This was a solid epic fantasy and definitely on the heavier side, but in a way I really enjoyed. The worldbuilding is super detailed and adds a lot to the story without feeling pointless or overwhelming. There is a romance subplot, which was nice, but it never took over and stayed very much in the background.

I also had the privilege of experiencing this both as a physical read as well as being able to listen to it on audiobook, and honestly, both were great. The dual narrators were spot on and really brought the story to life, which made it even easier to stay immersed in the world and the characters.

I really liked Constantine’s writing style. It flowed well, the pacing worked for me, and the characters actually felt like they grew as the story went on. Leilani is a great main character, and I stayed invested in her journey the whole way through.

There’s a lot going on here: politics, magic, prophecies, travel, and trials, but it all felt purposeful. If you’re into epic fantasy that takes you on an adventure and doesn’t shy away from complexity, this one’s worth checking out.

This was the perfect companion to have whilst reading the book. I felt so immersed in the story with the audiobook playing alongside.

The actors were cast perfectly in my opinion. They both had excellent, clear voices and their different interpretations of the characters was fabulous. I especially loved listening to Gaia Wise’s chapters. Her voice was melodic to me and I was entranced throughout. I really hope they both do the audiobook for the next books.

This was so good and so epic in scale yet very accessible. I love me a quest story with a bunch of characters that you grow to love over time. The twists and turns did and turns did surprise me and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.

💜 This was a very highly anticipated read for me so, I was nervous after much eagerness. I need'nt have been worried, the moment I entered into Venetias world, I left mine and was transported into her vivid and ethereal imaginings. 💜

💎 It was a joy to feel like I was waking in the characters shoes, experiencing their highs and lows. I felt like all of my senses were heightened through the perfect descriptions so I was fully able to empathise with their journeys.💎

🗻 I really enjoyed getting to know Arcelia and it's rich history. This book may have a world that is all beauty and grace on the surface but very quickly, I realised it also has beautifully complex characters full of flaws, grit and all with their own intriguing story to tell. Their backgrounds slowly start to come to light making you realise that where their actions may lead you to certain conclusions, there is so much more driving them. I adored exploring the ever changing relationships between the main characters and seeing them grow against all odds after being forced into many an uncomfortable revelation and situation. 🗻

🗡️ Venetias writing is nothing short of GORGEOUS. Knowing that she has Art and English in her past is very apparent in her world building. I felt the cold the characters were feeling, I marvelled at the beauty that they did, I felt their despair and all of the other feels. 🗡️

💜🩶 I always adore a dual POV and this book is the perfect example of it done well. You're really seeing two very different sides of the same story. It was easy to see how the Leilani and Astrophel draw the wrong conclusions and also, interesting to get the internal thoughts of each to see the truth of it from their eyes 🩶💜

🔮 Overall I came out of this book mourning the end when it felt like just the beginning despite all that happened on this epic adventure. The cliffhangers and unanswered questions! I shall be dropping everything as soon as I am able to get my mitts on book 2! I've no idea how it's going to go and while I feel safe in Venetias hands on this journey, I simultaneously know she is willing to rip my heart out 😂🔮

🎧 The audio for this book could not have been better cast. Both Astrophel and Leilani brought the characters to life beautifully. The other characters had differing but not jarring accents to set them apart from the 2 main characters. I was fully immersed in this world with this audiobook.

✨ Thank you so much Venetia for having me as a part of Team Stardust and Thank you Head of Zeus for the ARC ✨

I know we aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover but this has to be one of the most beautiful covers I've seen.

On the outside, it's a pastel dream…but on the inside?
It’s packed with intense world-building, fascinating lore, and magical creatures. All of my favourite things 🤍

This is a classic romantic fantasy book…
✓ arranged marriage
✓ enemies/ rivals-to-lovers
✓ love triangle*(🤮)
✓ a perilous quest
✓ very naughty baddies
✓ found family
✓ heart wrenching moments
✓ magical creatures (in abundance 🤍)
✓ slowburn/ yearning

It's not a spicy book… well not yet. The slow burn is still a meagre little flame but this is a trilogy so my fingers are crossed for the next book. 🤞

*Trigger warning for my fellow trope-haters: there is a love triangle.
The worst part? Normally I have a favourite so I lean one way but I love them both 😢
…and I think it’s safe to say this won’t lead to a "why choose" scenario.

I can't wait to explore more of this world.
This book gradually gets more bleak/ somber and I think we're going to be in for a yummy dark turn with the next books.
Also, branching out to the different locations is going to be a highlight for me. I can't wait to see what new magical creatures will pop up.

I read this as an advance reader copy in audiobook format.
I can be quite picky when it comes to narrators but this book was a massive win. The voice was soft and serious, perfectly matching the FMC. Gaia Wise really did the character justice.

