I really enjoyed the change in elements and emotions for this story. It really shifted from the lighter elements of the first to more of a dark and moody transition. Overall, I think that this was a really strong sequel to a book I absolutely adore, and I think that the author truly did character I love justice.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Under A Starlit Sky
by E.M. Castellan

Versailles Resplendent in Mischief and Magic

French Sun King Louis XIV is building his legacy palace of Versailles in the 1660s with not only glass, mirrors, and gardens, but enchantments and magic in E.M. Castellan’s “Under A Starlit Sky.”

With the former court mage imprisoned for treason and Princess Henriette’s magic and health waning, Louis brings in a rival spell-spinner to assist him at Versailles. The new associate is the alluringly debonair Chevalier de Lorraine, with whom Prince Philippe, Henriette’s bisexual husband, quickly becomes enamored.

Court life is always tumultuous and rife with gossip and rumors. Since Lorraine’s arrival, things have taken a turn for the worse. Henriette is accused falsely of having an affair. Philippe is infatuated with the Chevalier. Other stranger activities are also occurring. Spells are disappearing—from grimoires and also magicians’ memories. Undoubtedly, the Chevalier de Lorraine is to blame. Or is he?

Although E.M. Castellan’s “Under A Starlit Sky” is the sequel to “Beneath A Starless Sky,” it is a fun standalone fantasy fiction on its own because I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the prequel. I particularly enjoyed Castellan’s vivid imagery of French court life and her well-developed characters.

========================///=======================


Title: “Under A Starlit Sky”
Author: E.M. Castellan
Genre: Teens & YA | Fantasy | Fiction
Publication Date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends

STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs

Reviews are posted promptly on NetGalley, GoodReads, and Twitter; then, upon publication, also to appropriate sales channel sites.

#Under A Starlit Sky #EMCastellan #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup
#Feiwei&Friends #NetGalley TheBookMaven @maven_book

My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to NetGalley, Author E. M. Castellan, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Publishers Feiwel & Friends for this Advance Reader’s Copy (ARC) for review.

This was a very enjoyable read. The story and the characters were great. I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!

Castellan concludes her In the Shadow of the Sun duology, set in a fantasy-alternative version of the French Court of Louis XIV. Geared toward a young adult audience, Castellan’s 17th-century France relies on clichéd depictions of both court intrigues and magical powers but redeems them somewhat with a complex portrait of the famous marriage between Henrietta of England (sister of King Charles II) and the charismatic Monsieur, the openly bisexual brother of the Sun King. The union of these two attractive nobles—each more sensible and humane than their ambitious royal siblings—is depicted in Castellan’s novel as a modern “open” marriage made possible by the essential decency of the spouses and their allies in the competitive French court.

Writers of fantasy have been making great strides in representation, not just with LGBTQ+ characters like Monsieur. This novel also presents a protagonist who struggles to navigate court politics while managing a chronic illness (the real Henrietta was frequently debilitated by lung and digestive problems). It’s refreshing to experience the exhausting rounds of courtly social obligations from the point of view of someone who is realistic about their toll on even the healthiest of constitutions.

However well intentioned, the novel creaks under the weight of a thin plot of magical intrigue and far too many repetitive details of fabrics and furniture, as well as the delicious French cuisine that Henrietta constantly rejects. Historical fiction fans will be frustrated with the many inaccuracies and anachronisms, and fantasy fans may be impatient with the system of magic’s lack of coherence and logic, which is used (to avoid conflict with actual historical events) mainly for entertainment purposes, making the descriptions of sparkling illusions redundant in the context of the actual splendors of Versailles.

I really enjoyed the first book of the series, but this one fell short for me. Tbh, not much of the plot changed…Henriette is still Henriette and the rest of the characters were still rich and privileged. Two stars out of five.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this duology. It was historical fiction, but with a beautiful magical twist and I would recommend it to anyone. I will be buying a hard copy for sure!

