Reviews

Starborn by Katie MacAlister

hookedbythatbook's review against another edition

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2.0

Allegria and Hallow are back and this time they are on a mission together to find the three moonstones that have been hidden. With these moonstones they can open a portal to Eris, to rescue Queen Dasa and her son, Deo.

I enjoyed this installment a bit more than the first one. The mission seemed more focused and it was easier to follow everyone’s movements and motivations.

We were introduced to some new characters, like Quinn and Dexia, who were quite interesting and diverting. I still found Allegria annoying, and Hallow wasn’t much better. I did like Deo a lot, and Idril played a big role as well. She turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. And for all that Deo is capable of extremely strong magic and has proven himself in the previous battles, his parents still treat him as if he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Each chapter was written from a different character’s viewpoint, and it was easy to figure out who the focus is on each time. The only thing that was a bit jarring, was that Allegria’s chapters were written from the first person perspective (hers), and all the other chapters were not. It would have been better to use the same voice throughout.

I’m still interested in reading more about them, so waiting for the next book.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

hannas_heas47's review against another edition

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5.0

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.

Prequel to my review... so this is not a standalone book but part of a series, so in warning, if you read book one, you may need a reread, or you will not understand much going into this book. The author does not back track just picks up where book one left off, which is great if your just finishing the first book, but for me it was like three hundred books ago. So I kept going since I five starred the first book, but I love this story.

My review....

In book one Deo took off after his mother, and now Allegria and Hallow are left behind searching for a way to get Deo back. That really is the gist of part two, the hunt to be reunited with Deo.

What did I like? So for me it’s a surprise that Allegria chose Hallow, because in book one I felt Allegria pined for Deo but I guess it was just really pining to be in the fight. Deo was just a means to get there. In book two we see why Hallow and Allegria are the perfect match, and I just loved the subtlety of it. The author goes through a story filled book but still lets you see why she chose Hallow for Allegria, and I find it an amazing match.

Would I buy this book? Yes, my book shelves are filled with this author, and I love this series. She has some beautiful covers for this series and the story is enriched and beautiful.

Thoughts for the author? A novella would not be remiss right now to give people a peek into a private scene between Hallow and Allegria....or Deo and his lady love. I would love to be a fly on that wall during a cabin sex scene of that trunk and Hallow having his way with Allegria. I can’t be the only one. Congrats on your release! Amazing book! Five star’s of entertainment!

annarella's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a fantasy book according to my heart, definitely better than the first one.
The world building is great and interesting, the plot well crafted and gripping, the cast of characters well developed and likeable.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition

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4.0

I received a copy of Starborn through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Starborn is the second novel in Katie MacAlister’s Born Prophecy series. Following the events in Fireborn – our leading characters are now faced with a world that has seemingly accepted peace. And yet Deo is still being held prisoner, and they have yet to complete the set of tasks at hand.
Allegia is Fireborn, a lightweaver and a stubborn yet amusing woman. She’s determined to follow her new path in life and doesn’t regret leaving behind her monastery. She finally has the life she’s always wanted, and is able to use her powers for their intended purpose.
Hallow is the Starborn. He’s also Allegria’s lover, and has somehow become the leader for something much larger than a simple movement. He’s determined to work alongside Allegria to save their friend, Deo. Meanwhile, poor Deo has been captured and taken to the shadowlands of Eris.

“I didn’t dare glance behind me to see how close the spirits were, having had ample proof from my brief skirmish with the thane to know that spirits can move very quickly when they choose to do so.”

I am so glad that I took a risk and ended up reading Starborn. I didn’t end up loving Fireborn, but I had decided that Starborn would be worth giving a chance anyway. And it was absolutely the right decision.
Starborn was everything I wanted from Fireborn. It was intense, full of fantasy and magic, and more than a little bit of amusement and laughter. That’s the balance I’ve come to expect from Katie MacAlister. And that is exactly what was given to me here.
I honestly think that Starborn has to be one of the more entertaining novels I’ve read this year. Deo, Hallow, and Allegria’s quest was epic, of course. But it was also inane and full of moments that cause a break in tension. And okay, they also leave plenty of room for laughter as well. It was exactly what I was looking for. And it’s a perfect break from all of the heavy and foreboding books out in the wild.
If you’ve found yourself hesitating about picking up Starborn (because you didn’t enjoy Fireborn all that much), I strongly urge you to give Starborn a try. Hopefully you’ll find the risk worth it, just like I did.

For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

annarella's review

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5.0

This was a fantasy book according to my heart, definitely better than the first one.
The world building is great and interesting, the plot well crafted and gripping, the cast of characters well developed and likeable.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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