**I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

The narrators are really brilliant in this audio. They put forth the best acting when trying to voice the characters and bring the emotions from the book.

Astrea has been working for some not so savory people. She is best friends with a noble's daughter. One night she sneaks to see her friend who asks her to go to the trials with her to watch her compete. There are trials that keep the soulless (vampires) out of their city and have peace for so many years. On their journey, things take a wild turn and Astrea has to compete in the trials for her friend.

She hears a voice in her head named Nyte and sometimes he can take shape in front of her where she can see him. He is always helping her, watching out for her and protecting her. When she gets to the trials she finds out exactly who and what Nyte is and where he is at.

This book was excellent with the world building, the emotions I really felt the characters and I really felt the relationship forming as well. I really love me a slow burn!

The Stars Are Dying
Nytefall Book 1
By Chloe C. Peñaranda
A Duet Narration by Corvin King and Jacci Prior
4.5 ⭐️

I LOVED this audiobook. Loved it. The story is complex but easily palatable, especially via the duet narration audiobook. I am a fan of Peñaranda’s An Heir Comes to Rise series. I specifically like how she provides information as the story goes. You don’t know what kind of journey you’re on until you’re knee deep.

In this story we start out with the FMC has some Stockholm syndrome things happening to her – over the story her circumstances change. I really liked how hindsight was 20/20 for her. When things started to feel familiar to her, she’s like hell no, I’m not doing this again, and says so. I liked her the most when she stood up for herself, throw sass around to whomever required it, and had opinions. I’m also not oblivious, homegirl was dense for parts of the story. I’m fairly okay with this for 2 reasons: 1. The magic version of amnesia allows for such things, so it fit the storyline. 2. I think at least some of her obliviousness to her own story is realistic to human denial and self-preservation to one’s mental health.

I think this book is absolutely worth checking out; I specifically think the audiobook should be the primary format to consider reading this one with. I do not think I would have liked the story as much without the audiobook narration. Duet narrations are my very favorite narration style to begin with; King and Prior do phenomenal jobs throughout the book. They give these characters so much depth. The emotional weight given to specific scenes was invaluable to me as a reader trying to connect with this story. Man, I really loved this one – definitely the right book at the right time for me. I cannot wait for book 2 – the audiobook of course with a trophy for the bookshelf.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chloe C. Peñaranda, and Macmillan audio for this audiobook ARC – all opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, I knew from the start that this book wouldn't be for me. The writing is very flowery and pretty; many will enjoy this more than I did. I think the biggest flaw in this is the pacing. While keeping secrets does help keep a reader hooked, I found I was sometimes unsure of what the main character was after or wondering if she was actually going to solve any of the mysteries with any urgency. I also didn't buy the romance, finding that they didn't have any chemistry. The world was interesting, but that wasn't enough to redeem this for me.

Sadly, I didn't enjoy this, but I know it will find its audience and will be loved by many.

I had the audio arc for The Stars Are Dying by C.C. Penaranda. This is a story that really has potential but I felt lost and that my questions weren't being answered. Our FMC, does not remember anything from more than 5 years ago. Who is she? Where is she from? Who are her people? How did she come to be here? What are those strange markings on her? These were burning questions for me, but not for the FMC? I could not understand that at all. If you wanted to send her on a quest, was not the quest for her identity enough? Her transition from weak victim in an abusive relationship to fierce is so immediate that I had whiplash. The character development should have built over time, and while I was glad to see her as a stronger woman, it was not handled as well as it could have been. And, yet, I still want to read book 2. I'm hoping it will answer some of my questions and that it will be better. I would love for it to be shorter - this was unnecessarily long, and answer some questions.

The narrators were very good and I would give them 4.5 stars. Thank you to #netgalley and MacMillan Audio for my advance listener copy.

The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. Penaranda is an enthralling blend of epic fantasy and emotion, but the audiobook version truly elevates the experience. Corvin King is a phenomenal choice for the male voice, bringing depth and intensity to the characters, while Jacci Prior’s performance as the female narrator adds nuance and strength. Having previously read the ARC, I was excited to try the audio version, and I’m so glad they chose these narrators. Their chemistry and delivery make this a fantaaaaastic story.

This has potential. But there are detractors. However, the story is interesting enough, and with a few unique enough elements that I’ll give the next one a go. I will say that this one covers a ton of the standard romantasy tropes, which will definitely appeal to some. Fans of the most popular series will definitely see some parallels.

