3.75 stars
- The premise of the series was what got me to pickup the first one after reading the description for this book. Three sisters raised since birth to go out and take over neighboring kingdoms. These princesses sound like interesting spies. Which for the most part is how the novels work out. The books are told through each sisters perspective as they are sent in separate ways.
- As a sequel novel several things are a little different. First of which would be the characters themselves. This book takes place only five days after the shocking event at the end of the first novel. We will still follow three perspectives in this novel. With the new perspective things are shown in a different light, fresh knowledge/eyes so to speak. As with the first book the last chapter of the book is going to be from the empresses perspective again to throw a rock at half the things we thought we knew.
- The second difference I feel like was the pacing. Sure the first book was not super fast paced either. However in this one I feel like a lot more time was spent analyzing feelings and going over loyalties. To some point in a repetitive nature making me feel like the character has come to the same realization several times. This leads to wondering why they are still having the debate. Otherwise there is still several areas of action and shocking events.
- There is not exactly an ending resolution to this book as it is left on a cliff hanger. Not sure how long the series is intended to go. This book is cut off a bit more abruptly in the final action than the previous one. Though this is a good move to try to keep people engaged to pickup the next book.
- I loved some of the magic and little history we were given of the world. New divisions and factions are showing in areas that before seemed tied together. I would like to see how she makes this play out in the next novel. Hopefully there will be slightly less teen angst over things that have already happened though.

Blame my devout obsession for Taylor Swift, but if the song Anti-Hero were a book character it would be Daphne. Although I am in the minority, she is my favorite character. Though she has been terrible in the past, I couldn’t help but root for her.

I adored the political intrigue and scheming in Castles in Their Bones. Somehow, the sequel was even better. Laura Sebastian sure as hell knows how to write the perfect cliff hanger. She is a master of plot twists. Beatriz once described her mother as always being 5 steps ahead of her. As a reader, I felt like the author was always 5 steps ahead of me. Anytime I got comfortable and thought I knew what was going on, she was already ahead of me with another scheme.

The characters in this series are written so well. I found myself caring for nearly every one of them, with the exception of the empress. Man what a ruthless bitch. She’s such a good villain though. As someone who has a complicated relationship with their mother, I really appreciate that the series explores characters that have a toxic relationship with their mother. It’s not something I come across too often. Though brutally relatable at times, I also found reading the series to be quite cathartic.

I absolutely enjoyed this book, and this series as a whole. It is full of suspense, drama, secrets and hidden layers. There's grief and romance and a hunger for revenge, and all of that together makes for a very exciting read. Like the first book, this one is told in multiple POVs, and I love the contrast between Daphne and Beatriz. The sister's are in very different places from each other when the story starts, and I loved watching their very different but connected journeys unfold. I loved getting to find out more about both of them. Beatriz begins to learn more about her magic while playing a very dangerous game of revenge, and Daphne finds moments of fun and romance while she tries to figure out what's the truth and who to trust. Violie also plays a significant role in this story, and what happens with her at the end was something I definitely was not expecting!

This book definitely has high stakes, which is a big part of what makes it so enjoyable. There are so many characters with a lot to hide and so much at risk if they are discovered. And as we've learned from the first book, no one is safe from these dire consequences. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if this person would be found out, and if that one would be betrayed. I won't say exactly what happens to anyone, but don't be surprised if someone is stabbed or poisoned or thrown into a dungeon. These characters are playing a dangerous game, after all.

There were so many favorites I could talk about for this book. One thing I loved was the way grief was portrayed and woven throughout the story. It felt very genuine, portrayed in different ways for different characters, but very real and honest. Daphne's journey with grief was especially touching to me, because she is a character with a tougher exterior who has a harder time letting herself feel what she needs to. And I especially loved seeing Prince Bairre be a part of that process for her. I loved seeing their romance continue to grow, slowly, but surely.

