Firstly thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
WOW What an amazing debut by Imani Emu definitely a new addition to my list of favourite authors.
Elara and Enzo our leading characters are so beautifully crafted, the magic is delicious, touch of humour as well as sadness and the ending will blow you away. I simply devoured this and I’m praying it will is the beginning of a series.
Highly recommend.

This book is told from a single point of view, that of Elara. I found Elara to be a compelling character—strong, smart, and empowered with incredible abilities. Her minor flaws, such as stubbornness and a tendency to handle everything solo, made her even more relatable.

The enemies-to-lovers trope between Elara and Lorenzo was well-executed, though I wished their initial conflict had lasted a bit longer before they transitioned to friends. Lorenzo’s equal stubbornness made their dynamic particularly engaging.

I also appreciated the character development of Merissa, who becomes a valuable friend to Elara, and while Sofia was intriguing, I would have liked to see more of her. The book has strong found-family vibes, adding depth to the story.

The concept and magic system are unique and interesting, making for an engaging read. Overall, the book presents a promising start for a debut, with a captivating plot and a well-developed magic system.

3.5/5.

Imagine a world where the stars aren’t just distant points of light in the sky—they're cruel and merciless gods, toying with the lives of those below. For Elara, fate has dealt a particularly twisted hand: a prophecy that guarantees she’ll fall for a Star, and in doing so, doom them both.

When the Star of Wrath and War descends upon her kingdom, Elara’s life takes a dramatic turn. Fleeing the devastation, she finds herself in the arms of her enemies, specifically the brooding and enigmatic Prince Lorenzo of Helios, the Kingdom of Light. If you’re thinking this sounds like the setup for some epic tension-filled encounters, you’re absolutely right.

As Elara trains under Lorenzo's watchful eye, she discovers not just the depth of her own untapped powers—powers steeped in night and shadow—but also the dark secrets lurking within the seemingly perfect Kingdom of Light. Lorenzo is no stranger to shadows himself, and as the two of them grow closer, the lines between enemy and ally begin to blur in deliciously complicated ways.

Erriu weaves a tale of star-crossed lovers that’s as intoxicating as it is dangerous.

The chemistry between Elara and Lorenzo crackles with intensity, making every moment they share feel like a dance on the edge of a knife. Add in a prophecy that’s like a ticking time bomb, ancient magic, and the looming threat of the Stars themselves, and you’ve got a story that’s impossible to put down.

Heavenly Bodies is perfect for fans of lush world-building, complex characters, and romance that’s as dark as it is dazzling.

If you’re ready to be swept off your feet by a tale of forbidden love and celestial intrigue, this book is your ticket to the stars.

Just be warned: once you start reading, you might find yourself wishing on every star that Elara and Lorenzo get their happily-ever-after!

Thank you to Penguin and Imani Erriu for this arc in exchange of an honest review

I was so happy to see this book be picked up for traditional publishing!
The romance in this is fantastic, slow burn... I adore them!
Great world building, and I love the lore behind this book!
Can't wait to read the sequel!

A good debut novel with a bit of slow burn and angst and some great banter between the MCs. Some good world building and well-developed characters. I’m looking forward to the next one!