Tropes
- Shadow daddy MMC
- Light vs dark (maybe)
- Deadly trials
- Touch her and die

Of interest
- unsure if intentional, but as the book is told in first person point of view by an amnesiac FMC, we as the reader are just as confused throughout as she is - if intentional, cool, but I’m on the fence actually as to whether it makes me think the author might not be 100% sure about how and where she wants it to go
- While physical strengths did come into play, the trials were more mental than anything and I appreciated that
- a Star/celestial motif that ties into a different kind of being (a change from all the faeries and vampires popular right now)

Which leads into:

My detractors:
- world building (there are multiple kinds of beings, but it all feels kind of hodgepodge and doesn’t seem functionally relevant to the story)
- Very slow to start and for what it contributed to the overall plot, the first third of the plot could have been much shorter and I think certain sections could have been removed completely
- Given that I think certain pieces didn’t advance the plot, I also feel like we didn’t get enough contextual information as to why this world is the way it is and more time could have been dedicated to that

My largest issue and this could be a trigger for some, is huge themes of manipulation and deception (which comes from multiple characters on all sides of the conflict). Multiple toxic interactions between multiple parties.

I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything where I am this unsure of ANY characters’ allegiances and true motivations, and that novelty is enough to have me cautiously curious about the next one.

I will say that the audiobook narrators had good versatility in differentiating between their characters and I had more investment in the interactions between the MCs by listening to it in duet. The forces both pushing them together and driving them apart were palpable, and I think my overall experience of the story was greatly improved by the audiobook format, and directly responsible for my interest in continuing the series.

This book has been on my TBR for far to long so I was excited for the chance to read and review it. The concept was there but the pacing drove me nuts. I felt like the questions just kept piling up but the answers were not there. The first 300 pages I was borderline confused like I was missing something… spoiler alert I was not. I did like the characters and the plot just the delivery was not there. I will definitely continue the series because of the potential.

Always an absolute fave author of mine writing just another phenomenal story that I just couldn't put down! I just ate this one up and instantly wanted to re-read the second I was finished. Everything I need and want from start to finish. This book has been on my TBR forever and to finally prioritize it made me question what took me so long. I can not wait for more.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! I absolutely loved the narrators and that the male voiced spoke in the females point of view chapters. I don’t think I’ve listened to audiobooks that have done that that wasn’t a dramatized version. I am curious how this will play out with them being star crossed. I also really liked a lot of the characters written and I look forward to hearing how their stories are told.

Since I did not finish this book, I will not be reading it on any platforms, but since I have to give a rating here on NetGalley, I give it a three star. I am DNFing this book at about 50%. The beginning of this book was a lot more enjoyable, but I will say I did not go into this book knowing that it was vampires and trials. I honestly am just getting sick of those two tropes and am needing a break of them there was also some like odd pacing moments within the book. I did get this as an advanced reader copy and I got an advanced listener copy but most of the time at that point that stuff should be solved. I also just didn’t love some character choices that were made some felt super random and again, some just felt so trophy and I’m just sick of that. I think that if you have not read a lot of fantasy romance books you like this book, but someone who has read a lot. I just can’t deal with the same tropes over and over again.

Narration ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The narrators in this audiobook were incredible. I LOVE when we get dual narrators that work together through the chapters instead of a female trying to do a males voice. It was so much more enjoyable and immersive to have the dual narrators.

The story was tough because there were a lot of scenes straight out of other novels and events that echoed other stories. In that sense it was frustrating because I wanted more originality.
I will say that nonetheless I really did enjoy this story. I think that listening to it really helped to capture my attention regardless of its similarities to many other books I’ve read.
I loved the aspect of celestial and star magic but I felt like there was so much build up and we were left with more questions than answers.
The ending felt like it ended in the middle of a chapter. It ended so abruptly that I was left incredibly confused and so frustrated because give me at least SOME answers!
Although Nyte’s character was like many other morally gray MMC’s I couldn’t help but love him. I really enjoyed his character and all his complexities. I was just annoyed that we were left with so many questions.

