I loved Hollow Vows and Twisted Bonds and it was great to be back with these characters in this book. It was beautifully written and exciting to read. It ends on a cliffhanger so hopefully we will get the sequel soon. This book was such a pleasure to read. Lexi has a wonderful way with words and it comes through with this book.

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan.

Princess Jasalyn seeks revenge. Armed with a secret enchanted ring bestowing death's kiss, she has been sneaking away at night to assassinate her enemies.

Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her father, she's been using her ability to shape-shift to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumours begin circling that the evil king Mordeus is still alive, Jasalyn teams up with Kendrick - a handsome rebel once imprisoned alongside her - while Felicity must take Princess Jasalyn's form and her place at court, where she draws irresistibly closer to the Wild Fae King Mischa. But soon their mission is at risk right alongside their hearts and the future of both human and fae realms hang in the balance... Will Jas and Felicity find that their stars are the most cursed of all?

"Life is magic. Magic is life."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fairly fast paced and engaging fae tale - definitely one for fans of the original duology and also Holly Black's Folk of the Air series. Whilst it could be read separately, I would strongly advise reading the These Hollow Vows duology first (which I also loved) as the worldbuilding of Faerie heavily relies on the original story, although we do learn more about Elara in this book too.

Told in dual POV, it is driven by the two main female characters and their internal struggles. Set 3 years after the original tale, Jas is struggling with anxiety, ptsd and a desire for revenge after her trauma at the hands of the Mordeus whilst Felicity, a new character, is a shapeshifter hiding from her prophesied fate. I found both POV engaging, although I did enjoy Felicity and her time with Mischa in the Wild Fae Lands a little more and indeed they were my favourite characters. I rooted for both rather ill fated romances and after that cliffhanger ending I really need the sequel as soon as humanly possible...

Overall I loved being back in this world and will definitely be needing a hardcover version: 4.75 - 5 stars.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Hodderscape for a digital review copy.

R E V I E W

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

☆☆☆.5

As someone who read and enjoyed These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds, I was unsurprised to find that this spin-off was an equally easy read.

Having read the original duology, I was already familiar with the two main settings for this story; the Unseelie territory and the Wild Fae Lands. Despite this narrative shifting to new characters, namely Jas, Felicity, Misha and Kendrick, it was rewarding to get glimpses into the lives of Brie, Finn and Sebastian three years on from the events in These Twisted Bonds.

Beneath These Cursed Stars focuses on Brie's sister Jasalyn and her trauma and PTSD following her imprisonment at the hands of King Mordeous in the original series. Despite having read the first two books, I do feel a brief recap of Jas' experience would have been beneficial at the start of this spin-off since I couldn't remember much about her time with Mordeous (specifically the length of time she was held captive and the reasons why at the time).

Additionally, with the introduction of Kendrick and his 'chosen one' mission, the plot shifts quickly to focus on Elora, the human realm where we spent a few measly chapters during These Hollow Vows. Once again, I felt there were times here where the author assumed we could remember certain things from the first book, like the realms power structures and magic systems when in reality, many of us needed to be reminded.

Whilst I enjoyed the dynamics between the two respective pairings in this story, I felt this book needed more world-building and back story in places for the reader to truly grasp what was going on and immerse themselves fully. For example, I still don't really know why there was magic in Elora if it was 'the human realm'? Despite this, I will read the next instalment in the series, because Beneath These Cursed Stars ended on a cliffhanger, and I am keen to see if our characters get their happily ever afters after their respective betrayals.

I loved These Hollow Vows and the sequel, These Twisted Bonds, so I was obviously going to need more books in the world. It was wonderful to be back in that world, and seeing familiar characters. My one regret is reading it without the next book in my hands, because now I have to wait!

First of all, I knew going in to this book I’d have a fun challenge on my hands: how much would I remember from the first duology?! Turns out, I remembered a mixture of things which made this an interesting reading experience…details would come back to me at random times and I’d be like OH YEAH, THAG HAPPENED! However, I think you probably could read this without the first two books and be fine…I think. Again, maybe I can’t remember what I should remember and maybe that’s a problem! But this did do a good job at recapping old plot points when necessary.

I quite liked this, I liked the characters (I loved Misha in the original duology, can’t remember why, I think he was funny) and I still liked him a lot in this one. I loved Finn a lot in the originals though and whenever we saw him in here he seemed to be devoid of a lot of his personality but then we were seeing him from the point of view of someone who isn’t in love with him.

The mystery was good and had me making lots of theories and I feel like the book really started to get going with it all at the ending. This whole book was basically one just giant, kinda slow at times, lead up.

