Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one had me at the description. Granted I'm not the biggest ACOTAR fan, but the rest? Sign me up.

I think this one mostly lived up to my expectations. The pacing was decent and the overall plot line fulfilled all of my needs as a reader, albeit there were a few parts I physically rolled my eyes at.

I think where this one falls short is the characters. They didn't have much distinct personality and The chemistry between the main characters felt off to me. This is an insta-love kind of vibe, mate-y without the title. Not my fav. It made it feel like the chemistry was manufactured. It wasn't for meeee.

Overall though I felt satisfied. I'm interested enough in reading the sequel but could see myself for getting the entire plot, I'm sorry 💀 it was just so similar to everything else out there. Also though I've read like 50+ Romantasy books in the past 2 years so this could be a "me" problem.

I'll be curious to see where the wings play a part for these characters. It was kind of one of my minor gripes as I was reading (like why are these necessary). My other gripe was that her mother somehow thought it would be perfectly reasonable to protect her by obscuring one of her key features, while completely leaving another super obvious one (I'm being vague for spoilers).

All that aside, I'll keep an eye out for this one's sequel & hopefully book 2 gives us the history this one could not!

Thank you to Netgalley and Cidney Mayes for this ARC.

This is a romantasy set in a land that has been taken over by humans and the Fae are struggling, hard. Our MMC is really quite sweet, there is no morally gray aspect. Sorcha has a mysterious past, having spent most of her life in a brothel, which is where she meets Corvus.
I did enjoy the story but I do feel that it could have done with a little fleshing out, some things moved a little too fast, and I think the story could have benefitted from a more tension and build up.
The bones are there for this to be a really good story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I enjoyed the world building - the FMC was a courtesan turned spy which made this super interesting for me! The court politics were intriguing. I think there is a lot of potential for this series!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
2/5 Stars

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗Tropes˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Insta Love
✧˖°. Enemies To Lovers
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Forbidden Love
✧˖°. He falls First And Harder
⋆.°🦋༘⋆ Political Intrigue

𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-

·:*¨༺”For Adam I write true love because we lit it every day”༻¨*:·

💭 Thoughts-

-ˋˏ✄┈┈I was drawn in like most by the cover, synopsis, and promise it was like acotar, but I was very much disappointed…

-ˋˏ✄┈┈I was honestly kind of just reading it, and it was there, but it was just kind of mid

-ˋˏ✄┈┈At some points I swear the MMC forgave the FMC wayyyy too fast for things she did

The Starlit Shadow is the first book in a new Romantasy series and a fun read. The FMC, Sorsha, is a courtesan at the House of Night, a playplace for the rich to explore forbidden magic. The MMC, Corvus, is a fae lord who becomes obsessed with her when he meets her there. Sorsha is enlisted to help spy on Corvus, but things become more complicated as their relationship evolves.

The roles in this book are reversed from what you might typically expect. I loved that Sorsha isn't a typical romantasy damsel in distress - her power as a courtesan turned spy makes her an interesting character to follow. Corvus is a golden retriever MMC, not the usual brooding fae lord. Watching their stories unfold and their pasts become clear was really fun, and the twists and turns keep this story intriguing.

Overall a great read and I'm looking forward to book 2!

Sorsha is a courtesan who works at the House of Night because she was abandoned there by her mother at a young age. The rich come to the House of Night to participate in forbidden magic and pleasure. She is desperate to be free of the House, so she strikes a deal with the madame, to spy on Lord Corvus Stormfall in exchange for her freedom after a year. Corvus, is a second born son, who is a displeasure to his father. When he arrives to the House of Night, he immediately feels a connection to Sorsha. As their connection blooms, both are pulled into a plot to have the fae turn against the humans in order to access magic again.

The audacity for this to be called Moulin Rouge x ACOTAR is a crime to humanity. The FMC was not a strong spy/courtesan at all, which really just took away from the synopsis and plot of the book. She was incredibly dull and weak - I was not rooting for her at all. The jealousy of the other courtesan Viviana was super weird because why would someone who is the most popular courtesan that is also incredibly beautiful give a shit about someone who has no clients/regulars and is just plain. This book has insta-lust which is just blech. A lot of the writing was giving very high school senior year project rather than romantasy author - the dialogue was incredibly cringey at times and the world building was SEVERELY lacking, and there were waaaay too many descriptive terms for things. The ending was extremely anti-climatic, which makes you not want to read the next book at all.

Thank you for allowing me to read this arc!

For a debut novel I found this really enjoyable. The beginning was heavy on the romance and I was worried there wasn’t going to be much plot but as the book went on I found it really fun and interesting.

The story line was different which was good as well.

