this book started off so incredibly well. i am in love with the world, the concept, the law, the magik and the characters. the enemies to lovers was lovely and the sarcastic quips between elara and enzo had me giggling throughout.

i do really think that the main characters were really well introduced and beefed out so i wasn’t confused on who was who and what everyone’s purpose was. BUT i do have some issues with some of the lore and was confused about what was going on with the Stars at some points.

i was so invested and was storming through until around 60% through the book, at this point i felt like i had already read two books of a series, so much happened (done really well may i add), but then everything just seemed to drag for me and i was less invested and kind of just wanted it to end (i think i was just in a slump ngl). The ending was confusing/rushed but also holy hell a brilliant ending and gateway into book 2!!!

I thought it would be a 5⭐️ but just because of the sudden change up of pace and interest at the 60% mark, it is only getting a 4⭐️ BUT I REALLY REALLY RECOMMEND!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for this eCopy to review

Heavenly Bodies is set in a world ruled by the Stars, who are cruel and merciless gods. Elara, is cursed by a prophecy that foretells she will fall in love with a Star, and this love will lead to both their deaths. When the Star of Wrath, Ariete, descends to wreak havoc on her kingdom, Elara is forced to flee to the neighbouring Kingdom of Light, Helios. There, she meets Prince Lorenzo, who reluctantly agrees to train her as a weapon against the Stars. As Elara learns to harness her own magical powers, she also discovers the dark secrets of the Stars and the hidden depths of Lorenzo’s past. Despite the prophecy, an undeniable attraction grows between Elara and Lorenzo, setting the stage for a star-crossed romance.

Heavenly Bodies is an enthralling fantasy novel that combines elements of romance, magic, and adventure. Imani Erriu has created a rich and immersive world that drew me in from the very first page. The plot is intricate and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.

Elara is a strong and compelling heroine. Her journey from a cursed princess to a powerful warrior is both inspiring and relatable. Lorenzo, the brooding and protective prince, is the perfect counterpart to Elara. Their chemistry is electric, and their relationship is developed with a perfect balance of tension and tenderness.

The world-building in Heavenly Bodies is exceptional. Erriu has crafted a vivid and detailed setting that feels both fantastical and real. The lore and mythology of the Stars add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical fantasy romance.

Overall, it’s a captivating and emotional read that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy and romance. The characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the writing is beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a magical and heart-wrenching story

I’m completely hooked by this book! From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The author has done an exceptional job of creating a world that feels incredibly rich and immersive, with every detail carefully crafted to make it come alive. The setting itself is unique and intriguing, yet it never feels overwhelming—there’s a perfect balance between world-building and character development.

Speaking of the characters, they are absolutely remarkable. Each one is deeply fleshed out, with their own motivations, struggles, and growth throughout the story. It’s clear that no character is just a filler or secondary to the main plot; they all play important roles in shaping the narrative. Elara and Enzo’s dynamic is one of the most well-executed enemies-to-lovers arcs I’ve ever encountered. The tension between them, the slow-burning development of their relationship, and their emotional growth is so satisfying to witness—it feels entirely earned and authentic.

What really impressed me was how invested I became in their journey, despite the conflict and tension between them. The stakes feel high, and the emotional payoff is truly rewarding. I can already sense that this is only the beginning of something much larger, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment. I have no doubt that the rest of the series will be just as gripping and intense, and I’m counting the days until Fallen Stars is released.

This was exciting and romantic and so much fun!!! I was a little confused and it did get a little convoluted, almost like the author expected us to know things without telling us. The characters were cool!!

Whilst I found the beginning to be slow, the booked picks up completely and really Hooked me. It's a great romantasy with strong heroine and hero.
Some bits that I found underwhelming, the start was a bit confusing as her family and friends are meant to be dead or near as yet she wasn't panicking to go back at all inly till she got a message from her friend...it made no sense. Also the lack of mourning in the beginning as she just saw her parents killed before her eyes, there was barely any real emotional response yo that, in my opinion.
Despite that once the book picked up pace whooee it really revved right up. Full of sexual tension, intrigue, action, magic and a mission and all the things that make up a great romantic fantasy book. It's epic. A must read for sure. After this book, I would definitely read more of their work! Thanks netgalley.

I enjoyed this so so much and I am so grateful that I was able to read it. We followed Elara and Enzo on a tremendous journey containing prophecy, gods, stars, light, darkness and love. It has made its way firmly into my top 24 of 2024, which I plan on posting to social media at the end of the year.

