I am so excited to get an opportunity to read the second installment of this phenomenal series by Melissa J. Cave. This tale is approachable yet incredibly complex and boasts a wide range of characters and conflict. Remin and Ophele are fascinating characters cut from very similar cloths but with vastly different patterns. I have enjoyed the more domestic aspects of this installment as it allowed me to get to know the characters more thoroughly and love them all that much more.

This book, named for Ophele's role in the world really dug into her psychological trauma and the impact it has on her years later. She is mere constantly confronted with her inadequacies that she continues to blame herself for; completely overlooking the fact that she is the victim of isolation, abuse both mental and physical and full naivete and ignorance of the real world surrounding her. Ophele is conflicted between her desire to be better and right the wrongs done to her while at the same time being her worst and hardest critic which Stokes the fear and anxiety that rule her. Her love of Remin actually inflicts the most damage because she feels that she's living a lie and is guilty of some massive crime.

Remin on the other hand is equally conflicted with his desire to build a new world while also confronting his apparent failures and losses. Similar to Ophele, Remin Hold himself accountable for almost all of the wrongs done in his life and to him. He sets the standard of for absolution that is so high and that does not take into account that which he cannot control. This novel focuses more so on his lovely wife but does provide a lot of character growth in him. He becomes softer, more outwardly loving, compassionate, and allows himself the space to feel and experience vulnerability within the sight of those who know and love him. Despite these changes, Remin continues to retain his fierceness and passion for what is right.

The story also had its fair share of surprises and revelations that I look forward to learning more about in the coming books. Within these pages there are many moments of laughter, subtle smiles, sadness and truly some of the most relatable feelings of insecurity and despair that I have ever read.

If you are looking for a novel set in a high fantasy world with some of your favorite romantic tropes along with a truly unique setting, cast of characters and multi-layered villains look no further then The Empire of Stars series!

I loved Stardust Child, the second book in Melissa J Cave's Empire of the Stars romantic fantasy series. The plot and the world building are very stirring and striking. I also loved Remin and Ophele, who are wonderful and complex characters, whose relationship begins with distrust and develops into a great love story. Remin and Ophele's love story is thrilling and emotional. Remin is caring, honest, protective, gallant and principled and Ophele at first is insecure, quiet, went through a great trauma, but she is also strong and sweet. The plot gripped me from the beginning. It is impressive, emotional, romantic and unpredictable. I haven't read such a breathtaking epic romantasy in a long while and I am very much looking forward to the third book in the series.

This is a well written romp through a fictional represenation of feudal Western Europe. It was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to fans of the genre, but it was nothing exceptional.

I often worry after enjoying book 1 in a series that book 2 won't be able to live up to it but, in this instance, that worry wasn't necessary.

I thoroughly enjoyed this journey, because that is what these books are. A blooming romance of a young couple who, on paper should not work but their love and openness means they fit so well. A journey of friendships and character growth. You really live and feel the weight of the responsibility on the main characters shoulders. Enjoying their successes and mourning their losses, feeling their struggles and pride in how far they have come, you cannot help but get entirely engrossed in this story. I can't wait to see where it goes next!

Rating: 3.5⭐️/5

Stardust Child is the second novel in the Empire of the Stars series. It gives me “My Happy Marriage” (anime) vibes. A cozy romantasy with a super shy FMC learning how to be a lady in society with a tough & gruff husband with eyes only for her.

I am someone who relies on a lot of action or plot twisting and so this wasn’t exactly “my kind of book”, but I do think the novel for what it was going for was really well done and the intimate scenes were delectable.

If you enjoy cozy fantasy novels, this one is for you! Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The second instalment in the Empire of the Stars series, Stardust Child delivers another captivating and well-crafted chapter in the lives of Remlin and Ophele. Once again, this immersive medieval world strikes a beautiful balance between the cerebral nuances of political intrigue and the gritty reality of human nature in its fight for a better future.

While gorgeously written, it took me much longer to become invested in Stardust Child than with its predecessor. This was partly due to its objectively slower pace, and partly due to personal preference - there just wasn’t quite as much emphasis on the fantastical as I was hoping for. Nevertheless, this series has me hooked and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I'm going to quote some of my review from "Traitor Son," as my feelings on this book are very similar to book 1.

Plain and simple: I adored this book!!!

First of all, as another reviewer stated, Remin is "now deeply in love, good for him, willing to walk on broken glass for his wife". All the romantic moments and moments they freely professed their love made me swoon! It's SO refreshing to see a romantasy book (or romantic series in general) that doesn't re-tread old grievances, and instead has the mains grow and continue to support each other with the strength of their love.

Second of all, the new POVs were a delight, even if some of them were brief (ex: we only get to see Sir Juste's POV once or twice, but it reveals SO much spying going on behind the scenes and I *really* want to see his POV again in book 3!!). One of the other POVs I really enjoyed was Lady Verr. As another reviewer stated--"I'm not sure what to think of Lady Verr. Do we trust her?!?!" And, agreed!! She seems to have her own motives (as further emphasized in the small preview of chapter 1 of book 3 we got!), but I'm not exactly sure what those are, and if they're going to come into conflict with Remin/Ophele's...