You’ll enjoy this story if you like themes/tropes of
Who did this to you
Vampires
Amnesia
Games and trials
Shadow daddy
Celestial magic
Morally gray MMC
Slow burn romance
Secrets
Hidden identity
Betrayal

Similar titles
From Blood and Ash
The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review

I just finished listening to "The Stars Are Dying," and wow, what a ride! Chloe C. Peñaranda has created such a beautiful and haunting story that really pulls you in. The characters are super relatable, and the themes of loss and hope hit hard in the best way. The narrator does an amazing job, bringing so much emotion to every scene. I found myself totally wrapped up in it and didn’t want it to end! If you’re in the mood for something thought-provoking yet easy to get lost in, this audiobook is a fantastic pick!

If you liked The Serpent and the Wings of Night, you'll like The Stars Are Dying. Both books feature a set of high-stakes trials and deadly vampires on the hunt for the FMC. Other books that gave me the same vibes as this one include Throne of Glass and Powerless.
However, I felt that the FMC and MMC offered nothing special or unique. The MMC was a night-themed, winged fae, and the FMC was bland and didn't have much of a distinguishable personality. There is some potential for character development in the sequel though, so I hope that isn't squandered.
The writing style was easy to read, and the narration style was enjoyable. Overall, the plot was interesting and it's enough for me to want to pick up the sequel

thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

unfortunately, dnf’d @65% — i really wanted to like this one, but as others said in their reviews, this book could have gone through a few more rounds of editing. what really frustrated me was the lack of consistency, the lack of character development or background (especially how astrae ended up with hektor, and who she is) and just overall confusion regarding plot.

as for the audio: i really enjoy the fact a lot of fantasy/romance/romantasy audios beginning to have a male and female narrator! it just adds a little something extra, and both narrators were fantastic.

i’m sure this book will find its audience, given its a romantasy with fae, vampires, and celestial beings, but it’s not for me

4/5 Stars

“The Stars are Dying” is a tale of star-crossed lovers destined to be apart but will fight to stay together against all odds.

If you love:
*A FMC who is strong willed and definite, but also who isn’t automatically amazing at everything, and has inner turmoil throughout the book and struggles to find herself
*Who did this to you? – Burn the world down for her vibes
*Amnesia
*Plot driven, with tense romantic moments intertwined throughout to give me both seamlessly
*Character/Plot driven

This book follows Astrea, a lonely, vulnerable girl who one day meets Nyte, a mysterious beautiful man who is best described as her “imaginary friend”, since no one else can see him and can come and go as her pleases. One night of betrayal and deceit finally broke Astrea to flee and never return with Nyte by her side to aid her in her journey, trials, self-healing, and even to her destiny.

This book’s writing style would be best described as reading it as the character realizes it, there are a few hints thrown in, but you don’t see the significance of it until way later in the book. You see that every action is a piece of a bigger puzzle, even from the first page. You ache when Astrea aches and get angry when she does. Though some of her actions drive me crazy, I would consider it being realistic instead of someone who just shrugs it off and act like it doesn’t affect them like other FMC’s.

The writing style might be why some might complain that this story is slow moving, but I feel like it fits the vibes and flow of the story. Though it is not an action packed and have you on the edge of your seat type of book, it is still beautifully written with story movement in every chapter and does not drag. There is still plenty of action bursts and whoever says there isn’t didn’t read the same book. It is just written as if it was low stakes, but the cost is still very high, Astrea just doesn’t know it is at the time.

The beginning might be a tad slow (or I just wanted it to be over cause it upset me greatly), but it’s necessary to set the scene and provide character growth and motivation. This part is tragic and made my blood boil. The “trails” in this book I admit are boring and uneventful, but you get to hear Astrea and Nyte hash it out in her mind through them and I would consider that entertaining.

Is this for me? Quick Answers:

Could this have been more fast-paced? Yes, but I didn’t miss it

Was the trails necessary? I guess, but I feel like it could have been integrated in a different way

Did I love Nyte? Yes, him infuriating Astrea through her mind was the best parts of the book

Did I love Astrea? Yes, but I just wanted to yell at her through the book sometimes

Did this book keep me guessing? Absolutely. At the end I feel as if I still don’t know enough

Did I feel like all the characters were necessary? Yes, even if I hated them. They were believable, and each were given enough attention to make them memorable.

Is there a lot of world building? Almost none and doesn’t require a lot of thought. There are a few cities were described in detail, along with the inside of some buildings. It’s stated early that vampires, fae, and humans all live in this world. Each in a different pecking order. There are castles, cities, kings, ruling lords, and lots of forest. So, I imagine something around the renaissance era, with fully constructed cities, but scarce enough to require a long trip to visit.