This book was included in a box set I was granted access to and I didn't realize it was a sequel, and haven't read the first book.

great book and had me on my seat. I enjoyed the characters and all that happened in the book. I enjoyed being in this world and seeing the growth of the characters. I enjoyed the drama of the story and I can't wait to read others books by this author.

I requested an e-ARC of this book by mistake, not realising it was the second in a series. Having said that, I am fairly familiar with the Versailles history and the backgrounds of the real-life characters, so I felt comfortable diving in. The book was entertaining and well-paced, with an intriguing and unique take on the Sun King. I could feel Henriette's emotions and frustrations coming through the book, and I was eager to find out how the storey ended. I do think the "villain" and twist were a little anticlimactic for my tastes.

Despite this compelling premise, the novel quickly devolves into melodrama. From the first page to the last, the characters are eerily similar to the popular kids in a poorly written high school drama: shallow, immature, and privileged. There isn't a single character on the page who I enjoyed reading about, least of all the Mary Sue protagonist, who felt like the author's self-insert for a childhood princess fantasy.

A two-dimensional cast is made even more difficult to redeem by the writing. With a bland, unimaginative, and amateurish style, the reader's only emotion as secrets are revealed, spells are cast, and relationships are shattered is growing irritation. Under a Starlit Sky is the type of book that critics point to when they dismiss YA.

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. It had been a while since I read book one so I did have to go back a bit to review what happened in book one but once I did that, I jumped right back in.

I thought Castellan did a great job of pulling me back into the story of these characters. We get to see how things are shifting for Henriette and what that means for her relationships with those who surround her. Because of her illness, her relationship with the King is shifting because of a new Source supporting him. She's also finding that her relationship with Phillippe is taking a hit because of that same Source. She's finding that she has to be more secretive and work with others within the court to figure out what's going on and solve her problems.

In the end, I thought Castellan wrapped up the book / series in a good way. There's plenty of magic and intrigue in this book and I look forward to picking up whatever she writes next.

When I first read the first book in this series, In the Shadow in the Sun, I found myself intrigued by the era that the author chose to write in, and the incorporation of magic. This, combined with the style of prose, made this an overall atmospheric reading experience.

However, I found in the first book that I wanted more in terms of worldbuilding in relation to magic as well as character development. I found that there were too many plot conveniences for my liking, and I also felt like the main character lacked flaws, making her a bit too unrealistically perfect. I was curious to see if there would be more development and improvements on this front in Under A Starlit Sky, but the book turned out to be incredibly similar in these regards to the first book. Plot-wise, I found the first book more interesting as well, as the second book’s plot drags somewhat in some parts.

With that being said, I’d recommend the sequel to those who enjoyed reading In the Shadow in the Sun. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll find the same writing and atmosphere in Under A Starlit Sky. But if you didn’t enjoy the first book as much, you may find too many similarities in the sequel.

There was a different kind of enjoyment to be found here in “Under the Starlit Sky” from its’ predecessor novel, “In the Shadow of the Sun”: the first was full of discovery, wonderment, a young girl’s naivete, the forming and firming of friendships, and treachery not easily rooted out but ultimately contained and imprisoned by the end.

“Under the Starlit Sky” is just as enjoyable as the first book in this series (which I’m expecting will end here as a duology, since in real life Henriette really was very ill and never lived to see Versailles finished, unless someone else knows more than I do and is willing to spill the beans), but in a different manner: the discovery, wonderment, and naivete are gone, replaced with weariness, bitterness, wariness, and no small bit of fear as the Sun King continues with his plan to build Versailles. In juxtaposition with Henriette’s fervent agreements with Louis’ plans regarding the ultimate trap against treason Versailles would ultimately turn out to be, now she is unsure as to whether or not that would be such a good idea given Louis is turning more careless and callous to the people in his life he used to care for as the weeks pass by. Ambition and drive have taken the place of care and consideration. Consolidation of power seems to be Louis’ ultimate goal, and he doesn’t seem to care whom he hurts in the process.