Third of all: the spice, while perhaps not as explicit as it is in other Adult romantasy books, still was delightful and plentiful in this book. AND they utilize new positions, which I know was a complaint of a different reviewer for book 1 (they complained the mains only have sex in missionary in book 1 lol). It actually works well with their relationship development that they're growing and changing up their sex lives in parallel with the growth of their relationship/character arcs, tbqh.

Fourth of all: we get more of the Fantasy aspects in this book--looking more into the origin of the devils, their different types, and where they hide. I'm sure we will do more of a deep dive of this in book 3, perhaps leading to their eradication? (Or at least their creators' eradication? As I suspect, as does Remin, that they're possibly the work of sorcerers).

Fifth of all: the backstory of the Emperor was a delightful addition--I love 3D villains way more than 2D Disney caricatures, and it was SO fun to see him and his miserable arranged marriage as a foil to Remin's very loving arranged marriage. I'm *very* curious to see what hijinks the Emperor, his daughter, and wife get up to in book 3...he and his daughter in particular seem very cunning and perhaps not as evil as we think...

Sixth of all: Miche's side plot in this book was perfect--I *loved* the horror as he discovered Ophele's prior room and how all her trauma from that "home" has shaped her today. Him trying to get a bare minimum of justice for her was just *chef's kiss*. I hope he continues to wreck havoc on her foster "family" in book 3!

Seventh of all, Ophele's growth/arc in this book was very good, as others have stated. It perhaps was a bit slow for my liking, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book at all. It was very realistic given her level of PTSD and trauma--she wasn't going to magically get better and more assertive overnight, after all. Or, quite frankly, completely change her worldview of herself and her foster "family" overnight.

Eight of all, and finally, I'd like to revisit my delight from book 1--that this author is clearly up for a fresh challenge in a sea of very similar romantasy books:
- lots of morally grey sassy MMCs with tons of experience with women and who are very old? Let's write a very principled young MMC who is clueless with woman but has the best intentions.
- lots of MMCs who keep secrets intentionally from the FMC and aren't very good about being honest? Let's write a MMC who is very honest + eager to try to communicate and fix problems in his relationship.
- lots of boring knight in shining armor characters? Let's write a MMC who truly *is* a knight in shining armor, but who is interesting to read and who is disgraced and having to claw back his reputation.
- lots of "Strong, Not Like The Other Girls, Cold and Closed Off" FMCs? Let's write a Fanny Price (ala "Mansfield Park") FMC who is quiet, who has inner strength despite being beaten down/broken by life, a quiet character who needs to *learn* how to be courageous. A FMC who *cares deeply* and isn't afraid to show it. A FMC who is clueless with men but honest about what she wants.
- lots of female bffs for the FMC (or no bffs)? Let's write a male bff for the FMC. (Miche, I love you!!)

Overall, a 5 star read. Another one for the faves shelf, lads. I ordered hard copies of this delight and book 1 and am SO happy to have them. :))

Hope more people read this asap, bc I need to yell about it!! And it deserves it.

This is probably one of the best fantasy books I've read this year, maybe this decade. The world building and character development continues to be top notch. The monsters are scary, the knights do all the brave things. You'll laugh and gasp and cry. The love story between Remin and Ophelia is, honestly, swoon worthy. Such a pure love born out of uncertainty. The way Ophelia becomes such an important part of everyone's lives but takes forever to actually realize her importance is frustratingly satisfying. I can't think of a negative thing to say about this book and can't wait for the next installment ...

This is a book I have recommended to all my friends/family and several perfect strangers. It's that good.

I read book one in this series and was invested in Remin and Ophele’s story. However, it took me a long time to get into this book. Things finally started to improve about 75% of the way through. Mainly I had a hard time with Ophele’s constant insecurity about not being good enough, despite the obvious respect everyone has for her and the value she clearly adds. While I understand that her lack of self-worth was informed by her childhood trauma, it was still frustrating to read over and over again. And because she refused to talk to anyone about it, it felt like an extended form of the miscommunication trope and the pacing was so slow. I almost DNF’d. Once Remin went in search of the monsters and Miche went back to Ophele’s childhood home, things started to get more interesting. The last 1/4 of the book was much better and several things came to a head that left me interested in the progression of the story and wanting to know what happens in the final book of the trilogy.

Even in my little time this month I had to read I put every free minute I had into reading the second installment in the Empire of the Stars series, seriously can't wait for book 3! Easily a 5 star read, I would rate higher if they let me.

