Reviews

I think the summary/marketing of this book is a little misleading. There are pirates and mermaids, but the mermaid we encounter most is much nicer than the summary leads one to believe. I also don't know that I understand what the "stars" in the title are a reference to even after reading the book.

That said, I was captivated enough that I will likely read the sequel.

gardenfairyreads's review against another edition

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3.0

Although this book is packed with action from the very beginning, I had a hard time connecting with the characters and feeling really invested in the plot until a good way through the book. However, once I connected with the characters, I really enjoyed this book and found myself flying through it. Overall, nothing about this book was super groundbreaking or revolutionary, but I ended up having a great time reading it, and felt more inspired to keep reading once I was finished.

kathys95's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No

3.25

the amount of times i rolled my eyes at the princess' behaviour and decisions... really, i liked the mermaid's arc or the brothers' story much more intriguing than hers. she seemed way too selfish and self centered for me to like her or root for her. the magic system and the difference between kingdoms were pretty cool but there were quite a few illogical things like the entire ending, so the next book unfortunately doesn't really interest me.

paigeturner04's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF 43%

harleyrae's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this! That magic system is super interesting, though I would like a bit more explanation in how they acquire the magic. Otherwise I had a fun time reading this!

dejalu's review against another edition

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3.0

I’m always happy with a unique (even just to me) premise and this one had that. I also enjoyed that I didn’t forsee some of the twists. I did, however, find some if it repetitive and in some parts rushed. Some of the magic was a bit gruesome but not enough that I had to skip over it.

I’m not sure if a sequel is in the works but this book was left in such a way that I’d be interested in checking one out if it comes to fruition.

quinzelle's review against another edition

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2.0

I started this book at the beginning of February 2024. I wanted to like this book. I wanted to like this book a LOT because it hit all of my fantasy buttons. Pirates, mermaids, queer rep. But the writing was hard to get through and I DNF'd the book at Chapter 20. The worldbuilding and magic system is unparalleled. It has one of the best magic systems I've seen in fantasy and I've read a lot of fantasy. The worldbuilding was intricate to the point where I wanted to eat the ginnada Amora talks about in early chapters.

That being said, the writing of the book and the pacing of the book is so hard to get through. I'm chalking it up to it being Grace's first official release since I've heard that her other series, Belladonna, is really good. She's most likely finding her footing and her voice as an author. If you can get through that, I'm absolutely sure that the book will be rewarding for you, but I just couldn't get through it and I wanted to simply move on.

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