I'm going to be so honest, the audiobook female narrator did ALL the heavy-lifting for this (the guy almost canceled out her good work). There is nothing unique about this book, but I enjoyed the narrator's voice enough to be able to get through this entire book without hating it. The guy... It almost felt like he was yelling at me and I had to turn the volume down on the rare chapter that he narrated.

This is your typical story of a common girl who is actually a special, magically powerful girl and somehow both untrained at all and just amazing at everything! With a love interest that is definitely not a leader of a rebellion at all!

There really wasn't anything shocking, surprising, or even just different from all the other romantasies that following this plot. The characters just kind of do things, without it really making much sense. I got disoriented multiple times throughout this story because it felt like they should be on their way somewhere / doing something, but instead they are just hanging out and acting like there aren't people in danger that they need to go help.

I also just generally don't understand having "bad guys" that have the goal of bringing back a god of death/destruction?? Like ohhh you want to kill people sooo bad? You are literally the ruler, just kill people?? Or when characters are like "No!!! We can't let the prophecy happen!!!" Honey, it's a prophecy, it is going to happen whether you want it to or not. Might as well have a little control over how it happens?

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio for providing an aubiobook eARC of The Starlight Heir.

I was so excited to be selected as an ALC listener for Amalie Howard’s foray into the romantasy world and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The action, the drama, the romance, it was all top notch.

I am going to be counting down the days until book 2 is released for sure.

Thank you to HarperAudio Adult for selecting me for this ALC.

The Starlight Heir is my first read by Amalie Howard, and I really enjoyed it. Although it's marketed as an adult fantasy, a lot of it gave YA but I didn't mind.
This is the story of a young blades smith named Suraya whose powers awaken when she is invited to compete for the king's hand. There are deadly trials in this fantasy novel (although brief), which I loved, along with magic, power, and betrayal. Suraya has star magic and is called to be the leader of a war to end all wars. She just needs to learn how to use and wield this unique, ancient power.
Overall, the book is good - very fast-paced and exciting, however, there were a few things I didn't quite gel with. There are a lot of modern expressions in this book, which I'm not really a fan of when it comes to fantasy/ romantasy. Also, towards the end, there were so many clichés thrown into the mix. It became sort of a "Love conquers all", "Love is patient", "Love is kind" kind of read. Luckily, that was toward the last quarter of the book, so it didn't ruin it for me. A solid 3 star read.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperAudio, and Amalie Howard for this ARC!

The use of modern gen z language in this historical/fantasy world just really ruined the entire illusion that was wonderfully built of this new world. The narration was fine, nothing special. The romance felt like a fizz not a sizzle or flame, and the spice scene were lacking for me.

I really enjoyed this audio book! Thank you for selecting me to read and review this book. This was a really enjoyable Romantasy that was elevated by the unique magic system and Persian / Indian Lore. I enjoy reading fantasy romance books that do have an element to them that set them apart and I feel like this novel did have plenty of unique elements to it, that also contained some of my favorite tropes. I felt like the fast paced nature of this story kept me engaged and the narrating was great!

This took me a little to get into but I became pretty invested in the characters once the rebellion happened. I'm sad that there was so much smut in this though at what felt like unnecessary given the situation they were in. I liked the overall message of the book and especially about forgiving but not forgetting. It's not my favorite work by Howard, but it's definitely a fun standalone fantasy which is rare these days. Most of my qualms are pretty minute overall and just a matter of my own taste but for romantasy fans out there I can see them enjoying a lot more and I still gave it 4 stars.

3.5 STARS
The Starlight Heir was an enjoyable book. It wasn't a favorite, but I still was intrigued by the heroine's journey. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narration which was mostly told from the FMC's point of view. Suraya's story was captivating and set in an interesting fictional world, but I'll admit that at times I was a little bored with the slow progression of the intrigue. The romance, mystery, magic and treachery was what ultimately kept me invested in this novel.

I was lost the second half of this book bc I kept waiting for the plot to drop and the other POV to tell me who he was... I thought this was a standalone. It was a good story though & I will continue the series when the others come out!