We've been acquainted with Remin, Ophele and many of those other lovable characters but goodness, the character growth that all of them still managed in this book was amazing, just as our favorite teddy bear Remin said, "There is no finished person" I thought the writing in the first book was so beautiful and thoughtful and this one was 🌟even🌟 better. Somehow, Melissa J Cave is a wizard for the written word. There were a lot more POVs in this which I found to be super interesting and a nice shake up from book 1. (I MISS YOU SIR MICHE PLEASE COME BACK😭(Very excited to see him roll up with an entire estate though lmao))

A lot of emotional conflict in book one had been nicely "resolved" so to speak and as most series tend to go, new problems present themselves to further the plot. HOWEVER, Stardust Child took an even deeper dive into conflicts that not only we as readers thought were were resolved or maybe would get swept under the rug but many characters as well. I find it incredibly realistic and touching that trauma was presented in such a raw and tender way by Ophele, she is so relatable and reminds me of myself as a child. Her coming into her own strength while remaining gentle and kind is something I love about her. We had a good grasp in Traitor Son, but did not know the full extent of her perils. It fully warmed my heart to a crispy chicken tender to see Ophele sticking up for herself, admitting or struggles and trying to be there for her people, for Remin while eventually telling the truth of all she suffered. "It felt as if a tornado blew through their home and somehow made it stronger."
Remin, while now becoming quite comfy in his role as a loving husband (I said favorite teddy bear for a reason) is still learning things for himself. It was brought up in book one about how he wanted his land to not only be separate from the empire but different from the empire, with their own etiquette, customs, expectations etc. which becomes much more prevalent in this book and I can't wait to follow them on their journey to see what is next.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Melissa Cave, Victory Editing and NetGalley!

All opinions and thoughts are my own. 🖤

This was a solid sequel!I loved the writing and the story a lot. The characters were great and the pacing was solid.

i devoured this book in a day and a half!

finally, remin has redeemed himself and we get to see the softest side of him.
he and ophele are maybe my new favourite book couple.
i love how innocent and wholesome their relationship is, even while being spicy.

this book, like the first one, wasn’t exciting but i think that was the author’s point (this is not a bad thing).
not very many romantasy books show the aftermath of the wars that are fought so i really like the concept.

ophele has come into her own a little bit more and i’m hoping that continues in the next book!
i can’t wait to see what happens when they all go to starfall.

thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc!

A superb follow up to book 1, which took the captivating slow burn romance and adventure of the first book, and taking it to a whole new level.

I could hardly wait to delve back into the story & life of the Andelin Valley in the 2nd book of the Epire of the Stars! As Remin & Ophele navigate their new marriage through the trials of the coming winter and the onslaught of the devils, more is revealed about each of their backgrounds through the trying lives they've lived. Both duke and duchess along with their trusted knights must rise to the occasion to fight both seen and unseen enemies. Melissa Cave paints a wonderful tale of love and trust through the most trying circumstances.

This book was amazing! The world building was wonderful and very detailed. And the main characters were very interstellar and had great depth!

I absolutely loved returning to Tresingdale and following Remin and Ophele’s journey. The book’s unique perspective on their lives and growth together made it truly captivating for me.

The world building continues to impress me. The descriptions of the devils, the different houses, and the Nobel men and women were incredibly vivid, immersing me in the story. I eagerly anticipate reading the next book in the series.

However, I wish the book had been more concise in its chapters. It was challenging to stay engaged, which is why it took me a while to complete. I understand the necessity of long chapters for world building and character development, but I believe they could have been more concise.

Despite this minor critique, I highly recommend this fantastic book. I eagerly anticipate reading the other works in the series. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing this arc!

I read this immediately after finishing book 1, and was not disappointed one bit. I enjoyed the Stardust Child even more than I liked book 1 and I rated that a 5 stars. I wish I could give this 10 stars because it definitely deserves It. It had amazing world building and great plot and character growth throughout the book.

Another beautiful book of the series! As much as I love world building I was struggling a bit with this one, but still what a fun time. I loved how Ophele finally confessed everything, I was so hard watching her struggle the whole book😭 At times I wanted to shake her because girl get a grip. Ophele is finally finding her purpose and place in the society, I love her growth.

SOOO many new character were introduced that it was overwhelming at times. I still have no idea who’s who, but I guess further books of the series will help.

Also, I want Mionet to get together with Miche. I know they haven’t met yet but I feel like they will be so good together.

I'd rate 6 stars if I could! Book 1 was so good, I have no idea how book 2 managed to be even better!
I really liked the new addition of POV chapters from other characters, it really was a great glimpse into their heads and added a lot of depth to the story.

🌶️🌶️, I really liked how Remin and Ophele's intimate relationship developed and grew in this book!
I was on the edge of my seat several times during the book! The storytelling was gripping and then the ending (epilogue) was dramatic! There are a lot of threads opened in this book that did not get concluded by the end, so I can't wait for book 3!

My absolute favorite part of the book was when Ophele has her huge jump in character development and decides that she is not limited by her history. I have always related to Ophele's character a lot and that part just made me tear up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Melissa Cave for the ARC!

The main character has finally come to terms with her new marriage and has to face many challenges. He is haunted by terrible things that have happened to his friends and family when a war happens. This book has very similar vibes to those of the Witcher and Outlander

The world building In this book is incredible it really makes you want to be in the story line with the characters.