This definitely was better than the first in the series, which is awesome to see because it means development of Katie Macalister's writing. The world building and characterizations were well done, that being said, I did like many of the secondary characters better than Allegria and Hallow, but that's just personal preference. The plot and the characters were both well developed though, so this really was a pretty good read.

I love the world building, the characters, and the creativity in this story. It is really beautiful and I am excited to read more and to further delve into this world.

This was a fantasy book according to my heart, definitely better than the first one.
The world building is great and interesting, the plot well crafted and gripping, the cast of characters well developed and likeable.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Allegria and Hallow are back and this time they are on a mission together to find the three moonstones that have been hidden. With these moonstones they can open a portal to Eris, to rescue Queen Dasa and her son, Deo.

I enjoyed this installment a bit more than the first one. The mission seemed more focused and it was easier to follow everyone’s movements and motivations.

We were introduced to some new characters, like Quinn and Dexia, who were quite interesting and diverting. I still found Allegria annoying, and Hallow wasn’t much better. I did like Deo a lot, and Idril played a big role as well. She turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. And for all that Deo is capable of extremely strong magic and has proven himself in the previous battles, his parents still treat him as if he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Each chapter was written from a different character’s viewpoint, and it was easy to figure out who the focus is on each time. The only thing that was a bit jarring, was that Allegria’s chapters were written from the first person perspective (hers), and all the other chapters were not. It would have been better to use the same voice throughout.

I’m still interested in reading more about them, so waiting for the next book.

I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m going to say it upfront and that is that I was disappointed with the first book but this sequel is one hundred percent better ! At the end of the last book Deo was taken prisoner by the evil and possibly crazy Racin and this follow up sees Allegria and Hallow doing everything they can to rescue him. First they have to find the magical moonstones and that means traveling to the land where Deo’s former lover lives which wouldn’t be so bad if she hadn’t gone and married his father ! Then there’s the very tricky but frequently hilarious Captain they meet but is he a help or a hindrance ? Yes the young lovers have their work cut out getting into the shrouded world of Eris but once there will it all go according to plan ? Plus there’s the trouble that Allegria is having with her at the moment non existing powers !
This couple are bawdry and just so in love they honestly struggle to keep their hands off each other which allowed the author to inject farcical situations into this story. This was just so entertaining and a joy to read and I’m so pleased that the author really found her stride with this book. I will most definitely be reading the next one.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Will they be able to defeat the enemy again? Allegria & Hallow know that they have to try and find Deo & the Queen before it is too late but things haven't been going the way they planned. They haven't been able to find all the moonstones and now they have to find a madman to take them by ship to Eris to find Deo. But Allegria realizes that things are only going to get worse as Deo is free and he wants to completely destroy everything but before he can destroy the enemy their leader Racin has escaped through a portal and they have just learnt the truth of why he was put on this island they have to find him before he starts over their world. Is it too late? Hallow knows that nothing will ever be the same again, this trip has changed him and he has no idea if the priests will still accept him as their master as the new magic has changed him? He needs to find a new body for Thorn after was destroyed. Allegria hopes that they will be able to face the next battle but she knows that the goddess has left her so how will she be of any help? What will Lord Israel do now that he has been called a traitor? Will the queen accept her new life? What will Deo's destiny be now? A good read in the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

Starborn is part of a series and although I did not read the beginning stories it was easy enough to understand what was happening with this book.

Allegria opens the story with a polite plea to a ghost in a cave to allow her to search for the 3 missing moonstones. It's tongue in cheek but a fabulous story grown from there with she and her beau going into battle mode to save worlds beyond their own.

Macalister is a gen of a writer in multiple genres. Her world-building skills are legendary with good reason.

Thanks for letting e read this lovely good. I highly recommend it.

This book two was so much better than book one. I don't get to say that enough for book two's. This fantasy was one that was full of magic and drama. It was beautiful and addicting as I finished this in one sitting. Characters go through a bunch of trials and a quest that must be finished. This was one hit out of the park!! I will totally be picking up the next title.

Book one had a few issues with me for pacing and the writing but this one has it all cleaned up. I loved it! I also loved how the covers match!

This book was received as an ARC from Kensington Books - Rebel Base Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The magic and drama throughout this book was breathtakingly addictive that I could not stop reading. Fantasy books are always a necessity in our collection and are very popular and we are so thrilled to have found this book. Peace is among the seven lands of Alba but looks can be very deceiving. Then it all becomes survival of the fittest and a rescue mission when Allegria and her lover Hallow must rescue their friend Deo from prison with all at stake for the seven lands due to these precious moonstones that could change the course of time. Secrets unlock, and trials flare during the quest and are things really what they seem and will they ever rescue Deo and finish the quest with all at stake. This was edge of your seat excitement bound to want more. I know our teen book club will certainly love this book and want to read more like it.

We will consider adding this title to our Fantasy collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.