Overall, I highly recommend this series for fellow YA fantasy fans, especially if you like secret plots, betrayal, murder and more! The only real flaw I have for this one is that it ended in a cliffhanger, and I will probably have to wait an entire year until I can know what happens next.

Last year, I read Castles in Their Bones and was completely blown away. I had never read a book by Laura Sebastian before, but as soon as I finished., I knew I had to read everything she ever wrote. I read four more books by her within the next two weeks, and in every book I loved the author’s writing style and gripping storytelling abilities. So, of course, I leaped at the chance to read an advanced copy of Stardust in the Veins. The ending of Castles in Their Bones was so shocking, and I was eager to see how the sisters’ stories would play out.

Stardust in Their Veins is a fantastic continuation to the series! Suspenseful, layered, and unpredictable, it is a super immersive read and one that I didn’t want to put down. The story picks up where the first book left off, with the characters reeling over the death of their sister and the aftereffects of the coup.

Beatrix begins to plan her revenge against her mother while learning more and more about her gifts, mourning the loss of her sister, and finding allies in the most unlikely of places. She’s such a layered and interesting character, and her development over the course of the story is fantastic. She is no longer the young woman who follows her mother’s dictates without question. She’s stronger and more determined. Beatrix has such a great relationship with Pasquale, and I think this connection is part of the reason she’s changed so much. He’s completely devoted to her and does everything in his power to protect and help her. She, in turn, uses her power to help him, even though she puts herself at risk.

Daphne’s story is also intriguing, though she isn’t as quick to turn against her mother. This isn’t surprising considering she is probably the most similar to the Empress. However, we do see her attitude change as the story progresses. It’s interesting to see how she deals with new and surprising revelations, the grief of losing her sister, and her conflicted feelings toward Bairre.

I love a good romance, and the relationship between Daphne and Bairre is one I’m totally rooting for. They have so much chemistry, and the angst is high with this tortured couple. I love the push and pull and the banter. They’re both so confused and fighting their feelings, but I don’t think it’s working too well for either of them. The tension is palpable, and I’m hoping they can find a way to be together after all the lies, secrets, and betrayals.

Like the first book, this one is told from multiple perspectives. The sisters are so different, and I like that we continue to get both of their perspectives. You really understand what they feel and why they do certain things. And there’s a new perspective in this book, which I found interesting. This wasn’t a character I liked in the previous book, but I like her redemption arc and her growing relationships with some of my faves. I’m seeing the hint of a love story here too. and I like the direction it’s headed!

The world-building and plot are as layered as the characters, and both are fascinating. It’s complex and rich in description and political intrigue, and there are some plot twists that I totally didn’t see coming! And with that cliffhanger ending, I’m dying to read the next book! So much is at stake for the characters, and their battle to defeat the Empress is going to be epic and shocking and probably a little heartbreaking. I have a feeling the next book will emotionally destroy me, and I’ll thank Laura Sebastian for doing it. lol.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This series has taken me completely by surprise. It’s full of morally grey & interesting characters. The star magic system is so intriguing. And the villain is always ten steps ahead of our character and is the kind of villain that gets under your skin and make you fear for your favorite characters!

One of my favorite authors and auto buys. This brings all the darkness that the first book held along with the political edge of your seat intrigue. This -Ickes up right where the first book left off and we get to see our characters grow and become themselves though through a different POV this book. It was amazing and I cannot wait for the next.

Stardust in Their Veins has all the darkness and political intrigue of the first book, but with an exploration of grief. We see our girls grow into themselves and become the people they want to be.

This book picks up right where Castles in Their Bones left off (spoilers for the first book will be in this review). We journey with our three grieving main characters, Violie, Beatriz, and Daphne, who are forced to go on with their lives after Sophie's death. Violie and Prince Leopold are on the run for their lives, Beatriz is desperate for a way to save her and Pasquale, and Daphne is grappling with the realization that her mother might not have her or her sister's best interests in mind.

