listened to the audiobook and I thought the narration was great—no complaints on that front!

Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite romantasy, I still think it had some really interesting elements. If you’re looking for a fantasy story inspired by Persian and Indian mythology, this one is worth checking out!

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard was a fun journey with world building and great character building.

The main character, Suraya is very likable. There are hints of a “shadow daddy” in dreams and I wish Amalie Howard would have done more with that. Maybe more will come in a sequel.

What prompted 4 stars instead of 5 was the young tone. Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef are wonderful narrators. If the few spicy ish scenes were removed, The Starlight Heir would definitely lean YA. The age of the characters were 18-20 ish. The overall tone and familial bond felt a bit young.

This was an exhilarating romantic fantasy filled with twists and turns! I love how the audiobook had distinct voices for each character that matched well with different situations.

I have totally loved all of Howard’s regency romances, so I was really looking forward to her Romantasy - so many authors are hopping on this bandwagon… but this one didn’t work for me!

Suraya receives a summons to what is basically a season of The Bachelor at a Royal court, but is secretly a search for an ancient bloodline that was supposedly stomped out, which a prophecy says is still around - a Starkeeper who will change the future and fate of the world.

The Prince and his half brother live very differently, but the one, Roshan, befriends Suraya. The story of their friendship and everything they go through to protect her secret is the extremely long and drawn out story we get here.

It’s not mentioned if this is part of a series when you go into it, but the way it ends with nothing resolved, it definitely seems like it’s going to be multiple more long and drawn out books. I wasn’t a fan of the storyline, characters or feeling of this world, but I do like Howard’s writing so still give it about a 3 to 3.5 rating. The narrators of the audiobook, Ramiz Monsef and Anais Inara Chase, both new voices to me, did a good job in their roles.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the early listen copy. This is my honest opinion.

While the plot of this book is interesting, the characters just lack depth and the intimate scenes are cringy. While I get the reliance on certain tropes in romance and fantasy - one room/bed, miscommunication, the found heir, etc. - this one just felt too "I'm following the prescribed steps." The FMC's friend is mentioned SO much with modern slang, and it just took me out of the experience each time. This book needs, well, more. More editing, more characters, more personality.... IDK. DNFd around 50%

With a review from Rebecca Yarros, Jennifer L Armentrout, Brigid Kemmerer and Danielle L Jensen I was thrilled to start this audiobook. The story quickly begins and you're instantly swept into the world. With a beginning that reminds me a lot of Wrath of Dawn, I was excited to see this Indian folklore inspired Selectionlike bride competition. It was disappointing how fast this book moves through the plot and world. It makes it difficult to believe in the romantic relationship - which felt very instant love, forced, and juvenille. The writing was okay. I was thrown out of the story many times with strange discriptions or modern phrases. The fantasy elements of this book are incredbile and I was yearning for more of the world building and understanding the magic. Sadly, this was too fast leaving me disinterested as I could predict much of the story and became annoyed with some of the characters. If the open door scenes were removed, this would make for a great YA book.

Opendoor cringey quotes:
“a delicious stretch in my untried passage”
“I feel the o everywhere from my finger tips to my hair follicles”

Thank you Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to HarperAudio for the alc. all opinions are my own.

Soraya is called to see if she is to marry the prince, along with many other women born around the same time. From there, this was all a bit muddled for me. I found not enough details on some things and too much on others. There were some surprising plot twists. But for the most part followed a standard Romantasy formula. The love story wasn’t very believable and sort of just fizzled out.

This was a really fun romantasy with a cool magic system. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The MC was a little over the top with her desires, but I still found it enjoyable.

Absolutely loved this! I loved all the characters and the narration. The plot moved quickly with out too quick and it felt like something I haven’t read as much in fantasy! Will highly recommend!