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bubblewombat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've been meaning to read this for the last year, but never got around to it, so I'd like to thank the SFF Insiders Discord server for organising a buddy read and finally pushing me to do it.
I loved Starlight Jewel just as much as I was expecting to. The writing and the world immediately drew me into the story, but the characters were my favourite by far.
Axly's shenanigans were so fun to follow, she's the best main character and I feel for her because of everything she went through. She has a strong protective instinct towards her brother and would do anything to keep him safe.
Their relationship was so sweet to me, until they "reunited" when it got a bit strained. I was just waiting for them to fist bump it (since Greg doesn't like to be touched) out and that didn't exactly happen. I know that Axly isn't very fond of his gifts, and has her reasons for wanting to keep a distance, but it kept eating at me every time she wasn't nice to him or vice versa.
I JUST WANT THEM TO GO BACK TO THE WAY THEY WERE. CRY.
That wasn't the only thing that caused me pain though, oh no, the worst pain came in the form of Grim and something relating to him that I can't spoil. So you'd better go and read this book so I can rant, thank you!!
Grim changed a lot from start to finish, and not just because of the thing I mentioned, I like to think that Axly changed him for the better, bit by bit.
We got crumbs of their romance and those were enough to make me giddy, I ship them so hard, even if they have a hard road ahead. If Axly and Grim have one shipper left, it's me, if Axly and Grim have no shippers left, I'm no longer in this world. I'M COMMITTED NOW, YOU CAN'T GET RID OF ME!!
I also fell in love with Ramus, Kyper, Tarley, Jory, Cira'lav, Fria'lav, Roarik...even Henry (kinda) by the end. There's probably someone I forgot to mention, but really, all the characters are so well developed that you can't help but get attached.
The world is so rich with lore that it will make you want to explore every nook and cranny of it, and considering there's some travel going on we do get to see parts of it.
A lot of travel is skipped for the story's benefit and probably the reader's too. I only have a slight complaint in regards to that, it would happen in the same chapter and just a paragraph later. You're suddenly a month or a year later into the story and it can take a few seconds to adjust. It's not a huge bother though, I just would've preferred it to be a bit more separated.
The magic system is super intriguing, you can tell the author worked hard on developing it. Impartation is my fav fav gift though. You already know why (duh, Grim). I just really like the idea of it, and of Axly being able to help Grim (or anyone she touches) see the world a bit clearer, with heightened senses.
The ending though...if I had a physical book to throw at the wall, that's likely where it would've ended up, sorry! I'M STILL SO MAD. SO SO MAD. AFTER EVERYTHING...THAT HAPPENS. GAH.
Book two can't come soon enough, I'll be counting down the days.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I loved Starlight Jewel just as much as I was expecting to. The writing and the world immediately drew me into the story, but the characters were my favourite by far.
Axly's shenanigans were so fun to follow, she's the best main character and I feel for her because of everything she went through. She has a strong protective instinct towards her brother and would do anything to keep him safe.
Their relationship was so sweet to me, until they "reunited" when it got a bit strained. I was just waiting for them to fist bump it (since Greg doesn't like to be touched) out and that didn't exactly happen. I know that Axly isn't very fond of his gifts, and has her reasons for wanting to keep a distance, but it kept eating at me every time she wasn't nice to him or vice versa.
I JUST WANT THEM TO GO BACK TO THE WAY THEY WERE. CRY.
That wasn't the only thing that caused me pain though, oh no, the worst pain came in the form of Grim and something relating to him that I can't spoil. So you'd better go and read this book so I can rant, thank you!!
Grim changed a lot from start to finish, and not just because of the thing I mentioned, I like to think that Axly changed him for the better, bit by bit.
We got crumbs of their romance and those were enough to make me giddy, I ship them so hard, even if they have a hard road ahead. If Axly and Grim have one shipper left, it's me, if Axly and Grim have no shippers left, I'm no longer in this world. I'M COMMITTED NOW, YOU CAN'T GET RID OF ME!!
