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A review by honeybeeville
Starlight Jewel by E.L. Lyons
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.