Now what I did find confusing, and maybe it’s just me not being smart, was all this elves who are fae and fae who are elves and elves who are not fae and fae who are not elves and and what. I was so confused. What is the difference. All of a sudden there are all these different types of elven fae from this place and fae from this place and surprise this person is disguised as one no they’re disguised as this no they’re actually this and they’re on this persons side (I saw the final bit but I still don’t know what they are). I just felt this was so poorly explained and that’s really bad since it’s a massive part of the world building and the history and the plot.

I will be tuned in to the next, there was some good cliffhangers, some romances on the line (one I do not like at all, they should not be together), there are some things I need clearing up, and some foes that need slaying (again, and do it for good again, we can’t have another duology with the same villain).

I haven’t finished reading this Beneath These Cursed Stars yet but, having absolutely loved These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds I had to read it! I’m already loving all the drama and excitement of the fae realms alongside the storylines and plot that totally pull you in.

Most of all I am so happy to hear the story from Jasalyn’s perspective and I’m leaving this review short as I dive back in. If that doesn’t tell you I’m loving it, I don’t know what will!

Oh wow! I literally just finished! That plot and storyline. It totally blew me away but now I have to wait - ugh!

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the arc of Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lexi Ryan knows how to write good YA books and this is no exception. Its everything you could want from a YA romantasy. Its nothing new by any means but its exactly what you know you're getting yourself into.
I loved the fun elements, and the chaos and drama of it all, with hidden identities, romantic tension, beautiful heart warming elements and some good twists to keep the plot moving forward.
I really like the dual POV but one characters story for me was much better than the others, however both characters endings!? I need the next book for sure.
There isn't huge amounts of worldbuilding here as it set in the same world as these hollow vows, so the plot and story are very character driven, but 't much explanation here about the magic systems and how the world works, but as someone who read the other series it did work for me. IIt does mean the story is fast paced. I do think people may struggle if they haven't read the other books as there isn't One of the lead characters is however very naïve and it really shocks me how she didn't see some of the events occurring sooner.
It is slightly predictable but a fun YA read none-the-less and I think it will appeal to many readers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking forward to reading this novel, having read the authors previous duopoly. It definitely helps to have read these previous to this novel! I was immediately thrown into the same universe. Beneath These Cursed Stars is a great fantasy read, truly enjoyable and well developed.

I was really excited to get approved for an ARC of Beneath These Cursed Stars, I enjoyed These Hollow Vows & These Twisted Bonds so I was looking forward to returning to the world and characters, particularly Misha!

Unfortunately, I struggled with Beneath These Cursed Stars, it didn't help that there's literally no recap or world-building, we're thrown straight into the world with no explanations at all. I had to go away and read a quick recap but I'd be totally lost if I read this book by itself first.

The story is split between two main characters, Jasalyn and Felicity. Jasalyn has been through a lot and she's dealing with heaps of trauma so hers isn't the cheeriest POV to be in. Felicity's was better and I really enjoyed her plotline with Misha but neither one of the two girls is particularly standout - they're both quite boring.

I struggled with the pace of the story too, not a lot actually happens. It's pretty slow in the middle and I didn't find myself wanting to pick the book up, it did pick up towards the end I enjoyed it a lot more when reveals started happening and the action started. I just felt that I was finally getting into it and things were starting to happen and then the book ended and we're left waiting for the sequel.

It's a shame because there was so much potential here, it just felt slow and boring. I will read the next book because I want to know what happens with Misha but if it wasn't for him I don't think I'd be bothering...

This review is for Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan which releases in the UK on the 30th July! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me an eArc copy for this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this authors previous series set in the same universe, These Hollow Vows, so as soo as I saw this was set in the same universe but focusing on the younger sister instead, I was so excited!!

And this does live up to the hype! It brings you back to the characters you meet in the first book, whilst also introducing you to a lot more newer characters who come from the same home world as our previous main character! There’s two POV’s this time, of Jaslyn who we’ve seen before, but also Felicity, a new and exciting character with a lot of hidden secrets! Mischa (my darling, perfect man) is featured a lot more in this novel which I could not agree more on, and I somehow fell more in love with him than I was before. The dynamics between all the characters felt a lot more real in this book compared to the two in the previous series, and it feels like a lot more is at stake for them. You also see a lot more darker topics, showing what Jaslyn suffered in the dungeons when she was captured and tortured in the previous series. You see her battle with her mental health and struggling to come to terms with the terrible things that did happen to her. It’s a little darker, but the topic is handled super well.

The world building and pace was as good as the first two novels set in this world. It was easy to read and you’re always kept on your toes till the massive, devastating reveal at the end that someone has been decieved. The one thing I didn’t like was that this book was just very much a set up for the second book, when this could have been such an amazing book in its own right without the author having to do that. And leaving us on that big of a cliffhanger??? Criminal.