I was completely drawn into this story from the very first page, where we jump straight into the thick of it from the get go. Elara's circumstances are certainly difficult, and she has a difficult path ahead of her but she's strong and resourceful, making her a great character to follow through this story. With danger looming, and a prophecy hanging over her head, Elara has to decide on her way forward but her options are limited and so she turns to the arrogant enemy prince. The slow burn in this book is thoroughly delicious and I loved watching it unfold. Enzo is dark, dangerous, and provocative. It makes for a lot of sparks flying and I couldn't get enough. The ending in this book went a little rogue for me, and didn't quite fit with how I thought the story might go but I wouldn't say this was necessarily bad, more unexpected. I think perhaps I felt it was a little out of the blue despite the sort of build up to it. I also think this definitely could have been neatly tied up at the end to create a standalone story.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

The new edit of this book is just perfection. I loved the indie version anyway but the edits and rewrites just make the book more cohesive and just flow so much better.

The world building is excellent and I looooove the concept of stars being physical beings that have come down and live amongst everyone. (Also Eli is mine and I’m sorry but you can’t have him)

The balance between the main and side characters feels just right and I’m so looking forward to more of their stories in the books to come. And don’t even get me started on Elara and Enzo, the enemies to lovers is just chefs kiss, I’m so invested in them and I can’t soar for my next fix.

Absolutely in my top favourite books ✨

‘Monsters are not born, they become.’

‘You know the most dangerous kind of villain?’ she whispered. ‘A woman with nothing left to lose.’

‘Far be it from me to feel normal for one moment instead of being a pawn in a kingdom’s games. Never a woman, just a weapon.’

‘You told me you were a dragun, Elara,’ Enzo said through clenched teeth, his grip unyielding around her. Her eyes, flooded with terror, found his. Oh skies, she could see the fury writhing in them. But his warrior’s tone was steady. The ocean drew closer. ‘Spread. Your. Fucking. Wings.’

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. I went into this one blind, but came out throughly enjoying myself. The book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions with a twist at the end I wasn’t expecting. I’m looking forward to see how there story continues 🥰

A new author and one I almost got to meet at RARE in Edinburgh this year but sadly ran out of time.

There are plenty of good things about this book. Elara may be in over her head - what with Star's hunting her, a prophecy to avoid fulfilling and magic to learn how to wield, but she is determined, intelligent and has vengeance on her mind!

Learning the mythology and history of a new world is always a bit of an information overload but it's been written in such a way that I didn't feel overwhelmed and we got to learn what we needed to know, when we needed to know it. The various kingdoms/queendoms are based on the Zodiac houses we're familiar with but with a twist. As usual the gods are fickle, duplicitous and downright evil (well most of them!)

Lorenzo, aka Enzo, is perfect as the enemy prince with a reputation for death and destruction but who oddly makes our Elara feel safe. The tension is chemistry filled with these two sparking off each other from the get-go. The secondary characters of Merissa, Leo, et al are fabulous and the banter between the 4 is barb-filled and witty. The spice is wonderfully sprinkled through but it does take a while, these two are very slow burn!

None of the characters felt stereotypical and I felt that there was great LGBTQIA representation. Elara especially did a lot of growing up but was never portrayed as a damsel in distress. She may be out of her depth and on the back foot occasionally but she never cowers and awaits rescue - she faces her foes when possible and gives as good as she gets. She is cunning and strategic when she needs to be.

Things are not easy between our MC's - there is a lot of history between their kingdoms and it's not solved overnight but both can see that neither side is perfect and work together in a great partnership eventually.

So whilst this wasn't perfect, it was a rollicking good read. I'm invested now and I really cannot wait for book 2 - November 2025 is gonna be a long wait!

The world building, characters and side characters, the plot and the writing were all sublime.
Perfect for Romantasy readers that need a break from fae and vampires.
I loved the MC’s and the settings and can’t wait for the next book of the series to see how the story progresses.
There were a few chapters where I struggled to keep my head in the story but by the end I was hooked.

INCREDIBLE! I cannot stop thinking about this book. Erriu has created a rich and unique world for her characters that feels very real and tangible to me as the reader. The characters are amazing - each one seems like a fully fleshed-out being rather than add-ons or extras to the main couple. Elara and Enzo are true enemies-to-lovers and watching them fall for one another is EVERYTHING. I can already tell that the rest of the series is going to be epic and I'm impatiently waiting for Fallen Stars.