I was nervous about the brand new POV, but I enjoyed Violie's character. She has a quiet strength about her, and a determination to keep her promises to Sophie. We see her and Leopold and the tension at the beginning of their relationship, as they both feel great guilt that they could not save Sophie's life. We slowly see the beginnings of a friendship between them, built on their shared grief, and grow on the hope that they will make Sophie proud.

Beatriz became a much more morally gray character in this book. Her carefree nature gives way to anger and passion that I did not expect. Her rebellious nature takes on a darker edge as she plans for revenge against her mother. I loved seeing her conniving and manipulative side again but used for a better purpose.

Daphne had the most intense arc out of the three characters. Unlike Beatriz, she cannot accept that her mom had a hand in her sister's death. We see her try to bottle up her grief and guilt and not let it overwhelm her. As more of her mother's schemes come to light, Daphne is forced to choose between what she wants, and what her mother has trained her to be. Her mental struggle with being good and being a good daughter was very complex and nuanced.

I do think this book fell into a little bit of second-book syndrome with the plot. Nothing really big happens in this book, at least compared to the first one. However, it sets up a lot of key factors to make the third book an epic story. With all of our characters having drawn their battle lines and alliances by the end of Stardust, I have the feeling the third book is going to be nonstop action.

HUGE thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the arc of what is shaping up to be one of my favorite series!

Title: Stardust in Their Veins
Author: Laura Sebastian
Publisher: Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press

Review to be posted to retail sites such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble and Goodreads upon publication date on February 7, 2023.

This eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatrix have been trained from the day they were born to be weapons by their mother, Empress Margaraux. The girls are sent to be the brides of princes and kings in the neighboring kingdoms in order to conquer the countries from within. However, as plots start to unravel, they realize not everything is what it seems and the Empress may not be the ally they once thought. When Sophronia follows her own path and pays for it with her life, her sisters are set on a new trajectory that changes everything, even the stars.

This book picks up almost immediately following the bombshell of the previous book. The girls are still reeling from the loss of their sister. Beatrix immediately starts to plot against her devious mother with only Pasquale and Ambrose to trust. She also starts to learn more about her gifts from the stars even if it brings even more questions. Meanwhile, Daphne takes a much longer time to believe their mother has betrayed them and figure out who she can trust.

Once again, the growth of both sisters in this book is incredible. Beatrix is going toe to toe with her mother while experimenting with the powers the stars granted her. She is still clever and defiant, taking charge and making plans to save the people she loves. Daphne’s icy exterior is starting to melt as she is influenced by Sophronia and learns to trust the people around her and fall in love with her new kingdom and the people in it. She has the most growth in this book as she starts to question her mother and listen to her own heart to determine what it right for her.

This book did not suffer the second book slump that many series have and moves the plot to interesting places. It introduces new characters and presents fresh obstacles for our characters to overcome. It also expands on the storyline of Beatrix’s powers which looks to become an even bigger plot moving forward. I look forward to see where the story goes next.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬, the sequel to 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬, is an excellent continuation and follows many of the same characters as in the first book, with the addition of Violie’s POV and a strong focus on Beatriz.

Intermingling with the political intrigue and plot-hatching is some amazing character growth. It’s wonderful to see Beatriz delve into her strengths while exploring her abilities, and continue to get back up despite every challenge. I did at times want to shake Daphne for trying to justify her mother’s actions, but it was fortifying to see her begin to come into her own, and I think the third book will bring huge changes in her personality.