I also fell in love with Ramus, Kyper, Tarley, Jory, Cira'lav, Fria'lav, Roarik...even Henry (kinda) by the end. There's probably someone I forgot to mention, but really, all the characters are so well developed that you can't help but get attached.
The world is so rich with lore that it will make you want to explore every nook and cranny of it, and considering there's some travel going on we do get to see parts of it.
A lot of travel is skipped for the story's benefit and probably the reader's too. I only have a slight complaint in regards to that, it would happen in the same chapter and just a paragraph later. You're suddenly a month or a year later into the story and it can take a few seconds to adjust. It's not a huge bother though, I just would've preferred it to be a bit more separated.
The magic system is super intriguing, you can tell the author worked hard on developing it. Impartation is my fav fav gift though. You already know why (duh, Grim). I just really like the idea of it, and of Axly being able to help Grim (or anyone she touches) see the world a bit clearer, with heightened senses.
The ending though...if I had a physical book to throw at the wall, that's likely where it would've ended up, sorry! I'M STILL SO MAD. SO SO MAD. AFTER EVERYTHING...THAT HAPPENS. GAH.
Book two can't come soon enough, I'll be counting down the days.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
leopardsummer8's review against another edition
4.0
"It was the sort of kiss that gives you faith in the Stars and makes you realize they despise you."
Starlight Jewel reminded me of the Cruel Prince series but with less royalty and more romance. There were parts of it that I really liked and parts of it that I didn't enjoy as much, but I can attribute some of my struggles getting into the book to this being the first week of a new semester. The world-building was interesting; there are sprygans (which are basically tree fae) and then hybrids (half-human, half-sprygan), and they have certain abilities like good hearing and sight among other things. My favorite ability was heartfire, which enables a character to keep another alive through love.
The pacing was probably my biggest issue with the book. Parts of it were super fast-paced which was good, but I also got bored at times because the pacing slowed drastically. I can't really describe the plot because it almost felt like a bunch of side-quests...every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it changed direction. There was action, yes, but there was also a lot of scheming and just existing in certain places.
Of the characters, Hyde/Greg was my favorite just because he seems to have an intriguing backstory that I really wanted to get details too but never did. Axly wasn't bad as far as protagonists go. I liked her character and her strength. Grim wasn't my favorite but I didn't mind him (although he named his dog Cleatus and I can't get over that). Of the rest of the characters, I liked most of them but there were a lot to remember and I got them mixed up occasionally. I can't say my other favorite without spoiling anything, but he shows up halfway through and I don't really have a reason for liking him.
If the Cruel Prince series gave you a book hangover or you're just in the mood for ruthless fae-like creatures, E. L. Lyons's Starlight Jewel is a great story filled with action, adventure, and romance.
3.75/5
Starlight Jewel reminded me of the Cruel Prince series but with less royalty and more romance. There were parts of it that I really liked and parts of it that I didn't enjoy as much, but I can attribute some of my struggles getting into the book to this being the first week of a new semester. The world-building was interesting; there are sprygans (which are basically tree fae) and then hybrids (half-human, half-sprygan), and they have certain abilities like good hearing and sight among other things. My favorite ability was heartfire, which enables a character to keep another alive through love.
The pacing was probably my biggest issue with the book. Parts of it were super fast-paced which was good, but I also got bored at times because the pacing slowed drastically. I can't really describe the plot because it almost felt like a bunch of side-quests...every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it changed direction. There was action, yes, but there was also a lot of scheming and just existing in certain places.
Of the characters, Hyde/Greg was my favorite just because he seems to have an intriguing backstory that I really wanted to get details too but never did. Axly wasn't bad as far as protagonists go. I liked her character and her strength. Grim wasn't my favorite but I didn't mind him (although he named his dog Cleatus and I can't get over that). Of the rest of the characters, I liked most of them but there were a lot to remember and I got them mixed up occasionally. I can't say my other favorite without spoiling anything, but he shows up halfway through and I don't really have a reason for liking him.