Overall, it’s not my favourite romantasy but I liked the unique plot and the second half of the book was very enjoyable

It's hard to fully judge this book since you can tell it's the building block for the series but overall it's a three star read. The writing is very old school.. for fans of Bridgerton. Definitely thought it would be spicier considering the setting of where most of the book takes place but here's hoping for book 2. Happy that by 50% of the book we found out what the plot was and some major characters were introduced. It's a good in between book for something light and easy to read.

✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Cidney Mayes for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“If being with her meant I would lose all reason, then I would fall into madness willingly.”

The Starlit Shadow by Cidney Mayes is a rare kind of book—the kind that feels less like a story and more like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. It is breathtaking in every sense: from the lyricism of its language to the emotional depth that slowly, then suddenly, wraps itself around your heart.

From the very first page, Mayes casts a spell. The writing is gorgeously poetic, shimmering with imagery that feels both celestial and raw. You don’t just read this book—you feel it. You walk beneath its stars, hear the hush of its shadows, and carry its sorrow and hope like a heartbeat echoing in your chest.

The worldbuilding is exquisite. There’s a soft magic in the setting, one that doesn’t overwhelm but instead serves as a haunting, beautiful backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys. Mayes has crafted a universe where wonder and melancholy live side by side—where even the quietest moments shimmer with weight and meaning.

But it’s the characters that truly elevate this novel. They’re flawed, fierce, vulnerable, and achingly human—even when they’re wrapped in myth and mystery. There is a deep sense of longing that pulses through the pages, a yearning for connection, for healing, for light in the midst of darkness. And it’s that emotional resonance that makes The Starlit Shadow unforgettable.

There were passages I had to read twice—three times—just to savor their beauty. And more than once, I found myself breathless, caught off guard by a single line that struck deep.

This is not just a book you read—it’s a book you experience. A story that lingers like stardust in your soul.

If you’re drawn to lyrical fantasy with emotional depth, aching beauty, and a touch of shadowed wonder, The Starlit Shadow is a must-read. Cidney Mayes has written something truly magical—something that will stay with me for a very long time.

The plot and politics kept this story going for me. I got a little confused on some aspects but I still wanted to know what happened. The relationship struggled for me. I didn't feel like the FMC gave off seductive vibes and she just felt a bit flat for me. The MMC kind of gave off the vibes of being just like every other romantasy MMC with nothing stand out about him. I might consider picking up any future books if the reviews are good.

I adored this book from start to finish! It’s got everything dangerous bargains, forbidden magic, and a romance that feels like falling under a spell. Sorsha’s a courtesan who’ll do anything for her freedom, even spy on the fae elite, but she doesn’t plan on meeting Lord Corvus Stormfall or wanting him as badly as she does. Soon they’re tangled in passion, politics, and a fae plot that could tear their world apart. Dark, romantic, and totally addictive.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cidney Mayes for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book cover is STUNNING and I was immediately drawn into the premise of the story. There are so many things this book has going for it that people will enjoy.

Unfortunately, a few things fell flat for me. Our FMC is a courtesan but not really, she is not seductive or alluring or dangerous. The MMC (Rhysand who did this to you vibes) fell in love with her right away with just one look, I wish it was more drawn out and that they had really been playing a game against each other, turning into enemies to lovers. "I won't kiss you until you want me to" had me hopeful for that, but then they kissed a few chapters later. I think this trope definitely works for some people, just not for me.

There is a LOT of politics, human vs. fae and draining of magic which was intriguing, until I got a little confused by who is who.

Overall, I read it all and it was not bad. I think there is a market for this story. Personally, it felt a little cookie-cutter to me, and felt like the same romance tropes put into new packaging. I think there will be another book in this series.

Thank you for allowing me to review your work.

The Starlit Shadow by Cidney Mayes
⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5

Publication Date: 19th August 2025

Thank you to @netgalley and @cranthorpemillnerpublishers for a free copy in exchange for a honest review.

This book was like a thousand books I have read before, court politics and forbidden love. I thought this book sounded so good, and just look at that beautiful cover! But it really let me down, I felt nothing towards the characters, i found the female lead boring and the male lead was all the clichés you expect. The writing was good though and easy to read, even if I struggled abit, and the world building with a bit of work could of been fantastic. This book could of definitely been something great with more time, I can see the potential.

The Starlit Shadow by Cidney Mayes is a lush, intoxicating fantasy romance brimming with intrigue, magic, and irresistible chemistry. From the opulent yet dangerous halls of the House of Night to the high-stakes political machinations of the fae elite, Mayes weaves a story that is both sensual and suspenseful. Sorsha is a captivating heroine, sharp, determined, and caught between survival and desire, while Corvus brings a brooding charm and depth that makes their slow-burn connection all the more addictive. The worldbuilding is rich with forbidden magic, simmering rebellion, and morally gray choices, creating a setting you can sink into completely. Perfect for fans of romantic fantasy with equal parts heat and high stakes, The Starlit Shadow will leave readers breathless and eager for more.