Description
When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.
But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who captures her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the Starkeeper—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.
When the rebels attack, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the Starkeeper. But Roshan is guarding secrets of his own. And with no control over the power stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of a dark god, an immortal whose interest might be the biggest threat of all.

Thanks to NetGalley & Harper Audio for the ALC of this book!

The Starlight Heir
by Amalie Howard
Narrated by Anais Inara Chase; Ramiz Monsef
HarperAudio Adult | HarperAudio

Unfortunately I had to DNF halfway through. The premise of a Cinderella romantasy story with the main heroine was intriguing enough but unfortunately I couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to get into it all the way. No way the crown prince of an empire is just okay to marry (anyone) not someone from the nobility.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was very good. My favorite thing about this book was probably the mythology and world. I haven’t read much Persian/Indian inspired fantasy, and I really enjoyed it here! So many fun concepts to read about. I’m intrigued by the magic and house systems and hope to see it explored even more in the next one. The main characters were both likable as characters. The romance I thought was okay. I can’t say it will be one that sticks with me. There were also a couple places where I found the dialogue a bit cringey, but that kind of stuff doesn’t usually bother me too much. I think this is a solid fantasy and would definitely check out the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audioARC to preview.

Romantasy meets Indian mythology but a light modern twist. The story follows Suraya, a bladesmith, as she travels to the palace where she steps into a burgeoning rebellion. A interesting first book in the series but if you struggle with modern phrasing in fantasy books, you might want to skip this one.

This was super fun, I don't care what anyone says, trial/competition books are great and they aren't overdone, we just want more of them!! I loved the concept of this book and the mix of Persian and Indian mythology woven in was very well done, I really liked the gods POV! Suraya was a blacksmith which I love, a total badass and I saw some complain about her being too horny but I loved it! I really liked that she questioned the resistance and wasn't just ready to jump in immediately, made it feel very realistic compared to some other "chosen one" books. Roshan was a good hero, we love a bastard prince pushed to the edge, his brother the crown prince was a little bit too evil, it was almost comical. Overall, a great first book in the series and I will definitely want to read the next one! It does use a lot of modern language and terms though which kinda take me out of the historical fantasy world vibe but wasn't enough for me to get super annoyed by it.
 
Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef were an awesome duo, they did such a good narrating, especially Ramiz, he had such a deep sexy voice, I hope he does sooooo many more romantasies!

Amalie Howard's The Starlight Heir is a dazzling debut, a whirlwind of magic, rebellion, and romance that will leave you breathless. From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by Suraya's journey, a bladesmith with the rare ability to imbue her creations with jadu, the last vestiges of magic in the realm.

Suraya is a force to be reckoned with, a fiercely loyal and independent protagonist who refuses to be manipulated. Her invitation to the palace, a thinly veiled attempt to uncover the legendary Starkeeper, sets her on a collision course with destiny. The fast-paced plot immediately draws you in, and the stakes are raised with every chapter.

The dynamic between Suraya and Roshan, the charming and enigmatic illegitimate brother of the crown prince, is electric. Roshan, with his witty banter and protective nature, is impossible not to love. Their slow-burn romance is filled with delicious tension, and their chemistry sizzles off the page. Howard skillfully crafts a relationship that feels both genuine and thrilling.

The conflict between the corrupt royals and the burgeoning rebellion kept me on the edge of my seat. Prince Javed and his "dusty" mother are deliciously villainous, and I found myself eagerly anticipating their downfall. The supporting cast, including Aran, Clem, Laleh, and Amma, are equally well-developed and add depth to the world.

Howard's magic system is imaginative and unique, and the addition of a mysterious second POV adds another layer of intrigue, leaving me desperate to unravel the secrets of the Starkeeper. The world-building is rich and immersive, transporting you to the vibrant and dangerous realm of Kaldari.

The audiobook experience is exceptional. Anais Inara Chase and Ramiz Monsef deliver outstanding performances, bringing Suraya and Roshan to life with remarkable skill. Anais perfectly captures Suraya's strength and determination, while Ramiz imbues Roshan with charm and complexity. Their performances elevate the story, making the emotional moments even more impactful. The narrators truly enhance the tension, drama, and romance, making this an audiobook experience I won't soon forget.