Henriette is no longer naive as she gazes at the face in the court, seeing more than just good and evil, choosing instead to look at the different facets of the many courtiers that serve the crown, seeking out the people she feels she can trust to best serve France and not simply themselves or Louis. Friendships are tested to their limits, and treachery is discovered early but is a cat’s cradle nearly impossible to unravel.

So while “Under the Shadow of the Sun” was a lighter, more magical read, “Under the Starlit Sky” was darker, mysterious, more tense, and full of court intrigue.

BOOK REPORT for Under a Starlit Sky (In the Shadow of the Sun #2) by E.M. Castellan

Cover Story: Spacey
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Historical Fantasy
Bonus Factors: Magic, Versailles
Relationship Status: Friends

Cover Story: Space
Much like the cover of the first book in this series, this cover continues to give me "I've taken mushrooms and the world is sparkling" vibes. (Full disclosure: I've never taken mushrooms and doubt they all make the user feel like this, but go with me on this.)

The Deal:
After foiling the magical plot to undermine Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, Henriette was hoping for a little downtime to spend with her family and friends. But someone has other plans, and when spells start to go missing—and seemingly no one remembers but Henriette—she must work to figure out what's happening and if the new plot is even more dangerous than the last.

BFF Charm: Yay
Although I really loved Henriette in the first book, in this sequel she was somewhat diminished. Her chronic illness overshadowed a lot of the action—a very realistic element—and the people around her pushed her to rest and recuperate far more than she actually needed. I sympathized with her frustration in being coddled; it wasn't really her fault that she didn't have as much personality in this book, but I wanted more of the feisty, unique young woman I met before.

Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Henriette spends much of this book trying to win back the attention of her notoriously flighty husband, Philippe, who revels in his ability, as a prince, to have affairs without repercussion. I feel SO bad for Henriette, who isn't as able to have an open relationship and so has to just deal with the fact that Philippe has lovers. He loves her and she loves him, sure, but he's so damaged that he constantly has to find affection outside of their relationship, even though Henriette is there to give 100%.

(No slight to folks with open relationships, of course, but I so strongly believe that any relationship situation should be equitable, and this one is absolutely not.)

Talky Talk: Historical Fantasy
In Under a Starlit Sky, Castellan once again crafted a great mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements to create a book that could have easily been true (sadly minus the actual magic bits). The action didn't quite engage as well as the first book, however; there didn't seem to be as much at stake, nor was the villain fleshed out enough to give a true sense of foreboding. I'm glad I got the chance to revisit magical 1660's France and Henriette, but I wanted a whole lot more from the actual plot.

Bonus Factor: Magic
The magic in Under a Starlit Sky continues to impress. It's all very showy and fleeting, and Louis uses it for his own gain—his court is continually impressed by extravagance—but there's an inherent, well, magic about it all. I know I'd be as captivated by it as all those vapid nobles are.

Bonus Factor: Versailles
The palace at Versailles is a shining architectural star and one of the most famous historical locations in all of France. I've never been, but I've seen photos—and it does not disappoint. I loved reading about it as it was created (in this case, by magic) and grew from a simple hunting lodge. It was also fun to read about the various events that could have actually taken place there since all we modern folk know it as is a museum.

Relationship Status: Friends
I had hope in our previous meeting, Book, that this would turn into something more than just a friendly encounter. Unfortunately, the chemistry just isn't there. You're great, but I think we're better off looking elsewhere for that spark.

Everything about this book sounded like a dream to me....Paris, Versailles, magic and intrigue. I was so excited to read it, but unfortunately I did not realize it was part of a series and I had not read the first book prior to picking this up. I could tell throughout that were details that I was just missing and it made it so hard for me truly understand what was happening and get invested in the story. I will have to read the first and try again. Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's for the ARC.

