A review by jaynem
The House of Starling by Ciara Hartford

dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

Raemian Starling has fought for her Queen, leader of the Shay, all her life without question. Her stepmother is cruel and sends Rae into conflict and danger hoping she won’t come back. She is sent on a mission without her best friend, and is captured by the enemy, the Bleck Larin. Rae is taken back to their strong hold and finds that the enemy is not what it she has been taught to believe and she begins to question what she has been fighting for. 

Gastel is the youngest Prince of the Bleck Larin and has led a sheltered life, not being allowed to fight in the conflict with the Shay or really know anything about who he is and why this conflict has been going on for 30 years. Together Rae and Gastel must uncover the truth behind the war and unlock the secrets of their families. 

I absolutely adore Ciara’s writing. She has created a magical world where the conflict is between different races of Elves, something you don’t see very often. The characters she has placed in this world are not perfect but that is the strength of the story, discovering who they are and what strengths they truely possess. I love Rae and Gastel together, but I think my favourite moments in this book come from the side characters. Belkin and Dulanii are two of my favourites and I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes these characters. 

Prepare for high fantasy with a romantic subplot. Be warned, that ending will shock you and rip out your heart and have you wanting book 2 immediately. 

If you like:
✨ Adult Romantic High Fantasy
✨ Third person, multi-POV
✨ Unique twist on elves
✨ Female warrior MC
✨ Cinnamon roll MMC
✨ Hidden Powers
✨ Forbidden Attraction
✨ Bloody action scenes
✨ Magic and prophecy
✨ Evil stepmother/queen
✨ Royal sibling rivalry
✨ Found family
✨ Book one in a series