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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
gmdelrio's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
adperfectamconsilium's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'All night he’d fought the battle against his adoration, but the consequences already set, knowing the outcome would be stolen regardless, he surrendered to the thief.'
A truly unique first book in what is planned to be an epic fantasy trilogy.
This is a world of humans, sprygans and hybrids.
The hybrids, part-human and part-sprygan live below the city of Minalav which is famed for it's lavish hospitality at the Starlight Palace.
Nobles and the rich are entertained and seduced and then stolen from but with their memories of the night removed all they know is that they've had a good time.
Our main character, Axly is the Starlight Jewel, highest ranked of the Starlight Company 'birds'. Seductress, thief, assassin. A beautiful murderer with deadly secrets.
We follow her with a third person POV for most of the narrative and with skillful writing the author builds the world around her divulging more on the people, places, politics, intrigue and powers as the plot progresses.
The sprygan are taken from folklore, initially the mythological creatures from Cornish folklore usually referred to as Spriggan, and have seeped into popular culture as fae creatures via Dungeons & Dragons and other stories and cartoons.
Here they are at one with nature, almost tree like and can become literally rooted. The hybrids vary in form from passing as human to varying degrees of bark-like skin. Many have powers giving heightened senses such as keenscent, which gives an organic & ecological feel to this medieval world.
There's action, some quite brutal, and Axly is often at the forefront of it. She can be compassionate and caring and vulnerable but she's also deadly and will do whatever it takes to meet her agenda, and it's finding out exactly what she's trying to accomplish that propels the plot along. It's slightly confusing at times but it's a wild ride with a little bit of romance on the side and the conclusion has me waiting for book two.
And just wait for Cleatus the dog to become one of your favourites too.
A truly unique first book in what is planned to be an epic fantasy trilogy.
This is a world of humans, sprygans and hybrids.
The hybrids, part-human and part-sprygan live below the city of Minalav which is famed for it's lavish hospitality at the Starlight Palace.
Nobles and the rich are entertained and seduced and then stolen from but with their memories of the night removed all they know is that they've had a good time.
Our main character, Axly is the Starlight Jewel, highest ranked of the Starlight Company 'birds'. Seductress, thief, assassin. A beautiful murderer with deadly secrets.
We follow her with a third person POV for most of the narrative and with skillful writing the author builds the world around her divulging more on the people, places, politics, intrigue and powers as the plot progresses.
The sprygan are taken from folklore, initially the mythological creatures from Cornish folklore usually referred to as Spriggan, and have seeped into popular culture as fae creatures via Dungeons & Dragons and other stories and cartoons.
Here they are at one with nature, almost tree like and can become literally rooted. The hybrids vary in form from passing as human to varying degrees of bark-like skin. Many have powers giving heightened senses such as keenscent, which gives an organic & ecological feel to this medieval world.
There's action, some quite brutal, and Axly is often at the forefront of it. She can be compassionate and caring and vulnerable but she's also deadly and will do whatever it takes to meet her agenda, and it's finding out exactly what she's trying to accomplish that propels the plot along. It's slightly confusing at times but it's a wild ride with a little bit of romance on the side and the conclusion has me waiting for book two.
And just wait for Cleatus the dog to become one of your favourites too.
honeybeeville's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Do you enjoy worlds with unique lore, stories featuring strong women, and perhaps a side of a romance? If so, I would recommend picking up Starlight Jewel by E.L Lyons.
This book follows Axly, a hybrid woman, who is loyal, strong, and yet also vulnerable. What is a hybrid, you might ask, a hybrid is a half human and half sprygan person. Hybrids have a divisive history in the world in which they live where they have been both revered and despised. This results in them banding together to form a company of con artists, thieves, and assassins. The story mainly follows Axly as she works to protect what is most important to her.
The lore and world-building are fantastic. I found the sprygan lore and magic to be interesting and unique. Hybrids and sprygans can have many gifts which initially felt a little intimidating to remember, but the way it is woven into the story allows readers to easily gain understanding. There is also a helpful illustration and glossary at the beginning.
My favorite part of this book was the characters. They had depth and flaws. I know a character is interesting and well written when I start changing my mind about a character I thought I really disliked by the end of the story. There is also an excellent romantic subplot that was heartbreakingly good. If you do enjoy fantasy with dark elements set in a beautiful world with a strong overarching plot and a story that includes some romance, this book could definitely be for you.
