I really enjoyed this story! It had such a fun and exciting plot but also a tension filled romance that I really enjoyed following! The FMC was so cool and the MMC was 🥰🥰🥰 Overall I had such a fun time and I’m looking forward to picking up more from this author. Her writing style was engaging and fast paced!

I’m a big fan of Amalie Howard’s other work and I appreciated how aristocratic characteristics made its way into this fantasy from her other regency novels. The narrator did well differentiating the other characters POV’s and keeping my attention. The plot read a little YA but with NA relationships. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️ (only 2-ish chapters though)

I am… confusion??? Who the heck is that second POV?! And why did I go into this thinking it was a standalone?? Because now I’m on the edge of my seat!!

💜 Fast Paced Romantasy
💜 Deadly Bride Trial
💜 Epic Quest
💜 Chosen One x Illegitimate Heir
💜 Hidden powers
💜 Prophecies
💜 Persian and Indian Mythology
💜 Forced Proximity
💜 Mythical creatures
💜 Secret Identity
💜 Love triangle (????)

This was one hell of a good time! Beyond just the fact that I absolute loooove Persian and Indian mythology, this kept me on my toes at all times with how fast paced it was. Not gonna lie, I was a bit confused at first with the world and lore because of how fast paced it was but because I had no time to think, I was just hooked and it all ended up clicking.

Ok and that last one… WHAT IS HAPPENING???

The romance also gave it away to me that not only is this not a standalone, but also, while Ro and Suraya were as swoony as can be, I felt their chemistry was missing something.. or maybe not 😏

Worth noting - if you’re not into spicy scenes, they’re very limited (chapter 17-20 is the most of it). That being said, if you’re into it, WOOOF 😮‍💨 Chapter 17 ladies and gentleman!! That was beautiful, 10/10 here for the vibes.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

I thought maybe Ro was also the god of night / shadow wielding being in her spicy dream? Can he be that shadow daddy but not the god of night? But then the epilogue?? What is going on!

Now onto my audiobook notes!

✨ Dual-ish POV (not a duet)
✨ British female narrator
✨ Engaging and captivating

I absolutely LOVED Anais Inara Chase as Suraya!! She narrates most of the book as it’s mainly her POV and you can tell the more we get into the story, the more into it she gets. She captured Suraya’a strength, confidence but also her doubts beautifully. I’m going to need to hear a LOT more of Ramiz Monsef, not only because I need to know who the hell that character is, but because his voice was so deep and alluring.

DNF @ 50%

I tried, okay, I tried 😭 This got me into a slump. The FMC is too horny for my liking and what fantasy has only one POV I want to read the MMC POV maybe I'll try again later but for now I have to say goodbye

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Just received an ALC from Netgalley and HarperAudio Adult so huge thanks to you 💋🫶🏻

✨ARC Audiobook✨
This book is probably more of a 3.5. It definitely has an interesting storyline and the characters are likable enough- though I didn’t love any of them. A lot of people had issues with the modern language in a clearly “historic” fantasy which I can definitely understand but if you can get beyond that, this book does feel very well-written. I really enjoyed that there was a lot of Indian influence on this book, as I don’t see that often in fantasy so it was refreshing to have something different.

My biggest issue is that everything that happened was VERY predictable. It follows all the main fantasy plot points and doesn’t go off that path at all. This ended up making me feel significantly less invested in putting time into reading this book. Having it as an audiobook was definitely necessary for me.

The female narrator for the audiobook has the calmest, most soothing voice and I loved listening to her. The male narrator is only in it a few times, but he definitely did what many male narrators do and tried to make his voice WAY too unnaturally deep for no reason at all. I would have preferred the female narrator to just voice the male POV chapters as well.

Shadow daddy and epic power fmc I'm hooked. This is a fast paced plot and so much is happening and you just can't help being sucked in. I loved the chemistry between these two right from the start. I love how Suraya doesn't hold back and says what's she means and how quickly that forms their bond. The audio narration is fantastic and they do an amazing job bringing this book to life. I had to go out and buy my own special edition of this book for my trophy wall. Can't wait for book two.

The Starlight Heir is a fast-paced, action-packed romantasy that delivers on both the romance and adventure without getting bogged down in excessive world-building. Suraya, the FMC, is instantly likable—strong-willed, compelling, and easy to root for. The book embraces lush Middle Eastern and Indian influences, which add a unique and refreshing atmosphere to the story.

If you’re looking for a solid romantasy with spice, action, and an engaging plot that keeps moving, this one is definitely worth picking

Stunning cover & the audio narration was well done. The world building and characters started off strong. I liked the FMC until 60% of the book and quickly became irritating. She was strong and determined only to let *romance* and lies get the best of her. The banter between FMC and MMC was fun to read but the general relationship felt meh after the spice.

Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook ✨

This book was absolutely stunning and a great Romantasy! The world-building didn't feel overdone or like it was being pushed in our faces, and the characters each had relatable traits. Roshan was an absolute flirt, and I enjoyed the banter between him and Suraya. The pace didn't seem to lag at any point, and I was right there with them through all of their journeys. The twist with Roshan was an easy call (or maybe I've just become too jaded in my MMCs to believe their sidelong looks aren't hiding something), though I'm curious what the end meant. The ending left me desperate for more, and I can't wait to see where this series goes from here (assuming it'll have a second book)!!

Thank you, NetGalley, the publisher, HarperAudio, and the author, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to pick up this audiobook because I’d heard of it being a fun and sexy romantasy but when I actually got around to it the story just felt… pointless?

The female lead gets invited to enter a competition to become the royal prince’s bride, there’s some dark magic involved and a complicated prophecy, resulting in her getting all tied up with the bastard born prince and the shadow figure that lives in her dreams. Just from those small tropey plot lines I was sold.
Only, this story did not deliver. In the beginning of the book, there was so much information thrown at you in the first two chapters, it is quite literally the definition of telling, not showing. When she gets the invite to go to the royal caste in the central city, its an honor because only a select few were given the offer, however the whole point of attending the competition was to prove yourself as worthy to marry the prince, she has 0 intention of marrying him. Why would she enter this competition to marry the prince if she doesn’t actually want to marry him??? Just so she can get a free trip into the central city?
It felt like everything was downhill from there, the competition turning deadly, the weird overly sexual comments her friend was making, the strange erotic dreams shed have with this ‘shadow daddy’.

Again, I enjoy the concept but the story did not deliver.

"A bladesmith blessed by the stars. A prince with a dangerous secret. A god bound in shadows." This novel had me hooked right from the start. The FMC, Suraya, is invited to be a guest in King Zarek's court. What she doesn't know is that she will have to compete with other women in order to have the opportunity to become the wife to the crown prince. However, things do not go as planned, and the king's bastard son, Roshan. go on the run. Little does Suraya know, but she is more powerful than she could have imagined, and she is also a part of a prophesy.
This story was action packed, fast paced, and had a handful of secondary characters that warmed your heart. Of course, there is a lot going on in this book, and it leaves off knowing that there is more to come, and I am sure we do not know exactly what some of the twists and turns will be. I look forward to reading the next book!

Sadly this book fell a little flat for me. I wasn't a fan of the plot, I thought it was a bit rushed and confusing. I never really felt like I connected with the characters. The spicy scenes is really what made me dislike the book, they weren't well written in my opinion.

I really wish I could have liked this one more than I did but I'm sure it will find its audience!

Michaela Romero <michaelaromero747@gmail.com>
5:07 PM (0 minutes ago)
to me

I was initially intrigued by this book’s unique setting and vivid imagery, but as the story progressed, it started to feel like a rehash of every other love triangle, “shadow daddy,” and evil royal half sibling trope dominating the genre. It wasn’t necessarily better or worse than those stories, but what began as something fresh quickly lost its spark.

The writing itself was overall solid, though at times, the modern phrasing (and excessive cursing) felt out of place within the world. The story, while packed with interesting elements—a magical blacksmith, an evil stepmother, a bride competition, a tyrannical regime and its revolutionaries, and a “shadow night daddy” (which I still don’t quite understand)—never fully came together. Each individual concept could have been compelling, but they felt disconnected, making the plot feel scattered rather than immersive. I also wished the magic system had been better explained.

The main characters didn’t do much to elevate the story. The FMC was inconsistent, unable to settle into a distinct personality, and at times, outright annoying. The romance felt shallow, and I didn’t send much chemistry between them. The MMC himself was bland and forgettable, lacking the depth needed to make him stand out.

The twist at the end was predictable, which wasn’t the issue—it was the FMC’s over-the-top reaction that pulled me out of the story. The ending also dragged, making the final stretch feel more tedious than impactful.

That said, the cover is stunning, and the audiobook narrators were fantastic. While this book didn’t quite work for me, I’m still interested in checking out the author’s other works, especially Queen Bee, which I’ve heard great things about.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

A fun, fast-paced Romantacy! I enjoyed the story and the characters Amalie created as well as the relationship between Suraya and Roshan. I thought the arc of Suraya's character throughout the novel was well done. The worldbuilding and magic system were very intriguing.

However, I do wish there had been more tension between Suraya and Roshan before they got together, and I felt that there wasn't enough reason, at least from Suraya's POV (even though the reason is revealed later), for her and Roshan to not be together, which made the relationship fall a bit short.