I love this world, and cannot wait to see what the next book brings! Would highly recommend this series to any fantasy romance lovers out there!

First I just want to say that I have not previously read the The Hollow Vows duology so this might have had an impact even though there’s nowhere specifically to state that I should read prior.

This book was a fun read! The romance was fun and I was invested in Felicity and and Misha, they definitely were my favourite POVs. Their romance felt natural and genuine and not forced. I liked Jas and her POV however it didn’t grip me as much as Felicity’s. At some points I was reading a little quicker to get to the next chapter.

My only issue which is why I don’t think I can give this book a proper review is that I really think you need to read the original duology before this. There are characters that you are expected to know as they’re not really properly explained, and the world building is a little lacklustre as if it’s expected you to know already so the entire premise leaves you a little confused.

Once I get round to reading the duology to gain some context I will definitely give this a re read and no doubt my rating will be higher.

When I requested this e-ARC, it wasn't mentionned anywhere that this book is set in the same universe as These Hollow Vows, which characters you've already seen. No mention anywhere in the blurb, on goodreads or netgalley. I HAVEN'T read this duology. So I can really say that this book probably has no interest at all if you haven't read these books : there's no worldbuilding at all as you're supposed to know it, there's things talking about that you *know* you're supposed to know and understand like it was mentionned in previous serie, that you're supposed to have read so there's no need to explain here again.

So yeah, it turns out that I've had no interest in the worldbuiling, as it's pretty much absent. I haven't had any interest in the characters, as it feels like you're catching up with them since the last books, that you're supposed to have encountered them already and be attached to them : here, you don't get attached as the characters are pretty blant and mainly works on "omg it's been so long since we're seen this character".

And it was SO BORING! There's not much happening really? Not much from Felicity nor from Jasalyn's side, and in the ends nothing much has been done and solved, to be continued in the next book! It feels like you've been stopped in the middle on the book.
There's a little bit of tiny and quick action in the last 20% and some revelations but even I have guessed them so I can't imagine how predictable it is to those who are used to this universe...
The side who got me the most interested was Felicity's, it was a bit more interesting and having more actions and importance, so it felt tiresome to get back to Jasalyn (and her non-evolution)'s POV.

It really feels like a bonus book that is meant for those who have read These Hollow Vows, like a book 2.5 or even a book 3, and has no interest at all being read as its own... and yet, it's sold as if, which I disagree.

4 ⭐️

I really wish I had known this was a duology before I read it because damn that cliffhanger is a killer for both MCs.

I love jas and felicity, both POVs give such sad backstories, and seeing them come into their own as it progresses was wonderful. Both of their powers are really interesting to read also.

As far as love interests go, both the males here are great, but of the two, I'd prefer Misha. He's just so sweet, and I love that he even encourages his former wife to pursue his sister since he knows they were in love. That is a man committed to finding happiness for those close to him. Both romances feel real and are well done.

Plotwise, I think we get some really good moments, and the pacing is good. It does jump around a little, but there's a lot to get in there so I can deal with it. You can see how the authors writing has progressed from the original duology, I definitely prefer this story, but maybe that's down to how much I love our main characters and the lack of love triangle.

I'm excited to read the sequel, which surprised me, but I just need to know how this story ends.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Lexi Ryan, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This was an interesting read. There was mystery and intrigue around every corner, with a need to find answers between each page. Having not read the initial duology since they came out, I was very lost in the beginning and had to catch myself back up. I feel reading the initial duology is pivotal to understanding this instalment. However, I honestly didn't enjoy this like I did the main duology. The pacing was painfully slow for my personal liking and there was a lot of repetition that didn't do the book any favours. I ended up having to skim read some parts to get over pages of things that were already explained earlier on in the book. And it was easy to predict what would happen in the end.

I liked learning more about Jasalyn, the struggle with the trauma she's been through was well written and it did give an insight into the atrocities she experienced in These Hollow Vows. But I found her lacking in personality and just going along with whatever anyone told her without any logical decision making except for when she utilises magic. I did prefer Felicity's POV much more because it was so intriguing to get an insight into a new character who has to hide her power and be something she's not, which definitely helped keep my interest.

Overall, this was an okay read. I can see how people will like this instalment and despite my initial thoughts I would recommend if anybody enjoyed the main duology.

When I first heard that there would be more books in the same universe of These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds, I got really excited, cause I loved that duology and was really looking forward to reading more about these characters and this world. However, this book felt quite different to me in terms of plot and pacing, and even though the premise had me intrigued about the direction the story would take, I ended up having mixed feelings about it.

