This absolutely blew my brains. So much detail, world building, fantastic characters and that cover is the most gorgeous

A compelling writing style combined with two really interesting main characters. Chloe C. Penaranda weaves an interesting story that holds a lot of interesting foreshadowing of two individuals.

The Stars are Dying by Chloe C Penaranda
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024

Astraea is trapped in the prison of her own mind, with memories slipping away like water through her fingers. Despite this, she knows she must escape the clutches of the tyrannical king who holds her captive and reclaim her lost past. Her journey leads her to the Libertatem, a series of trials hosted by the king where five human lands compete for a period of safety from vampires who hunt, claim souls, and ravage after dark.

Yet, even victory in the Libertatem won't ensure Astraea's safety from the vampires. She has struck a deal with Nyte, a mesmerising and lethal vampire who invades her dreams and shadows her waking hours. He vows to protect her, but she cannot trust his words, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to his dangerous allure.

I found Astraea's journey throughout the book to be deeply engaging, particularly witnessing her gradual growth and development. As the story unfolds, Astraea evolves into a more confident version of herself, displaying a remarkable blend of determination and compassion. It's inspiring to see how she navigates challenges while staying true to her morals and kind-hearted nature.

The relationships Astraea forms along her journey, especially those with Zath and Rose, are a highlight of the narrative. Having felt isolated for so long, it's heartening to witness Astraea opening up to new connections and discovering acceptance and camaraderie along the way.

I really liked the premise, but I found the first half difficult to get into. The world-building took time, and it felt slow and hard to follow at times. However, once Astraea reached the Central, everything started to pick up, and I was hooked. I loved how the myths of vampires, fae, and magic were woven into the story. It offered a fresh take, and I can't wait to learn more about this intriguing world.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and the author, Chloe C Penaranda, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.