There were some pacing issues and the middle of the story was a bit slow, but I loved the continued world-building and insight into the magical aspects of the story, and can’t wait to see where the final book will take us, particularly after 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭’𝐬 cliffhanger ending!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Stardust in Their Veins is a solid sequel, and really shows how Laura Sebastian has stretched her wings and grown as an author. I was already on board with the concept from book one, but she built on it and made some really solid developments here.
For one, I appreciate that she was willing to let Sophromia, a major character. die at the end of book one and not feel pressured to resurrect her…at least that’s how it’s looking at the moment (there’s still another book to go). It radically changes the dynamic for the narrative and the surviving characters, especially as a new player comes onto the scene. Instead her maid, Violie, becomes a POV character, and she’s very intriguing, especially as she’s interacting a lot with Daphne.
I also liked seeing how Daphne and Beatriz continue to develop. Daphne is perhaps the most interesting, especially given all she’s been through, and her issues with not being sure of who to trust. Beatriz’s side presented more exploration of the magic and the stars, which helped flesh out that aspect of the narrative.
The Empress remains as evil as ever in her climactic appearance, and I do wonder if there will ever be anything for consequence done with her, but I did like the developments and bombshells that came out where she was concerned.
Pacing/plot wise, it was fairly even, especially as there’s intrigue woven throughout that impacts all the characters. It does lag a tad in the middle, but it picks up in the second half.
This is a solid middle book, and I am eager for the next one! If you enjoy YA fantasy, I recommend checking this series out!

Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this second book was even better! I cannot wait to read about what happens next when the third book is finished. I enjoyed seeing the how the characters have grown in this book. The plot continues to grow and I am excited to see how it will all play out!

This just wasn't for me. I thought there might be improvement from the first novel, but unfortunately the same things fell flat for me. There's a huge disconnect between the protagonists and the reader. I couldn't form a connection with any of them and felt very dispassionate about reading this. The cover and title are beautiful though.

This was such a great sequel! I loved Castles in Their Bones and I've been dying to get the second book in my hands after that cliffhanger. This book brings a lot more development to the sisters' characters as well as their friends/love interests. I think the first book involved a lot of getting to know each sister and the countries they were being sent to. SPOILER FOR BOOK 1: this is possibly because there is one less sister to keep track of in this book, RIP Sophronia.
I really liked how things are being set up for book 3, without giving anything away. I think I still like Daphne best, although that's possibly because Friv seems to be based on Scotland to some extent.

<i>“I love you all the way to the stars”</i>

Stardust in Their Veins is a fun, YA fantasy with light romance and plenty of intrigue to entertain readers.

Like its predecessor, this was a very enjoyable, fast-paced read for me. It’s also a light read. You don’t have to think too much, but there are some fun twists and turns.

We are down to two sisters. I enjoyed seeing Beatrice grow as a character, and I actually liked her a lot more in this book. She’s given up her vice, but maybe traded it for a new one. It did seem a little abrupt for me, but I guess her time in the Sororia and the death of her sister sobered her up. She knows she has everything to lose, including her remaining sister and her friends if she can’t stay ahead of the Empress. She makes a pretty morally questionable decision at the end of the book. I haven’t quite decided how I feel about that. She does love her sister and her friends and is unwavering in her loyalty to them, which I love to see.

Daphne, meanwhile, is struggling with where her loyalty should lay. She’s still desperately clinging to her belief in the Empress’s plan. That surprised me because I thought she had opened her eyes to the truth at the end of the last novel. However, her mother is pushing her to do the unthinkable and this time it might be further than she’s willing to go.

I really started liking Violie a lot in this book. She did a lot of bad things in the previous book, but this one redeems her. She risks everything to right her wrongs and puts herself in increasing danger.

LOVED the last line. I won’t spoil it by sharing it though. It was a satisfying read, but (of course) there is a bit of a cliffhanger.

Thank-you so much to Laura Sebastian, Netgalley, and Delacorte Press for providing this free arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book. Got an ARC of the first book too, which I had loved.

This follow up essentially picks up where book one ended. And it was good. But not as good as book one. The story is still split between POVs except Sophie’s is taken over by Viole the maid/spy who looks so much like Sophie. It was obvious why this was done from the beginning but honestly I didn’t really like most of Viole’s chapters they felt unnecessary most of the time like the story could have been told through the two remaining sisters and their interactions with Viole and Leopold.

