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kmartbooks 's review for:
Blood of the Stars
by Karyne Norton
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Wow, what a debut! This has powerful magic, political intrigue, and a story filled with great characters and unique world-building. It’s a dark, unpredictable world that has aspects that I really adore.
Aeliana, a determined but initially fearful protagonist, must learn to control her magic if she is to have any hope of saving herself and those she loves. Aeliana's character is complex and relatable. She was raised by two people who used her for her magic and allowed her to become addicted to dangerous blood magic. In the beginning, she is struggling and incredibly afraid of her own power. It's delightful to watch her grow, stumble, and get back up again. The magic system is super interesting in this one. Her willingness to see the good in monstrous creatures is a beautiful aspect of her character, one that I share with her. Her acceptance of the winex is a MAJOR highlight for me. I hope that is something that continues. I love how tied these creatures are to the lore.
Gaeren is haunted by the guilt of his past and driven by his sense of duty, as he embarks on his desperate mission to find Aeliana. Their relationship is complex and fascinating. The morally grey aspects of this novel are another highlight. The characters aren’t black-and-white heroes or villains; instead, they exist in that fascinating in-between space where their decisions are driven by survival, love, and sometimes unknown motives. This ambiguity, paired with the intricate bonds between characters, adds such emotional weight to the story. The connections between characters feel authentic and earned, which is not always easy to achieve in a fantasy setting with so many moving parts and so many characters!
This is the perfect read for anyone who loves epic fantasy with a touch of darkness, a lot of wonderful characters, and plenty of action. This story is full of unique bonds (LOVE those), hidden truths, and a thrilling quest for redemption. I am eagerly anticipating what comes next in this series! Highly recommend for your TBR if you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy and beautifully crafted worlds.
Aeliana, a determined but initially fearful protagonist, must learn to control her magic if she is to have any hope of saving herself and those she loves. Aeliana's character is complex and relatable. She was raised by two people who used her for her magic and allowed her to become addicted to dangerous blood magic. In the beginning, she is struggling and incredibly afraid of her own power. It's delightful to watch her grow, stumble, and get back up again. The magic system is super interesting in this one. Her willingness to see the good in monstrous creatures is a beautiful aspect of her character, one that I share with her. Her acceptance of the winex is a MAJOR highlight for me. I hope that is something that continues. I love how tied these creatures are to the lore.
Gaeren is haunted by the guilt of his past and driven by his sense of duty, as he embarks on his desperate mission to find Aeliana. Their relationship is complex and fascinating. The morally grey aspects of this novel are another highlight. The characters aren’t black-and-white heroes or villains; instead, they exist in that fascinating in-between space where their decisions are driven by survival, love, and sometimes unknown motives. This ambiguity, paired with the intricate bonds between characters, adds such emotional weight to the story. The connections between characters feel authentic and earned, which is not always easy to achieve in a fantasy setting with so many moving parts and so many characters!
This is the perfect read for anyone who loves epic fantasy with a touch of darkness, a lot of wonderful characters, and plenty of action. This story is full of unique bonds (LOVE those), hidden truths, and a thrilling quest for redemption. I am eagerly anticipating what comes next in this series! Highly recommend for your TBR if you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy and beautifully crafted worlds.