Misha was by FAR my favorite part of the second book in the These Hollow Vows duology so when I found out he was getting his own book I *screamed.* Ok I know its overstating things a bit to call this HIS book since it largely centers on Princess Jasalyn and Felicity (who provide our two POVs) I was still thrilled to get more time with him and more time in this world (I didn't mind the minimal world building since I've already read the two books that come before this). It's fast paced, packed with twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes -- can't wait for the sequel!

I adored These Hollow Vows duology, so I was excited to revisit this world with Brie’s little sister, Jas. I knew not to expect complex world-building or an intricate plot, which honestly doesn’t bother me. Sometimes I just want a book that’s a fun, light read. Unfortunately, I think this one missed the mark on the fun.

The book follows two separate storylines. One centers on Princess Jas as she embarks on a journey to hunt down Mordeus, accompanied by Kendrick, a man who had once kept her company while she was imprisoned and tortured in Mordeus’ dungeon. The other storyline focuses on Felicity, a shifter who’s pretending to be the princess in order to get closer to the Wild Fae King, Misha.

Both storylines hinge on insta-love. Neither relationship felt earned because there was no real buildup or tension.

I’m not sure if the world-building and plot were better explained in the THV duology (which I might have forgotten, since it’s been a while since I read it), but I found the world-building here lacking. The book basically told me I know all about The Seven and I said “who? 👁️👄👁️”

Maybe my expectations were too high, given my love for the original duology, but both the main characters, their romance, and the plot progression fell flat for me.

I’m giving it 3 stars because it was still interesting enough and easy to read—I finished it in just over a day. Plus, the ending piqued my curiosity enough that I want to pick up the next book. Half a star more because I love Misha.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the arc. Let’s pretend the year is 2024 and I’m not extremely late, thanks 🫶

I’ve loved this series so far. Suspense, drama, and romance—yes, please. This book’s cliffhanger has me chomping at the bit for the 4th book! I’m anxious to see how this is all going to play out. Lexi Ryan has created a magical world, and I am here for it. Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the early copy! All opinions are my own.

As much as I wanted to enjoy this, I struggled through the entire novel. That being said, I do think I am not the target audience for this book. I really enjoyed the two predecessors, but this one missed the mark for me.
While the world building was solid and you do feel empathy towards your two main characters, I struggled with the emotional immaturity of the FMC.
I did enjoy how well the author bridged the time gaps between the first two novels. The writing was solid and fast paced, I just don’t think I was the target audience for this part of the series! And that is at not fault to the author!
It’s a solid YA novel and I would recommend it to ages 16+.

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan is a thrilling and emotionally charged space opera that combines romance, mystery, and high-stakes adventure. The story follows a young woman caught between a dangerous interstellar conspiracy and her own desires for freedom and revenge. Ryan’s world-building is rich and immersive, creating a vivid universe full of complex political intrigue, powerful relationships, and deep emotional conflicts. The chemistry between the protagonist and her love interest is palpable, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Beneath These Cursed Stars is a must-read for fans of space adventures with strong characters, intense romance, and captivating world-building.

oh my stars! This companion novel is set after the These Hollow Vows duology and a some time after. Lexi Ryan still takes your breath away with a beautiful setting and enchanting characters. I enjoyed the story line, the cover is stunning, the side characters are some from the other duology which makes it full circle ad amazing. No spoilers but this is the core of a YA fantasy. Thank you so much to the publishers, Netgalley, and Lexi Ryan!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

This was a great introduction for this new to me author. I love a good ya fantasy story and she delivered on all fronts - compelling characters, interesting world, and well paced. I would definitely read more from this author.

I told myself that I believed I needed a break from YA fantasy since all of them were beginning to blur into one, but thankfully I read this and it saved me! Princess Jasalyn has a magic ring that allows her to appear as a dark lady with a kiss that kills. Every one of the men who held her captive will fall from her kiss, if it's the last thing she does. Felicity is a shape shifter who wants to avoid fulfilling a prophecy that shows her killing someone close to her, so she allows Jas to escape her palace life by taking on her appearance. Felicity, as Jas, then moves in with King Misha in order to stay safe from anyone wanting to hurt the princess. Jas takes off with Felicity's friends and finds Kendrick, the one fae who she trusts more than anyone. Both begin the journey to finding what they each need, but end up coming up against forces that they cannot escape.

