[REVIEW] Breath of Starlight Epic Fantasy Romance

Breath of Starlight was... BREATHTAKING.

5 stars (really, it's like 5,000 stars)

I knew I was going to love this book on the first page. It starts with gorgeous prose that conjures the same emotions and sense of place as The Wheel of Time series' beginning chapters.*

We start with the flow of the Nine Rivers - more metaphysical, like Yggdrasil, then physical, like the Two Rivers from the inspiration source. The intro is lovely and strange, offering up descriptions of seasons (the Cycles) that are harsh and foreign to ours. From the beginning, you are lost in this world and often don't get the clues you need until much later... but that is the fun of fantasy, right? (I LOVED this... every lightbulb moment was unbelievably satisfying!)

I wont spoil the book, because it is an absolute joy to live in, but I will say a few things about the characters to help those still torn about whether to read this book or not (spoiler alert: read the d@mn book)!

• Auryn is an absolutely fabulous FMC! She is peculiar - to the reader AND the others in the book (especially the ones too closeminded to see her value). It's fabulous. Think: River Tam (strangeness) plus Arwen (demeanor) plus Galadriel (look)! She has the perfect balance of self awareness and naivete that makes her believable and lovable.

• Our MMC Resh is fascinating: a warrior / god (ish) who believes his only purpose in life is battle. He is both a servant to and prisoner of his people, and his self doubt - a perfect foil to Auryn's confidence - is a large portion of tension inthe novel. Watching his journey was a genuine pleasure.

• Side characters are sublime, especially Thessia. You will fall in love with her.

This book is the perfect blend of plot, character, unique magic, and setting - truly a masterclass in fantasy writing. The romance is complimentary to the overarching plot and critical to the characters' development. So well done!

If you like any of the below, READ THIS BOOK:

• Epic fantasy romance

• Incredible world building

• Slow burn

• Disability rep (FMC + author)

• Fated mates

• Touch him/her and die

• Unique magic system (both hard and soft magic, IYKYK)

Ok go read it. And I'll wait here, patiently, so we can talk about it together!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of the book. My opinions are 100% my own.

Get the book here.

(Note: I am a part of Amazon's Affiliate Program)

*The author did mention that this homage to WOT was intentional

ABOUT:

Auryn is a disabled fallen star—reborn too early and bound in breath and soul to an immortal god of war, Kailorien. She is worshipped as a miracle, feared as a heretic, and hunted for the silver in her veins. Kailorien would protect her at any cost…but his love may take everything from her: her future, her voice, even her freedom.

As the Cycle of Dark swallows the sun and summons ancient monsters to devour the living, Auryn must choose between becoming the myth the faithful demand…or the reckoning they deserve.