The first half of this book is slow. It falls to middle book syndrome where there’s a lot of traveling to get our characters from point A to point B and we have to read about all their traveling even though not a lot of interesting things happen while they travel. The pace picks up in the second half of this book, which was necessary.

Beatriz is the star of this book for me. She becomes more mature, interesting and brave in this book. Daphne was my favorite from book one and she is frustrating in this book because she’s so stubborn but also like kind of dumb/blind to what’s going on around her in a way that she wasn’t in book one.

Spoilers follow.

Beatriz and Paz are traveling together thanks to Nigellous who claims that he took down stars to make each triplet and the constellations he pulled from basically describe who they are. He pulled Beatriz’ star from the emprea constellation meaning she has magic. Turns out she can pull stars and for whatever reason they return to the sky. No one else has supposedly been able to do this and there’s some dark prophecy that says she will turn off all the stars, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Each time she pulls a star though she’s slowly killing herself, which also doesn’t make a lot of sense. I suspect it’s because of the constellation she came from and the fact that her mother asked the unforgivable in taking stars to make her children so this is some sort of “balance” for the universe. Beatriz also learns her mother means to kill all her daughters in order to start wars with the other countries. She tries to warn Daphne who doesn’t want to hear it. Beatriz ends up basically getting kidnapped by her mother thanks to Gisela who can rot and shipped back to the other country to marry the upstart kIng Nico who has feelings for her. She likes him too despite his betrayal but he doesn’t have support for the throne so she could easily die (which is the point).

Daphne is falling for Baire but she’s keeping a lot of secrets. When she meets Viole who confirms Sophie is dead and that her mom means to kill all of them she doesn’t believe yet another person telling her the same thing. She’s determined to make her mom proud. She keeps telling her mom secrets from the kingdom and gets orders to kill Leopold’s two youngest brothers but she can’t bring herself to do it’s so the group convoys a plan to get the young kids to safety. Leopold tells Daphne what’s up and she only finally believes when Sophie visits her from the stars (doesn’t make sense except Sophie’s star returned to the constellation it was stolen from which who knows what that means). Daphne finally decides to split from her mom and puts it in writing (dumb, which the Queen finds). She also helps kill Leopold’s mom who helped get Sophie killed. Anyway Daphne decides to tell everyone Viole is in fact Sophie (saw that from a mile away why else would we get Viole chapters and reminders that they look alike and the budding romance between Leopold and Viole)? Too easy to guess.

Anyway the girls mother knows they’re working against her and it’s going to take magic and Allie’s in order to stand against her.

As I said a decent read. Just some pacing issues and general plot points that at this time don’t make a lot of sense.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in book three another sibling dies maybe that’s what causes Beatriz to make the sky go dark. Or maybe Beatriz dies and that makes the sky go dark. Idk. Seems fairly likely.

Thank you to Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for the eARC of Stardust in Their Veins!

Stardust in Their Veins is an absolutely stunning second installment in the Castles in Their Bones series. Laura Sebastian keeps you on your toes with every secret uncovered and every scheme put into action. Highly recommend if you love Courtly/Political Intrigue, Morally Grey MC's, Fantasy, Star/Wish Magic, Romance, and Multi-POV's.

My feelings on the book: I absolutely adored Castles in Their Bones and my jaw physically dropped at the end. Safe to say, Stardust in Their Veins had a similar effect and there may have been some choice language as well. Dearest Laura, I need the next book ASAP. This series is definitely one for everyone to put on their TBR!

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of Stardust in their Veins in exchange for an honest review.

Stardust in their Veins is the second book in the Castles In Their Bones trilogy and picks up right where Castles in their Bones left off. Daphne and Beatriz are reeling from the death of their sister and are trying to figure out what to do next after discovering that their mother's mission for 17 years has been to kill her daughters in order to take over Vesteria. Daphne is still in Friv with Bairre, plotting how to take the throne, while Beatriz and Pasquale are on the run from Cellaria after their arrest for treason.