It had a really interesting plot but it fell a little flat for me. I did like the relationship develop between the main characters but the mc held it together mainly

I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favorite touches was how Corvus’ wings weren’t just a visual flourish! They were woven naturally into daily life, from the way they draped over furniture to clothing adapted with holes for them, or simply being a little in the way. It made the world feel tangible and lived-in. In the ARC I read, I did notice a few small continuity details that I hope were refined before release, but these didn’t take away from the vivid imagery and character presence that stood out most to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will 100% pick up the following ones once they’re out! (And maybe even get them as ARCs. Time will tell :D)

I have to say, I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was such an interesting read! I found Sorsha really likeable and she felt as a complete FMC with fire in her. I felt Corvus was slightly inspired by Rhysand from ACOTAR but he was his own MMC and I didn't feel that he was a copy of Rhysand, but I LOVED him as a book boyfriend and I'm sure people will love him too. And poor Tristan, I feel he's Dorian (from Throne of Glass) coded, but in the best way possible.
I loved Sorsha's plot twist and I didn't see it coming, so kudos for that!
The yearning was top notch and the magic system was very interesting, and I want to understand what happenes. I would like to have a little more information on ho Andromeda kept her magic so strong when a lot of people lost most of it, unless that's to be discovered in a future book, but I felt the information that was given was enough to get a sense of the world building and history of that universe without feeling too dense. I will definitely recommend this book as it was amazing!!
Found what I think are two minor issues in the book that I would like to highlight: In Loc 2580 it says "cad" and I think it means to say "card", although this one might not be an issue, just wanted to point it out. On the other hand, in Loc 4217 it says "Ferdie had seen to the mess in the hall" but I believe it should be Dio, as we are not aware if Ferdie survived the explosion and Dio was the one that was there when Sorsha arrived.

Firstly, I just want to say thank you to NetGalley, Cranthorpe Miller Publishers, and Cindy Mayes for providing an ARC of this book.

Honestly the cover and the synopsis drew me in for this book, a courtesan spy yes please! But once I started reading my hopes dropped a bit, she didn’t use her charm and seduction as a weapon but instead avoided all clients and fell very flat. Then the jealousy from the top courtesan in the house just felt forced since our FMC was awkward and barely could consider herself a courtesan. Now our MMC, he falls instantly in love with our FMC (not a trope for me personally) but he starts spilling secrets way too fast. Like sir please have a little bit of wariness here for someone you just met.

The plot was so interesting but I just found there was a lack of world building, you just felt thrown into the world, and a lot of the dialogue was quite cringey. Just made me struggle to get through this book, constantly checking how much left I had to go until the end. I’d say if I’d read this when I was a bit younger I would’ve loved this book since it just reads a bit more YA than adult.

I don’t think I’ll be reading the next instalment, the way our FMCs identity was revealed was very anticlimactic and I personally couldn’t get a connection with any of the characters in this book.

3.5 rounded up!
The Starlit Shadow is a whirlwind of a read. The plot moves at lightning speed, making it easy to finish in just a sitting or two. While I didn’t find it particularly unique among the many books being released lately, it still delivered an entertaining ride. The romance is pure insta-love with a full dose of Romeo and Juliet level star-crossed drama, which will appeal to readers who love intense, fated connections.

A courtesan spy, a winged fae lord, and a dangerous game of secrets—what could possibly go wrong?

Sorsha was abandoned by her parents at the House of Night, a place where fae and humans alike indulge in forbidden magic and desires. There, she worked as a courtesan—until her Madame forced her into espionage, tasked with uncovering secrets about a coup against the crown and the dwindling magic of their world.

But as fate would have it, she fell in love with her target, Lord Corvus Stormfall—a fae with charcoal wings.

I really enjoyed this book. Sorsha is a survivor, through and through, and that determination is woven into every decision she makes. While I found her a little unrelatable at times and wished for more depth in her character, I still understood her motives. Corvus, too, has his own burdens to bear, and I couldn’t help but feel for him—especially when he was wracked with guilt over something as small as accidentally looking at her back after promising not to. That moment got to me. Despite his almost unreasonable loyalty, he fought his way back to her, and that devotion shone through.

That said, I did wish for more emotional depth and chemistry between them. The sparks are there, but I wanted them to burn hotter! Hopefully, the next book will deliver more passion and richer character development.

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Thank you to @NetGalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, and Cidney Mayes for the ARC!

Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Winged MMC
- Political court
- Fae
- Secret identities
- Courtesan spy FMC
- Protective MMC