The dual POV is cleverly done with this book and works really well.
Venetia... I think I speak on the behalf of both current and future fans of this book… we NEED Blayze POV chapters in the sequel 💁‍♀️

This is a tidy start to what has the potential to be a banging trilogy and I genuinely had a lot of fun reading it.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Venetia Constantine for the audiobook ARC! 💜✨

I have just finished reading this book and I still can’t quite put into words how much I adore this book. The magic the stars the characters are still lingering in my head 🥹💜. It’s whimsical nostalgia epic and just damn right beautiful.

Let’s talk about the world building and writing.
What I really loved about The Last Starborn Seer is how nice it felt to live in this world for a while. The worldbuilding doesn’t overwhelm you it gently pulls you in. You learn things the same way the characters do, through movement, ritual, history, and quiet moments, not lectures. It feels intuitive and immersive, like the world trusts you.

The magic is woven into everyday life in such a satisfying way. It’s not just something characters use its something they live with.
Venetia’s writing style is a huge part of that magic. It’s soft, lyrical, and intentional. Nothing feels wasted. The prose lingers just long enough to let emotions settle, to let scenes breathe. Absolutely written so beautifully I cannot describe.

Let’s talk characters and romance, we have multiple POVs which is always a fave. Astrophel Lelani and Blayze each bring something so special and unique to the story I especially loved Astrophels POV it really gave us an insight into his feelings. We have a slowwww burn romance ❤️‍🔥 which I’m not mad about.


This book understands that destiny isn’t romantic it’s lonely, complicated, and deeply human. And somehow, that makes the love and choices hit even harder.

The ending ✨- well we all know how I feel about this let’s just say I stopped breathing my heart was in my throat I’m keeping this spoiler free.

If High fantasy, beautiful world building lyrical poetic prose along rich lore celestial vibes is calling your name then I highly recommend the last starborn seer this book now lives rent free in my head! ✨💜

Thank you to Netgallery and Venetia Constantine for an eARC and audiobook ARC of The Last Starborn Seer in exchange for my honest review.

The perfect blend of high fantasy and subtle romantasy, this book is packed with rich world building, an intriguing magic system and powerful character dynamics, allowing me to become fully immersed into this world.

The slower pacing of this book will appeal to those who prioritise, and love, strong world building. Think Lord of the Rings but with lots more sparkle.

The writing was so beautifully descriptive. Complementing this by reading alongside the audiobook made the world really come to life for me and I was pulled right in, unable to put it down.

It’s obvious a lot of work and thought has gone into the background of each character and the depth of the story as a whole, and I feel this is only a small glimpse of what is to come as the series evolves further.

Multiple POVs, love triangle (without it being too much), an epic quest and magic with consequences. I can’t wait to get my hands on my pre order copy!

Also… that ending!! I read it three times, leaving me inpatient for book two (and this one hasn’t even been released yet).

This started off a little slow for me but the more I listened, the more I enjoyed it and by the end I was invested in the characters and their journey. The beginning is pretty heavy on worldbuilding and lore with a lot of information up front. I did find it a bit slow while I was getting my bearings, but once the story found its rhythm and the journey properly began I started enjoying it more and more.

Leilani is a flawed layered character and I really felt for her. Her Starborn magic, the expectations placed on her, the shame she carries and the fear of losing herself all make her arc feel emotionally grounded. The themes of healing and self-acceptance worked really well for me, especially as her relationships and experiences start to challenge what she’s been taught about herself and the world.

The character dynamics were a big highlight. Watching the quaternity slowly learn to trust each other, unlearn old prejudices and realise not everything they know/think is true added so much depth. I enjoyed the banter and the found family vibes built in such a natural satisfying way. I also loved the contrast between the different races and their Guardians and how that shaped conflict and understanding.

I really enjoyed the dual POV between Leilani and Astrophel and seeing the same events through two very different perspectives was especially interesting early on. So many interactions are shaped by the narratives Astrophel has been fed about Leilani and her power and as the story progresses those gaps begin to slowly close.

I listened on audio and really enjoyed the narrators, their performances suited the story well and helped me settle into the world more easily. Overall a character driven fantasy with rich worldbuilding, meaningful growth and slow-burn tension. Perfect for fans of flawed heroines, found family and emotionally grounded stories. You just need to be patient.

“I know I am asking you to take a leap of faith, to place yourself in danger, but you have more within you, Leilani, than you realise. Be brave. Shine bright.”

Leilani Stellarion must bring representatives from each realm on a quest to help save her mother, and their world.

Leilani is not the typical romantasy heroine, and for that I’m glad. Her judgement is clouded by her own anxieties and self-hatred, she’s indecisive and at war with herself. She isn’t even always a reliable narrator. Through this story, her sheltered world opens up, as she meets new people, and learns new things about herself.

TLSS feels more epic and high fantasy than a lot of what I’ve read lately, with an expansive world, and plenty of lore to get stuck into. It still has a strong romance plot, which I got completely invested in, but it definitely sets itself apart from other romantasy reads.

The romance is technically a love triangle, but it’s more nuanced than “who will she pick”, with complex characters all round. I was either rooting for, or angry at, different characters at different points.

The strong personal journey at the centre, along with the world-building, helped this feel like a healthy mix of high fantasy and romance.