The novel was mostly focused on the romance rather than fantasy, and I felt myself wishing we got a bit more plot-wise.

The narration was wonderfully done.

3.5 Stars

I did not love this book. It was fine, but I found myself bored or confused a lot of the time through out the book. I had to go back and rewind the audio at multiple points in order to figure out what was happening. I also feel like a lot happened at the beginning and a lot happened at the end- but like nothing happened in the middle of this book. I’m not sure that I will continue this series when the next book comes out, it will greatly depend on how the reviews are looking when I make my decision. If you really liked The Selection by Kierra Cass then you’d probably at least like the first part of this story- just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean it isn’t for you!

The Starlight Heir is a captivating romantasy that weaves together elements of magic, adventure, and forbidden love. The story follows Suraya Saab, a skilled bladesmith endowed with the rare ability to infuse her creations with jadu, the last vestige of magic in her realm. When she receives an unexpected invitation to the royal court, Suraya seizes the opportunity to explore the capital city her late mother cherished. However, she soon discovers that the invitation is part of a covert search for the "Starkeeper," a figure prophesied to possess extraordinary star magic. As political tensions rise and rebellion brews, Suraya finds herself entangled with Roshan, the enigmatic half-brother of the crown prince. Together, they must navigate their growing attraction while confronting hidden truths and ancient powers that could reshape their world.

Amalie Howard masterfully crafts a richly imagined world inspired by Indian, Persian, and Caribbean cultures, blending astrological elements and intricate social structures to create a setting that feels both fresh and immersive. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists, and the chemistry between Suraya and Roshan is palpable, adding depth to their individual character arcs. Readers will find themselves swept up in a tale that balances action, romance, and the exploration of identity and destiny. The book evokes a sense of wonder and excitement, leaving readers eager for the next installment in this promising series.

This novel is recommended for fans of romantic fantasy who appreciate strong, multifaceted protagonists and richly detailed world-building.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is a fascinating romantasy novel that combines adventure with subtle world-building. The story follows Suraya, a bladesmith who becomes entangled with the royals in several different ways and has to fight to save those she loves.

When Suraya receives a royal invitation, she throws it aside as a joke. She is a simple bladesmith, who also happens to be able to infuse her work with magic called jadu but she knows she has no qualifications to become the bride of the prince. Learning the invitation is real, Suraya is filled with adventure to see the capital her late mother often spoke of. So, she sets off on her summons to court, where she also meets a charismatic royal gardener, or so she thinks he is.

The “gardener” turns out to be the prince’s bastard half-brother, Roshan, and the summons is actually a competition for survival as the prince and Queen are looking for the prophetic Starkeeper. Tumultuous events ensue leading to Suraya and Roshan on the run together as they realize that Suraya may be the prophesized Starkeeper. On the run, they try to ignore what Suraya is and their mutual attraction but Suraya knows she needs to get a handle on her powers and Roshan is hiding secrets of his own. They’re captured and Suraya has to decide her truth about love, forgiveness, and revenge.

I really enjoyed this story. I found the plot captivating and I loved the magical elements. I loved that Suraya was a strong, independent lead and enjoyed her dynamic with Roshan. Towards the end I found her a bit whiny but it didn’t take away from the joy of the story. I would recommend this book to adult romantasy lovers, as there is mild spice and the characters are late 20s.

The audiobook of The Starlight Heir was so good. The narrators did such an amazing job and really immersed me into the story. For the book in general I liked it. I enjoyed the beginning more than the end. I thought the main FMC’s best friend was hilarious and brought such great humor to this book. The overall concept was so cool. But I was feeling a little bored throughout.

TSH follows a Bladesmith FMC who is invited to Court for a bride trial. Things quickly go downhill and the hunt for the Starkeeper begins.

Tropes:
⚔️Trial
😏Enemies to Lovers
🪄Hidden Magic
🌶️Forced Proximity

Entertaining and a good read, however for me it didnt quite hit the mark as a unique read. It felt cookie cutter romantasy. If that's you're thing you'll love this book, again it wasnt bad.
The casual phrasing was a bit immersion breaking - "book boyfriends" "thick things save lives" etc. It's such a fantasy setting that the dialogue went too modern at times.
Low spicy rating - perfect for the gals that like to skip that part or only have 1 scene.

🎧Audiobook Narrator: Anais Inara was wonderful - her accent and annunciation was great. thoroughly enjoyed the audio version!

Thank you HarperAudio & Netgalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Fast past read. Loved the magic system. My only wish is we had a little more of the shadow man, I’m very excited to read the next installment and watch this play out. We love a fated romance 🥰 the audiobook narrator was great ⭐️