I have not read the first two in the series, and even though I didn't need to, I will definitely read them now. Ryan does a fantastic job of filling in the gaps from the two previous books so I never felt like I was lost. The characters are so well developed and, much like another famous fantasy series beloved by all, I found myself growing to detest some of them and absolutely loving others. There is a ton of action that has already happened so this may seem like a bridge novel in a series, but the dual POVs kept me engaged and I found myself drawn to each storyline. Both girls were strong characters with fierce loyalties to their goals and loved ones. And their attachment to the men in their lives made this even more fun to read. Ryan is very successful building this world and I can't wait to read the next one.

This was new to me author and I absolutely LOVED this book!! I can’t wait for the next one! I enjoyed it so much! The characters and story were just wonderful! I will now be reading more things from this author! Highly recommend this one!

This was a great return to the world of These Hollow Vows! It takes place 3 years into the future from the original series and follows Jas, the main character from THV's little sister and Felicity. I was so excited to learn more about Jas and can't wait to see where this story goes. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I cant' wait to read book 2! I really enjoy Lexi Ryan's writing and world building, and getting to see more of this world was a delight.

Firstly, I love the covers to this series.
Secondly, If I were 15-17 years old, I likely would've devoured and enjoyed Beneath These Cursed Stars (and the previous 2 books) so much more, and rated it higher.
This is a quick and easy read, with medium stakes (to me). Most of the characters didnt feel very fleshed out, but alas, the plot must move on! Felicity was definitely my preferred POV and the most interesting. Jas was boring to me yet, obviously very pivotal to the plot.
From what I remember, most of the world building has been set up in the previous books, so necessary to read if you want a better understanding of this world. Theres also crossover characters & drama.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | Storytide eARC!

It was so nice to be back in this world after reading These Hollow Vows. Set three years in the future we follow Jas (THV FMC little sister) and Felicity. I was so excited to finally get to see and learn more about Jas after just having little tidbits of information in the first series. I really loved hearing her story and seeing her development. I really enjoyed the storytelling and pacing of this book. It never felt rushed and I loved the twists throughout the story. After that cliffhanger I'm ready for the next book!

I requested this before knowing it was a spin off of her other book series... that I have not read yet. After reading reviews I feel like this wouldn't be for me so I won't be reviewing. No fault to the book so still reviewing 5 stars so I won't hurt the rating.

Wow. What a read. I thought These Hollow Vows was going to just be Duology, but Lexi Ryan has now made it a series with TWO duologies! In the first two books, we follow Brie’s journey. During this duology, we follow her sister, Jasalyn, and a new character, Felicity.

We change back and forth between both POVs, and just when you are hooked and invested in what is happening in the chapter, the chapter changes to the next POV. Both these women are interconnected and you become invested in their stories.

You do not need to read books one and two but it would make more sense to do so. I wish I had re-read them before diving in. Just like These Hollow Vows, Beneath These Cursed Stars ends on a cliffhanger. I was lucky enough to get book two on Netgalley, so I am currently reading Between These Broken Hearts.

This story was awesome and I am excited to keep reading. There is a lot to keep up with in this world, so that did get confusing at times. I did not love the whole "ring" situation. I liked the idea of it, but some of the aspects felt confusing. If you are a fantasy lover, make sure to check out this awesome series.

Read if you love:
Slow burn
Angst and tension
Betrayal
Being on the edge of your seat

I love Lexi Ryan's writing. It was great to be back in the hollow vows world. I liked the dual pov and the character development was great. It was a fun read and I can't wait for the next one to come out. Even if you didn't read the first 2 this can be read alone, but adding to the first two made it even better.

A fun new addition to Lexi Ryan’s universe! This took me a little while to get into, but I ended up really enjoying it. Anyone who is a fan of fae should read this ASAP!

This was an amazing continuation of These hollow vows duology. It felt good being back into that world. I love how the author writes, she packs so much action and plot. There's awesome character development as well. Can't wait for what else she has in store for us!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

I LOVED this book. Lexi Ryan does such a great job weaving an intriguing story that readers will fall in love with like I did!! I would highly recommend this read to anyone who loves fantasy books!!

When I started I didn’t realize it was part of an existing universe, but it worked without reading the other books. I enjoyed spending time in this world. The magic was fun and I’d love to read more.

What a magically cozy read! I loved falling into this world, and cannot wait to complete the duology.