How often was I confused? Often, especially towards the end. I don’t feel like things were explained good enough, or maybe that was on purpose? I would feel by the end that she would know every detail even if she was still remembering things. During the 3rd act of the book the chapters skip around a little bit and takes a minute to realize that we time jumped.

Audiobook or Physical Copy? Audiobook! It’s single POV, but Astrea and Nyte have their own voice actors, and both do such an amazing job!

Astraea for the last five years has lived in captivity with her rescuer who found her without a memory in the forest. As she starts exploring the possibility of escape, a mysterious man called Nyte enters her life. He speaks to her in her mind as he leads her through escape and the bigger world that she has been kept from. Astraea must decide if Nyte is real and how he plays into her journey to the Libertatem and her destiny.

First, this was a well acted audiobook. The two narrators did a great job of capturing the many voices throughout the novel so that it was very easy to follow along with dialog and the story. I had no problem listening at 1.5x speed.

Second, this was also a decent novel. At times the romantic tension seemed forced, or just put in for the sake of having more steamy scenes, and therefore distracted from the overall vibe of the novel. Other moments were spot on and kept the pages turning. The author also did a good job of unraveling the story as the reader discovered details right along with Astraea as her memories returned/solidified. The novel definitely ended with a set up for the next in the series. 3 stars.

Review based on an Advanced Audiobook provided by Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. Thank you!

This was a fun book! I enjoyed the new aspects this book brought to the genera. Mainly that it wasn't enemy to lovers (though I will always love that troupe) and the puzzles. Some of the twists are a little obvious but I also read way too much fantasy. Took off a star because the audio book had Jacci Prior doing most of the book and all the female presenting characters and Corvin King doing the male presenting. Corvin has a great voice but he didn't really change his voice between characters. I got lost a few times but did always figure out who was talking after a second. Overall a fun time and I'm excited to find out the meaning of that dang cliff hanger!

So as an initial matter, I think this audiobook is well done. I liked the female narrator; she has good enunciation but also manages to put emotion into her voice when appropriate. I also enjoyed the duet style with the male narrator reading dialogue in the female narrator chapters. It added some interest, and the very deep voice of the male narrator really stood out. There were points where the narration suggested that a voice didn’t sound right and the male narrator did read those lines differently, which was a nice touch. The sound was good quality.

Unfortunately, the underlying book was a frustrating read for me. I was disturbed at how little agency the female main character was given throughout, the similarities between Nyte and Hektor in how they manipulated and controlled her, and found the worldbuilding jumbled and overly complicated. The prose was very wordy and convoluted. I could see fans of When the Moon Hatched or the Zodiac Academy enjoying this style of book.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of this book.

In a world ravaged by vampires, Astraea finds safety being kept a prisoner by the man who claims to love her. With no memories from a time before him, she eventually flees, hoping to find out more about her past. Her last leas her to the Libertatum, a series of deadly trials, which aren't what they seem.

I have a feeling this is one of those books that people are either going to love or hate. It definitely pulls inspiration from some popular romantasy books, but the storyline and characters are unique enough that it didn't bother me.

Were there parts of this book I didn't love? Sure. Mostly I wished I didn't get whiplash from Astraea and Nyte's back and forth love-hate relationship. But I loved the vibe of this book and the overall characters and story. I also wish there had been a little more time spent on the trials.

Now onto the most important part (since I listened to the audiobook version of this). The narration of this book is absolute FIRE. The book is narrated as a duet by Nicci Prior and Corvin King, and I honestly think their narration was a huge part of what made this book so enjoyable for me. Both narrators make it easy to identify when they're speaking as different characters and Corvin's voice as Nyte is absolutely swoon-worthy.

Read if you like:
Romantasy
Who did this to you
Shadow daddies
Forbidden romance
Vampires
Deadly trials
Hidden identity

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy. You can pick up The Stars Are Dying on October 8, 2024.

This is a first for me, I'll admit. But I'm afraid I had to DNF this book primarily because of the narrator. The prologue was performed by a male narrator with strange inhalations or breaths every second. Every sentence sounded like a breathless VIctorian debutante, and it just completely took me out of the story. I also think the writing in this book just isn't for me, but the narrator's choices really drove it home.