If the Cruel Prince series gave you a book hangover or you're just in the mood for ruthless fae-like creatures, E. L. Lyons's Starlight Jewel is a great story filled with action, adventure, and romance.
3.75/5
maiwalker27's review
4.75
it’s not really a romance in the way I expected but that’s okay. I loved having a bad ass female main character. I would let her k!ll me and thank her with my last breathe. Kept me very engaged
celeste77's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
I overall enjoyed this book. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review. At the beginning, it was a bit slow and a little confusing with the world building. Once I was understanding it, I enjoyed it and started reading it quicker. There were definitely a couple of twists that I did not see coming, and there will likely be even more in the next book. I'm invested in Axly's journey now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Torture
stacey_unchecked's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A really good read! A little darker than it appears and I'm loving it! Highly recommend and I'm definitely waiting for the next books in the trilogy.
plantybooklover's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'd give this book 600 stars if I could.
Excellent world building without a huge info dump at the beginning. Complex characters that you love but also want to kind of scream some sense into at times, a fast paced adventure across many lands and seas, magic, mayhem and a touch of romance.
My only disappointment is that firstly no one else seems to be reading this, and secondly, there is a second book in the works and it isn't out yet.
Excellent world building without a huge info dump at the beginning. Complex characters that you love but also want to kind of scream some sense into at times, a fast paced adventure across many lands and seas, magic, mayhem and a touch of romance.
My only disappointment is that firstly no one else seems to be reading this, and secondly, there is a second book in the works and it isn't out yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Confinement
litwtchreads's review
3.5
This was an incredibly unique book that moved incredibly fast. Sometimes it felt as if the plot skipped forward without any explanation, and there was definitely some conflicting and confusing information. Overall though, I found this book highly engaging and the characters unique and well written. I can definitely see myself wanting to continue this series to see how it ends. 3.5/5
lina_k's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book. Let’s dive into the review!
The characters were a highlight for me. Axly is so complex yet you eventually do understand why she makes the choices that she does. The other characters all felt distinct and the different dynamics that emerge were a pleasure to see unfold. Distrust, found family, friendships, mentors love, loss,… this book has it all.
the world building and magic system may have felt overwhelming at first but you get an good sense of all of it by the end of the book!
The second half of the book was definitely the part that I found strongest. There were several moments of high tension, action and plot twists I did not see coming with enormous consequences.
While I can appreciate that this is the first in a series and thus it makes sense that there is still some plot left unresolved, I would have liked there to be just a little more wrapping up for this particular story.
Overall I really enjoyed my experience of reading this book!
The characters were a highlight for me. Axly is so complex yet you eventually do understand why she makes the choices that she does. The other characters all felt distinct and the different dynamics that emerge were a pleasure to see unfold. Distrust, found family, friendships, mentors love, loss,… this book has it all.
the world building and magic system may have felt overwhelming at first but you get an good sense of all of it by the end of the book!
The second half of the book was definitely the part that I found strongest. There were several moments of high tension, action and plot twists I did not see coming with enormous consequences.
While I can appreciate that this is the first in a series and thus it makes sense that there is still some plot left unresolved, I would have liked there to be just a little more wrapping up for this particular story.
Overall I really enjoyed my experience of reading this book!
adrihean's review
5.0
“Don’t feed a fire that will burn you.”
“Starlight Jewel,” by E. L. Lyons
In the city of Minalay, humans come from all over to be romanced and robbed by the half-human people who live under the city. Axly, is one of the half-human people that was raised to be an escort and thief. But she has secrets and someone she must hide when she finds a human with the aura perfect to help her.
I loved this book so much. The world was so unique and interesting throughout the entire book. The half-human people are like tree people with unique magic of memory manipulation, and they allure humans in. The entire escort thing was written so it wasn’t weird at all which I loved. The MC is so tough and cool, and her perspective was so interesting. This is a book I’m going to end up re-reading again. 5 out of 5 stars, so good.
-Enemies To Lovers
-Escort
-Thieves
-Tree People
-Magic
-Forbidden Romance