The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda is an engaging fantasy novel filled with romance and mystery. The story follows Astraea, a young woman with no memory of her past, who uncovers secrets in a world full of vampires and magical beings. As she grows closer to Nyte, a mysterious figure, the romance builds slowly, adding to the intrigue. While some parts of the story feel a bit unclear, the emotional depth and strong character connections make it a fun read for fantasy lovers.

Book received for free through NetGalley

I liked the idea of this book but after starting and stopping only got 75% through. The published date has already past so I wanted to submit a review for what I listened to so far. Written and read well; just not my cup of tea.

This book has been written a hundred times, a hundred different ways: Human girl faces trial to save the realm, but surprise! - she’s not human! She’s actually had magical lineage this whole time. Of course there’s a broody, shadowy male who she shouldn’t be attracted to but her body can’t help it.

I was drawn to the cover and synopsis, but that’s were the story fell flat after I started reading. I did listen to the audio format, and although the performance by Corvin King and
Jacci Prior was great, I never connected to the story.

*many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I really like this book but I felt like things were a little repetitive from other popular books and not unique enough for this book. I liked the characters and world building!

3 Stars

This one ended up falling a little flat for me. I had a hard time getting into it and paying attention. I love audiobooks and the narrator was great it just wasn't one of my favorites.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

This one fell a little flat for me unfortunately. Not a bad listen, just wasn't quite what I was expecting and the pacing felt a little slow but with a lot going on at the same time!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio!
I was excited to try out this story but unfortunately, it ended up not being for me. I struggled to get into the story; I felt it took a while for the book to pick up and I struggled to stay engaged with the narration. Sad I didn't end up loving it as it's such an interesting premise.

The audiobook was just not for me. I could not follow along well with all the jumping around. I will probably pick the book up in paperback and give it another try.

The Stars are Dying is the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and trials. Astraea, our FMC with missing memories, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a world teeming with vampires, deceit, and danger. As her quest to uncover the truth behind her lost memories unfolds, she faces heartbreaking discoveries and is left questioning everyone and everything. The world-building is done so beautifully and the spice level, oh my goodness, YES DEVINE! The Stars are Dying is a must-read for fans of When the Moon Hatched, as it is a similar emotional impact. Be prepared to have your jaw on the floor while eagerly awaiting the release of book two, which I'm hoping is just as Devine as book one!

Audio - the duet narration was okay but I felt like it was obvious in the difference in sound quality of the audio. I did like both narrators separately but the first portion of the male narrator’s audio seemed very rough quality.

I felt like this book lacked a bit of world building. I did enjoy the mystery aspect of it and the trials. I would still want to read book 2 in this series.

The Stars Are Dying was impossible to put down. The world was unique and I desperately needed to konw who/what Nyte really was. And also the mystery behind Astrea. The side characters were fantastic and I love how Penaranda wove everything together beautifully. Cannot wait to dive into the next book!

This is one of the first romantasy books I read when I got back into reading (read in July 2023), and I devoured it in two days! Nyte is a perfect addition to the morally grey book boyfriend club. There are so many twists and turns that I was on my toes until the last page of the book. I can’t wait to read the next book to discover more about Astraea’s lost memories.

I just did a reread (February 2025) via audiobook and the narration was perfection from two of my favorite narrators - Corvin King and Jacci Prior. They sound exactly like I would imagine Nyte & Astraea, and truly bring the story to life.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary, and all opinions expressed are my own.

This story left me a bit confused. I even went back to check if I had started mid-series, but it turns out this is the first book. I gave it two tries, but I still couldn’t get into it. That said, I really enjoyed the narration by Corvin King and Jacci Prior, their voices were great together.

DNF. This was a disappointment for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night or Shadow and Bone. Unlike those books, this one was very confusing. You're left unsure of what you just read and struggle to connect with characters or the plot. Very disappointing.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for this arc

Spicy, dark, and underwhelming. Not my type of book if I am honest. I hope the author keeps at it and keeps trying. Many authors failed their first handful of books and then became successful later.

Astraea has lived under a tyrant's "protection" for several years but the memories from her prior life will not come back. When Nyte suddenly appears, he is the villain but also a different kind of protector and she realizes she has been manipulated. She sells her soul to him to help her escape and get her memories back which is the beginning of on and off again attraction to the Villain. As the danger of the past tyrant and the vampires increases she realizes there is a whole more at stake - the kingdom is in danger. This one was hard for me to follow and while I enjoyed the chemistry between Nyte and Astraea, I was left wanting more from their characters.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced audio!

Unfortunately this book did not work for me. I was not able to finish reading the audiobook. I want to try other books from this author and I hope those are better.

Dark, Addictive, and Full of Tension

The Stars Are Dying is an intense blend of deadly trials, lost memories, and a dangerously seductive vampire. Astraea’s journey is gripping, with high-stakes competition, eerie suspense, and undeniable chemistry with Nyte. While the worldbuilding could be deeper, the tension and intrigue kept me hooked. If you love morally gray love interests and fierce heroines, this is a must-read. Can’t wait for the sequel!

Wow, the narrators are EVERYTHING. Corvin King basically IS Nyte, his voice is so deep and brooding, I was totally swooning. Jacci Prior as Astraea? Perfection. She captures all the character's inner conflict and strength.
Some parts drag a bit, and if you're not into slow-burn romance with tons of tension, this might not be your jam.
The worldbuilding is incredible, and the whole vampiric political intrigue? Chef's kiss 👌 If you love romantasy with morally gray characters and a heroine discovering her own power, you HAVE to listen to this.
4/5 stars. would absolutely recommend