Favourite quote:

‘Do you think something as fragile as fate would keep me from you? I defy the Stars’

This is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year! Even though this was indie published and now is being traditionally published, I didn’t know what to expect going into this book. Little did I know that this book would literally consume my every waking thought!

This has become my new obsession. I absolutely loved the world building and the magic lore being based around astrology and stars, it felt so beautiful and magical. The relationship between Elara and Lorenzo was everything!! They’ve made it onto my list of favourite book couples <3

Also the fact that it's a debut novel is crazy because it’s so good!

3.75⭐️ The last 10% of this book had my head spinning (in a good way) overall it was a good story. I almsot gave this a four star review but I will say I felt it was pretty drawn out and there was so much in the book that could have been omitted to condence it a bit, Personally I felt like I wasn't hooked until way later due this. Don't get me wrong I am hyped for the next book after the end and the last 10%, jeez that was a ride and was a great way to finish it, there were twists and turns. I just wish we had some more of that through the first part of the book. I loved Enzo, he was a dream, definitely "burn the world" energy and would be man of his word on that. I feel the character dynamics were good and the pacing in their relationship was good.
There was alot of descriptions of scenery and appearances, perhaps too much.

Overall though I would probably recommend and I am definitely going to continue the series

If you adored Fourth Wing and salivated over Casteel & Nyktos, this is the book for you.

Powers beyond imagination, an enemies-to-lovers story that is as tantalising as it is humorous, and backstories full of trauma to overcome. This has it all.

Can Elara overcome fate and prophecy and be the one to kill a star, or will she fall victim to its tangled webs and the mounting attraction to her enemy and captor?

I cannot wait until the next book after that ending! A great read, and one I am very thankful to have received ahead of its release.

It's a 4.5* for vibes!!

I absolutely devoured this book! The perfect romantasy with all those tropes we eat up!

🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Star-crossed lovers
🖤 Gods/deities
🖤 Magic
🖤 Morally grey mmc
🖤 kind-of-slow-burn

I'm very much a vibes reader. This book isn't a literary masterpiece, but it is an EXCELLENT romantasy. There are twists and turns, alliances, double crossing, revenge, and secrets plots a plenty.

By the time I got to 50%, I was sold. I was highlighting moments on my Kindle! I never annotate! But I wanted to be able to go back 🖤

This book is for you if you loved Powerless, A Serpent and Wings of Night and What Monstrous Gods.

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse @penguinukbooks for the ARC

What a fantastic read.

This story follows Elara who is princess of her Kingdom. Her parents are brutally murdered when one of the stars (a slightly lesser version of a God) ascends and takes their life.

Elara is then kidnapped and taken to Helios, a rival Kingdom where the king offers safety and hiding for Elara in exchange for her agreeing to be trained by his son, Lorenzo, and to murder the star Ariete.

The magic system is extremely unique. Each kingdom has their own magic and Elara & Lorenzo both possess all 3 of their kingdoms. Both of them are extremely intelligent, strong, capable main characters who put aside their differences and families history for a bigger cause, to defeat the real enemy.

There are so many twists and turns throughout the book, especially in the last quarter which just added to the incredible plot.

The only thing I will say it that the pacing at the first half of the book felt a little off. The relationship dynamic between Enzo and Elara changed very drastically is a short space of time.

Overall, this was a four star read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thank you Penguin & NetGalley for the eARC ⚔️

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Heavenly Bodies is BACK and better than ever! I first read this book within the first couple days of it being published - Imani had me YEARNING for months for this book with all of her teasers on TikTok and I devoured it as soon as it was in my hands.

This new and improved version is somehow EVEN BETTER, something I didn’t think would be possible! I noticed so many more Easter eggs and lots more foreshadowing sprinkled throughout, and it really let the story shine! I can’t wait to read the revised version of book 2!!

Enzara are EVERYTHING! There are so many scenes in this book that I can’t make it through without screaming and kicking my feet. I can’t wait to read the revised version of book 2, the ending of book 1 was criminal even on my third time reading it 🤣

I’m also excited for more Eli in book 2 👀 I have always had the biggest soft spot for him!