I always get nervous when I start reading a sequel to a book I really loved because a lot of the time, a sequel never measures up to the first book. This was not the case with Stardust in their Veins. This book was just as captivating with worldbuilding, character relationships, and character development. I was so happy that Violie got more page time in this book because I was super intrigued by her in the first book.

My favorite couple in this series is definitely Beatriz and Pasquale although Bairre and Daphne are getting up there too. Beatriz and Pasquale are so sweet and he is willing to do absolutely anything to keep her safe and she is willing to continue using her power even though she shouldn't to help Pasquale retake his throne. Bairre and Daphne are a very realistic couple in a fantasy world that are slowly coming together.

I definitely didn't see the plot twist at the end coming! This book left me on a major cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see how everything comes to an end. This series is giving me YA Game of Thrones vibes and I have a general idea of who I would like to see on the throne at the end. Overall, I would definitely give this book 5/5 stars!

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

Wow. This book took my breath away and stomped on my heart many times. This book is just as good as the first one in the series if not better. The three POVs, amount of betrayal and political intrigue made the reading experience unforgettable. I only wish that I liked all of the povs the same. I preferred Beatriz to Daphne and Violie to Daphne, so I wasn't as excited to keep reading with a pov I didn't like as much. Also, I was waiting for NICOLO! I needed more of him in this book! I don't care fore barrie much or even Leopold, but Nico wasn't even in person! so sad but I' excited for book 3.

Stardust in Their Veins picks up right where Castles in Their Bones left off. With how quick it was to dive into the action, I wish I had taken the time to sit down and reread the first book, especially with how intricately Laura Sebastian weaves the plot threads of the three sisters' stories together. If it's been a while since you've read the first book, I would definitely recommend a reread or at least reading a summary of the plot before you dive in.

I was on a plane when I started my read and didn't have access to the first book, so I barreled through doing my best to reorient myself as the details came back to me. Even with all that, I was still instantly hooked and enjoyed every minute I spent with Beatriz and Daphne, and really enjoyed how they worked in Sophronia's storyline after the events of the first book.

So often middle books in a trilogy suffer from middle book syndrome and I did not find that to be the case here. That said, the focus of Stardust in Their Veins was on dealing with the fallout of the first book and moving the sisters into position for the third book, but it managed to do it in a way that felt like the story was unfurling and growing rather than it only serving as a stopgap for the final book.

I would 100% die for Pasquale who continues to be The Best(TM).

Fair warning to anyone about to pick it up, it ends on a cliffhanger, not as big of a one as Castles, but enough of one that the wait for the sequel is going to destroy me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read an ARC of Stardust in Their Veins. I loved every minute of it and am so excited for my preorder to arrive!

I was looking forward to this one, especially after the cliffhanger of the first book! It was so wild and I needed to know what would happen next.

This was a pretty solid sequel. I liked the multiple point-of-views once again. There has been a new one added too. I think I liked that one the most because we learned more about what happened in Temarin. It also gave Leopold a voice too. Do I think there will be romance between the two? Maybe. I kind of hope so, but there are a lot of feelings to get through first before I could see that happening.

The other point-of-views were good too. Daphne is learning to have her eyes open when it comes to the sisters’ mother. Beatriz is trying to fight for her life as well as her sister’s. It isn’t easy when you are in the lion’s den and someone is always one step ahead. There were so many plot twists because of it. The relationships they have found themselves in are very complicated, more so for Daphne. Nothing has ever been finalized yet and I am curious to see if Daphne will let anyone in. She definitely is trying and maybe that’s why I like her the most. She is very complicated.

I will say that the book felt a bit slow at times and for some reason or another I wasn’t as enthralled by the sequel as I was with the first book. It was still good though!

Overall, this was a good edition to the series. There is still a lot to be unraveled it seems and I am sure the next book will be action packed! I hope so at least.

Rating: 3.5 stars