Unfortunately I had to DNF this book.

I’m not quite sure what it was, but I wasn’t able to connect with the characters in the same way as I was when I read Book One.

I take this as my own issue however, and not that on the book or the author.

AHH OKAY. I read the first book last year (so sorry, but I won’t be going into too much detail because, hello, spoilers) and I really really enjoyed it. Stardust child left off/went the direction I kind of expected—world building and putting subplots together now that the romance is more established. This is a TRUE romantic fantasy—the romance is a strong presence, and still provides tension without being the sole purpose of the plot, like a lot of romantasy’s are nowadays. So—if you’re looking for something that focuses more on the fantasy, this series is for you.

I loved the new POV add ins and am excited to see where they go in the future. Ironically, I would have wished for the SMIDGIEST of smidges more in the romance department (hello, will-they-won’t-they), but I love Remin and Ophele so much. Like mans had me clutching pearls and glued to my kindle the first go around 😩

Anyway. Pick up the series. Now I patiently wait for book #3 (cries)

Stardust Child is the second book in Melissa Cave's new Empire of the Stars romantasy series. It continues the story of Remin and Ophele, the Duke and Duchess of Andelin.

When he was a child, Remin Grimjaw's parents were accused of treason against the Divine Emperor. His entire family was executed as a result and Remin only escaped because a powerful family hid him. He grows to become the best warrior in the land and when he wins back some lands for the Emperor, he is given a boon and if he defeats the magic wielding enemies to the west he can have it. Remin's request is the duchy of Andelin and the Emperor's daughter for a wife. Seven years later, he has accomplished that goal and he comes for his bride. Only his bride is not the visible daughter of the Emperor, but an illegitimate one hidden in the country with secrets of her own. Remin collects her from her banishment and they travel to create the entirely new city of Tresingale in the newly formed duchy of Andelin. The relationship is not a good one in the beginning. Remin doesn't trust Ophele and is worried she might be a secret assassin of her father - a poison sweet. Ophele was neglected to the point of abuse by her guardians Lord and Lady Hurrell and her trust and self esteem issues are practically nil. Her excruciating shyness is debilitating as well so it is hard for anyone to get to know her. In book one, they grow to love one another. In book 2, that love begins to breed trust.

Stardust Child builds on the relationship of Remin and Ophele as they learn to become a team. Most of the book is dealing with the creation of their capital city, Tresingale and the unique monsters they must defeat to make their home and people safe. The Emperor and his legitimate daughter are briefly introduced in this book and their stories are intriguing enough that I am looking forward to understanding their motives in the next book.

When I requested this book from NetGalley, at first I did not notice it was the second book in the series. Once I did, I bought the first book (Traitor Son) to make sure I was not missing something especially in the world building. That book took me a little while to get through as it drug a bit in places, but the overall premise was good. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. I thought I was in for another average to above average read with the second book, so I was pleasantly surprised when this one was more seamless and stronger in both plot and characterization. There are a LOT of characters and it takes a while to introduce and give some life and history to all of these characters which made the first book a bit long. More characters were introduced in book 2, but it did not seem as overwhelming as in the first book. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment.

**Many thanks to NetGalley and Owl & Bear for the eARC

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

I had a fun time with this sequel. We definitely get a clearer understanding of the world that Melissa Cave has created compared to the first book. The characters feel more flushed out and the plot is progressing at a steadier pace. My one quip with this story is that the romance fizzled out. Granted, I loved that the characters finally made leeway in their relationship, but everything afterwards felt less romantic. This may just be my own feelings on the matter, but I'm still rooting for everything to work out with them in the future. The politics of the story are still very intriguing and I'm excited to see how things will pan out in the next installment.

Stardust Child (Empire of the Stars #2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - publish date 27th April 2025

Easy 4.5 for me! I adored the first book and I adore the second!

The world building in this book is so well done. I absolutely love every minute detail of Tresengale being built and the vision that Remin has for this place. He doesn't want it to be like other places in the empire. I like that it's a safe haven and people are being drawn to it.

I really enjoyed following Remin and Ophele's journey from where they were in the first book to where we find them in book two. You can feel the love and attraction between them. The only thing that stopped me from giving 5⭐️ is the spice. It felt rushed, and I think we miss out on the intimacy when it's rushed. However, I can see that perhaps it would be good for people who aren't keen on spice as it's brief and not heavily detailed.

Ophele is trying to settle into being Duchess and she isn't completely comfortable with it but she wants to do her best. She really takes charge with projects that spark her interest and we see more of her past when she was living with House Hurrell. I enjoyed seeing her confidence grow but we also see how she was kept sheltered away from every day life which in turn has led her to really struggle out in this new society Remin is building.

Remin is also finding his feet as a leader and a man in love. I love how much he cares for Ophele and how protective he is of her. It's also great seeing the camaraderie with his men. We also see him struggle with the decisions he has to make as Duke and what this costs his people.

I love the side characters and how we got sneaky little POV's. Miche's POV in Ophele's old home is such an interesting one. I'd love to see more of him and Justenin in the next book but really enjoyed how the different perspectives were woven in. There's the arrival of some new characters although I'm not sure what to think of Lady Verr. Do we trust her?!?!

We also get some battles along the way. We see how ferocious the devils are and all the different kinds of them. The noises that are described are so creepy the cackling and this new one that purrs!

I absolutely cannot wait to see what's in store for Remin and Ophele in the next book. I find the whole realm and plot immersive and entertaining.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc. This is my honest review of the book.

Omg! Where do I start? So so good! I couldn't put it down for a second! I rated it 5 stars because it's that good! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.