Under a Starlit Sky is the sequel in EM Castellan's story of life at the French court under Louis XIV, the Sun King. Henriette d'Angleterre, princess of England, has married Louis' brother, Philippe and taken up her position as part of the royal court. In addition to her aristocratic role, however, she is also valued for her skills as a Source, a holder of magic that magicians can draw on to produce magic. King Louis is a magician, and Henriette is his Source, but her failing health leads him to sideline her in favor of another Source, or at least that is the Sun King's rationale. As Henriette struggles with her health, her husband's romance with the new Source, and her desire to use her magic, she begins to see that everything is not right in the magical world that spins around Versailles. Spells have gone missing, secrets are being made and kept, and she suspects the new Source lies at the root of all of her problems. As she conspires with her friends to trap the new Source and protect France's magic, she must decide how much her marriage matters and whom she can trust. As she learns more about the role of magic at Louis' court, she sees the answers lie deeper and higher than she would have ever guessed.

Castellan weaves a believable story that draws readers in and keeps them riveted by the interpersonal conflicts, the gorgeously described settings, and the deft use of magic in a way that is credible and convincing. As a reader who typically shuns fantasy, I was hooked by the story's plot and characters. Castellan captures the drama, intrigue, and risk of life under Louis XIV when his absolute power made everyone cautious, wary, and obedient. The lavish setting of Versailles, the clothing and foods, decor and rituals all make readers feel immersed in French history. The more realistic the setting, the better readers can sink into the plot, and Castellan has excelled in this endeavor.

While the plot is well=paced and quick, and the conflicts arise well before the story can lag, the characters are what kept me fascinated. Henriette is gentle, intelligent, and skilled, but she knows how to play the royal game and know exactly what lines she cannot cross. Her husband, Philippe, the younger brother of the Sun King, is complex and draws sympathy, having lived his life in the shadow of Louis. Appearances by D'Artagnan of The Three Musketeers, author Charles Perrault, and Louis's finance minister Nicholas Fouquet add real authenticity to the story, creating a fascinating experience for readers who balance the rich and accurate history with the elements of magic and fantasy. While some elements of the story could be sensitive for some readers, such as Philippe's open homosexuality and the abundance of commonplace and public infidelities, Under a Starlit Sky is a successful work of historical fantasy. It provides a solid foundation of historical fact to undergird the fantastical elements that give the story its flavor and mood and support a plot that is quick, complex, and surprising.

This was a beautiful cover. It instantly attached me to want to read it.
Premise
Spring 1662. In the wake of Fouquet’s defeat, Henriette is keeping her promise to the Sun King and helping him build the enchanted Palace of Versailles he’s always dreamed of. But when her poor health worsens, her magic wanes and her husband Philippe fears for her well being to such an extent that he forbids her to remain Louis’ Source.

Forced to step aside, Henriette witnesses the swift rise of a new player at the French court: the handsome and self-assured Chevalier de Lorraine quickly becomes both Louis’s new Source of magic—and Philippe’s latest lover. With her ladies Louise and Athénaïs now both vying for the king’s attention, Henriette is more isolated than ever, and her place at Versailles has never felt more in jeopardy.
This sort of has a Greek god element to me or at least it felt that way to me. This was a bit over my head though and trying to follow it and understand it all became a bit to much for me, but if you love this type of mystical read than I think you will highly enjoy it. It’s a shame because it has such a beautiful cover, but it was a miss for me.

I accidentally requested an e-ARC of this book not realizing it was the 2nd in a series. That being said, I am fairly familiar with the Versailles history and the real life characters backgrounds so I felt I could dive in. I found the book the be entertaining and well-paced with an interesting and unique take on the Sun King. I could feel Henriette’s emotions and frustrations come through the book and I felt committed to finding out the end of the story. I do feel the “villain” and twist we’re a tad anticlimactic for my personal tastes.