Thank. you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. all expressed options are my own.
This book follows Axly, a hybrid woman, who is loyal, strong, and yet also vulnerable. What is a hybrid, you might ask, a hybrid is a half human and half sprygan person. Hybrids have a divisive history in the world in which they live where they have been both revered and despised. This results in them banding together to form a company of con artists, thieves, and assassins. The story mainly follows Axly as she works to protect what is most important to her.
The lore and world-building are fantastic. I found the sprygan lore and magic to be interesting and unique. Hybrids and sprygans can have many gifts which initially felt a little intimidating to remember, but the way it is woven into the story allows readers to easily gain understanding. There is also a helpful illustration and glossary at the beginning.
My favorite part of this book was the characters. They had depth and flaws. I know a character is interesting and well written when I start changing my mind about a character I thought I really disliked by the end of the story. There is also an excellent romantic subplot that was heartbreakingly good. If you do enjoy fantasy with dark elements set in a beautiful world with a strong overarching plot and a story that includes some romance, this book could definitely be for you.
Thank. you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. all expressed options are my own.
meganobrien419's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
savannnah_reads's review
This writing just isn’t for me. It’s clunky to the point that I lose focus and can’t help but think that I don’t like it lol. The world building is also too chaotic for me to keep up with when I have no reason to like the characters. I need to feel invested from the get go if it’s going to be tricky world building.
What really sealed the deal for me was the inconsistency in the pacing/timing of the story; she was captured and then a 20 minute carriage ride and she’s in a totally different country? Over it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to review.
What really sealed the deal for me was the inconsistency in the pacing/timing of the story; she was captured and then a 20 minute carriage ride and she’s in a totally different country? Over it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to review.
stacieh's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
fangsxbangs's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
vistenda's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
mel_c_bell's review
5.0
Just give me a moment. I need to collect my thoughts because my world has just been ROCKED.
I think I need to reevaluate my whole rating system because giving this only 5 stars seems to be an injustice. Ok, enough with the dramatics but I am serious that I was NOT expecting what I got from this book.
1. An actual badass heroine who isn't sheltered, pure, naive, and trying to come to terms with her strength/power. Nah, she owns it from page one and it never feels arrogant.
2. World building that happens without exposition. We're talking an entire world that feels so real you can't help but get lost in it, and you aren't bogged down by Tolkien'esque adverbs.
3. A romance that is built, and rebuilt - not on trust - but on the faith in being able to trust. Real emotions are at play among these characters which I personally feel it's impossible to not relate.
4. Dialogue that puts Hannibal Lecter and Sherlock Holmes to shame; exchanges are so expertly crafted between certain characters.
5. A 'magic' system that just makes sense. It doesn't come across as forced, or overly complicated.
I could keep going but I don't know how to without completely spazzing out and taking a nose dive into the proverbial weeds, nor inadvertently dropping spoilers. This is now my new personality for the foreseeable future. #sorrynotsorry
Also, can y'all just read it so I can scream about the ending?!?!?!
I think I need to reevaluate my whole rating system because giving this only 5 stars seems to be an injustice. Ok, enough with the dramatics but I am serious that I was NOT expecting what I got from this book.
1. An actual badass heroine who isn't sheltered, pure, naive, and trying to come to terms with her strength/power. Nah, she owns it from page one and it never feels arrogant.
2. World building that happens without exposition. We're talking an entire world that feels so real you can't help but get lost in it, and you aren't bogged down by Tolkien'esque adverbs.
3. A romance that is built, and rebuilt - not on trust - but on the faith in being able to trust. Real emotions are at play among these characters which I personally feel it's impossible to not relate.
4. Dialogue that puts Hannibal Lecter and Sherlock Holmes to shame; exchanges are so expertly crafted between certain characters.
5. A 'magic' system that just makes sense. It doesn't come across as forced, or overly complicated.
I could keep going but I don't know how to without completely spazzing out and taking a nose dive into the proverbial weeds, nor inadvertently dropping spoilers. This is now my new personality for the foreseeable future. #sorrynotsorry
Also, can y'all just read it so I can scream about the ending?!?!?!