Some of the chapters of this book follow Jasalyn, Brie’s little sister who was kidnapped by Mordeus in the previous duology and is now dealing with the aftermath of what she was subjected to during her time as a captive. The book explores in detail how that affected her, which I feel is important, but at the same time felt a bit repetitive and made the book’s pacing drag. The other chapters are told from the perspective of a new character, Felicity, who has run away and is hiding in the Unseelie Court. Felicity is an Echo, which means she can take other people’s forms, and she will have to make herself look like Jasalyn and infiltrate king Misha’s palace to look for a portal while the real Jasalyn joins Kendrick, Felicity’s stepbrother, on a different although related mission. I won’t reveal more than that, but I felt that the balance between romance and plot was a bit off. And even though the book focused more on the romantic relationships, there was something lacking there too.

What I enjoyed the most about the book where the dynamics between the secondary characters from Kendrick's party. I found them very interesting, thought they had a lot of potential and really liked all their interactions. There are also a lot of great thoughts and statements made throughout the book that made me stop and think. And I would like to know how the story moves on, so I’ll probably pick up the next installment. But this one lacked the fast pace I expected and dragged a bit too much. I think a few more action would’ve benefitted it a lot and balanced out the more introspective parts, that were still necessary but felt like too many.

Full disclosure: I had not read the previous books, I just liked the sound of this book but that ended up working against my reading experience. There didn’t seem like much world building and the magic system came across as a ‘clearly you read the previous books so I don’t need to re-explain it’ … except I needed that.

I did enjoy the writing style, I thought there was great potential here but this book needed to be marketed stronger that it is a sequel/spin-off

Having read and loved These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds I couldn't wait to dive back in to the fae realms and all the drama and politics that goes along with it. I would highly recommend reading the authors previous duology before starting this, and as it had been a couple of years since I'd read them I did have to find a recap online.

That being said Beneath These Cursed Stars did not disappoint and I loved reading from Jasalyn's perspective.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the chance to read Beneath These Cursed Stars.

Actual Rating: 4.25 Stars

Beneath These Cursed Stars is a spin off story from These Hollow Vows, mainly following Princess Jasalyn who has been armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death's kiss and Felicity who is a shapeshifter fated to kill her father. Their path cross when the rumours of King Mordeus's resurrection spread through the court.

I would recommend reading These Hollow Vows duology before reading this book as you will gain more understanding on the characters, especially Jasalyn. There isn't much worldbuilding within this book either and I feel like that main comes from These Hollow Vows, so if you haven't read the duology beforehand then you would miss out on the world.

But either way, I found this book really enjoyable and I love Misha's character so much. He deserves to find love just like everyone else, I was really hoping for him and Felicity, I still am to be honest. I'm also looking forward to reading more about Kendrick and his crew, even if they did feel a little copy and paste from Finn's crew. I'm also intrigued about Felicity and her power with how that's going to come into play more in the next book (plus her relationship with Misha).

And that ending!! I need the second book in my hands right now. How am I supposed to wait?

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book “Beneath these cursed stars” can be read as a standalone, however it contains major spoilers from the author’s previous duology. Before requesting this arc, I had no idea that this was the first instalment in a spin-off duology, which may be the reason it took me a while to get into the story. I read the first book of the first duology but not the second and final.

The world building is very minimal, if you didn’t read the previous books (or it has been a while since and don’t really remember) it’s hard to understand the magic system and how the world works.

Also, it felt like the character and their relationships had very little depth to it, not to mention character development.

It took me a while to get me interested in the story and I have more a curiosity of how is going to end than that anticipation. It could have been a little better overall.

Arc generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Beneath these cursed stars
I did not enjoy These Hollow Vows so I never continued on to finish the duology. It felt like the author grabbed a pile of tropes and threw them into a pot with a bunch of annoyingly predictable characters and forgot to add an interesting plot.

Had I known that Beneath these cursed stars was a spin off set in this same world I wouldn’t have attempted to read it. So… take my opinions with a grain of salt as my reading experience of this book was set up to fail right from the start.

So… what on earth was going on? There was absolutely no world building, which I assume was due to it being a spin off from the original duology, but even so, wouldn’t it be helpful to pull new readers in with just a hint of some understanding about what was going on?

Jas was particularly annoying main character, which I usually don’t mind but only when there’s other likeable characters, an interesting plot or some other redeeming qualities within the story for me to invest in. I would have enjoyed her more if there was character development… but it seemed to instead be a lacklustre romance to lead her story.

I know that many people enjoyed the original trilogy and it felt similarly written so if that was you, then I think you’d also like this one.

A book will never be for everyone and it wasn’t for me. I committed to sharing my thoughts when I was given an ARC on NetGalley and although I didn’t like it, I do hope that others do.