I just have SO much love for this series and these characters and I recommend these books to literally everyone I come across! Imani was the first indie author I ever supported and I’m just so proud of the love that her wonderful books are getting! I have a billion editions of this book on the way but of course none of them have come in time for me to bring them to her Waterstones Piccadilly event today 🤣

5 Stars: My Soul is Ascended.

OMG, this book is EVERYTHING. 💫✨ Imagine a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with the most *elite* world-building, morally grey characters who feel TOO real, and twists that will leave you gasping for air.

Elara? Absolute queen. 👑 She’s fierce, grieving, and cursed by a prophecy that says she will fall for a Star and they’ll both die but she’s like, “Try me.” Her sass is 10/10: “Why can’t I look pretty as I stab you?” Iconic. And don’t even get me started on her growth—she’s navigating loss, betrayal, and figuring out how to harness her own *ancient magic*. Plus, her line about wanting reverence? Girl, SAME.

Now, Lorenzo—or Enzo—*swoon*. 😍 The Prince of Light starts off as her captor, full of resentment toward everything she represents, but by the end? He’s straight-up ready to burn kingdoms for her just to keep her warm.
His banter is unmatched. Meeting Elara’s ex? “So this is the betrothed who always left you unsatisfied?” 💀💅 When he kneels, offers her his crown, and wears her dragun symbol on his jacket? Stick a fork in me, I’m done. 🫠
Enzo proves he’s more than just a prince; he’s a man willing to rewrite the stars for the woman he loves. He’s officially in my book boyfriend hall of fame.

But wait, Ariete. This guy is the literal Star of wrath, war, and blood, bringing chaos wherever he goes, and he’s OBSESSED with hunting Elara. He tells her, “I could show you how delicious it feels to become the villain,” and she claps back with, “The most dangerous kind of villain is a woman with nothing left to lose.” Like, what’s that sound? Oh, it’s my soul leaving my body.
He’s giving toxic celestial chaos, and I’m here for it.

The kingdoms? Pure cinematic magic. Each one feels so vivid, like I could step into the pages and explore. The Stars as cruel gods ruling over everything? Obsessed. And let’s not forget the “who did this to you?” trope sprinkled in like chef’s kiss perfection. 🤌

The betrayals in this book hit like a sucker punch. I trusted no one, and every plot twist had me screaming into my pillow. No spoilers, but YOU WILL NOT BE READY. And the emotional highs and lows? I cried. I gasped. I screamed "WHAT?!" at least five times.
The quotes? Infinitely quotable. My faves:

"My love of lifetimes."
"I defy the Stars."
And that whole bit about vulnerability being bravery? I want it tattooed on my soul:
"You were always told that you felt too deeply. That you were too sensitive. But you cannot change who you are, Elara. So instead, all you did was swallow those emotions. And now, here we are. What you should have been taught is how brave it is; to be vulnerable in such a cruel world. How it is better to feel every ray and shadow, than to feel nothing at all."
Like, excuse me while I SOB. 😭

This book had me by the throat from page one. The romance? Perfection. The twists? Devastating. The writing? Poetic and powerful. If you’re into slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with elite world-building, complex characters, and twists that wreck you, this is your next obsession.

Counting down the days until book two drops because I NEED to know what happens next. 🖤✨

Final Verdict? 10/10, No Notes. I would defy the Stars again. 💫

This was first and foremost a romance, so go into it expecting that.
Elara’s kingdom is overthrown and she flees to a neighbouring country where she means Prince Lorenzo. She has to settle into this new land with new customs and train herself to go and get her kingdom back. She has no time for falling in love with anyone. And there is a prophecy that states ‘she will fall in love with a star, and it will keep them both’. Plenty of reasons not to fall in love, and yet….
The absolute burning chemistry between Elara and Lorenzo was amazing. They flirt and laugh and joke with each other, and have such cute and adorable moments. And yet - they both communicate with each other openly and honestly, which is something missing from so many romance books. It was refreshing to see. Obviously no relationship is without it’s problems but the way they interact and balance each other is impressive.

The pacing was slightly up and down throughout but not bad just uneven, but the character interactions helped to keep you reading. I also wasn’t keen on the sheer volume of tropes there were just many, and some felt very forced but i understand sometimes in writing nowadays you need this to draw readers in but I didn’t feel it added anything and left things a bit chaotic towards the end of the book. The ending could have packed more of a punch if it took it’s time a little and was a tad more coherent, and less all the plot twists occurring at once.

Overall really strong on the romance element but a little let down by some of the finer plot details