The Starlight Heir is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance. It's a thrilling, captivating, and utterly addictive story that will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel. Amalie Howard has crafted a stellar debut, and I can't wait to see what she does next.

3.5

Overall enjoyed the story, but — and I never say this — this is one that would’ve been better as multiple books, a duology, for sure. All of the main elements were there but they weren’t flushed out as well as I hoped and it felt like so many things happened, moving from one to the next so quickly that some of the emotional punches/moments fell flat. Also the backstories could’ve been explained in more detail, specially all around the gods and fated/bonded.

I did enjoy the writing, overall, and the I liked all of the characters, and their interactions, and the narrator did a fantastic job in the audiobook. I just wish the story went deeper.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I thought the narrators did a great job bringing this story to life. They definitely made listening to this book even more enjoyable. I liked this book. I wasn't sure at first. It started out a little slow for me but it picked up.. It did slow down a little bit through the middle, but I held on until the end. The heroine was tough while the hero was likable. I do wish there was a little bit more spice in this one, but I think this one was a slow burn. The writing and conflict were good and the world building was developed. All in all, 3.5/5 stars. Huge thanks to Harper audio and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this book.

I loved this book! For this to be this authors first romantasy novel I would have NEVER guessed. The richness of the story and all of the hints to so much more in this world. I loved that the mc wasn't really all powerful. The option is there but its not grabbed. The mc is striving to learn who she is as a person and to decide what she thinks is right or wrong. I think there is so much more to see in this world and I cannot wait. The narrators did a fantastic job and this book was a joy to listen to.

I enjoyed the casting of the voice actors and felt they kept the book engaging and entertaining to listen to.

As I was able to ARC read this as well the comments below remain the same for the audiobook. Romance grabs that enjoy court competition and intrigue will enjoy this romantasy.

So for Amalie’s debut fantasy romance/ romantasy— I enjoyed this! Amalie’s humor and wit strike again in her latest book. I will say if you’re a romance reader dipping your toes into fantasy this would be a good introduction versus a fantasy reading looking for a little romance. Personally I would rate this book a 3.8/5 and let’s get into why:

Spoilers ahead so if you want to avoid that do not read any further.

What I liked:
-The mythology- it was intriguing to have a different and diverse mythology focus than I am used to (don’t want to tell you too much about this as that will take the fun out of it no?)
- The FMC - I love a sassy FMC — She does use a lot of modern language so I know for some that can feel jarring / throw you out of the world when it’s not an urban fantasy but this didn’t bother me too much
-The MMC - Charming and his way with words had me happy for the FMC— I feel like we got good development for the FMC & MMC
-I am a trials and stakes girlie so I loved “the invitation” concept

What I think could be improved but I’m giving grace on with it being the debut romantasy:
-I want more world building. I like the way Amalie described people, food, and action scenes— but I wanted more from this. I wanted to learn more about the mythology and more about the world they were in. At times I felt like we were “jumping” from scene to scene and this threw me off more than the modern language.
-The spice— I wanted a bit more from this— the first introduction scene was fleshed out well but the later scenes felt too rushed. Also, I think because the characters used more modern language but then the spice/smut scenes used more “historical” language to describe bits threw me off in these scenes. However, in fantasy books open or closed door romance really doesn’t make or break the book for me.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and glad I had the opportunity to listen to it thanks to Netgalley.

This is a story that features political intrigue, deceit, love, and self-discovery. The female main character, Suraya, is extremely loyal to the people she loves. The male main character, Roshan, is the illegitimate Prince of the kingdom, and wants to protect Suraya from her brother - since she holds a power that his brother desires. Of everything in this book, I think what stood out to me the most was the worldbuilding. The way the author described the different places made it easier to picture in my head.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is a fantasy novel that blends magic, political intrigue, and romance. While the premise is intriguing, with its rich world-building and diverse cast of characters, the execution falls a bit flat. The story follows a young heir navigating a world of power struggles and hidden truths, but the pacing can feel uneven, and some plot points lack depth. The romance is sweet but predictable, and the characters, though likable, don’t always feel fully developed. Overall, it’s an okay read for fans of light fantasy, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. If you’re looking for a quick, escapist read, this might suffice, but it doesn’t stand out in the crowded fantasy genre.