There are two POVs in this book: Leilani and Astrophel.

Their betrothal has been planned by Leilani’s father, the king,and while it would benefit Astrophel, Leilani is desperate to escape the arranged marriage.

Astrophel’s POV was ESSENTIAL, and I’m not just saying that because I have a huge soft spot for him. There’s an extra dimension added to the story when we get to see it through Astrophel’s eyes. Sometimes, that extra dimension might break your heart a little. Or maybe you’ll hate him? I honestly don’t know, but his chapters were such an important part of the story.

One big theme in this is heritage, birthright, power. Is it a curse or a gift? Can it be both? In my experience, fantasy is a great genre for exploring themes like this, and it’s done really beautifully here. Shame and duty, blood vs. found family, destiny vs. free will.

Outside of the character development, the setting is incredibly vivid and immersive. I love when a book fully drops you into a world the way this one does. The way the world-building unfurls through the story works well, without the info-dumping that can come with books like this. It really does feel like a nostalgic fantasy setting; sparkling, beautiful, but dangerous.

Just like the main character, whose appearance sounds like that of an otherworldly, ethereal princess, but who holds darkness within, either in her past or in her mind.

The narrators were perfectly cast, and they really added something to this read/listen.

The Last Starborn Seer is the highest of high fantasy with magical creatures and a perilous quest, this is one for the lovers of intricate worldbuilding and epic fantasy!

Following Leilani Stellarion, the last Starborn Seer, born with a curse and scorned by her kingdom, her usefulness is limited to the marriage of convenience that's arranged for her. That is, until she finds a way to escape her forced marriage and save her dying mother's life. Joined by a member of each of the realms of Astelia, and the man she hates - her betrothed, Leilani sets out on a perilous quest to save her mother and the future of Astelia itself.

The audiobook is told as a duet, with both narrators doing an excellent job. I always have an audiobook on the go but I'm a very picky listener - if the narrator doesn't hold my attention I'm quick to DNF. I'm pleased to say both these narrators held my attention and added something personal to the narrative. Also, with such intricate worldbuilding it really helped to hear how some of the names were pronounced - there's no way I would have got the pronunciation for cielsylph correct otherwise!

Constantine has crafted a world that shines brightly, with glittering prose and complex characters. I loved the epic worldbuilding and characterisation - each of the members of the quaternity are well fleshed-out with their own personalities and motivations. There is a love triangle, betrayal and a looming sense of dread throughout as Leilani's own magic poses a threat to her and all the members of the quaternity. My only dislike was I found Leilani to be quite unlikeable by the end of the book but I think that was a deliberate choice by the author and I look forward to seeing how her character develops in the next book!

Tropes -
Love triangle
Chosen one
Forced proximity
Perilous quest

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Slow start, but make it worth it: Okay, the world-building is a bit of a slow burn, but once the plot kicks in?
Absolute
Fantasy > Romantasy: If you're here for just spice, move along. This is proper, high-stakes fantasy with a sub plot of romance and I am OBSESSED.
Dual POV = YES PLEASE: Getting into Leilani and
Astrophel's heads was everything. The tension? The drama
Starborn Chaos: I'm obsessed with Leilani's unstable magic and her journey to prove she's not the monster everyone thinks she is. I just love a "reclaiming my fate" moment.
Found Family/Relationships: The friendships and character dynamics are top tier. I would literally die for some of these characters already. KK *
I loved watching these characters grow!
If you like your characters flawed and your worlds immersive, YOU NEED TO PRE ORDER THIS.
It's an absolutely stunning debut!

I really enjoyed this and I really enjoyed the narration. I think it’s so important to have a good narrator when it comes to audiobooks and this did and it really made the book so much better

I finished The Last Starborn Seer yesterday and I am still emotionally recovering. That ending?? Absolutely unhinged. I need book two immediately.

From the very first chapter, this book pulls you into a world that feels both expansive and intimate. The lore around the Starborn and the Seers is layered and intriguing without ever feeling overwhelming. Every revelation feels earned, and the slow unraveling of the bigger mystery kept me glued to the pages.

But what really made this book stand out for me were the characters. Leilani carries such emotional weight — the burden of destiny, the fear of getting it wrong, the constant tension between fate and choice. Watching them struggle with visions that may or may not be preventable was both heartbreaking and addictive. And don’t even get me started on the relationships. The trust issues. The tension. The quiet moments that made everything hurt more later.

And then. That. Cliffhanger.

I genuinely had to sit there staring at the last page like, “That’s it???” The final twist completely reframed everything I thought I understood. It wasn’t just a dramatic ending — it was the kind that makes you want to immediately flip back through earlier chapters looking for clues you missed.

If you love high-stakes fantasy with prophecy, morally complicated choices, emotional angst, and endings that leave you screaming into the void, this is absolutely for you.

Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book two because I refuse to live in this state of suspense forever.

this is a story written with starlight.

this book has a lush, flowery prose which glimmers against the dark and complex atmosphere. the world building in this book is exceptional. with magical creatures and extraordinary backdrops, you can imagine the ethereal locations our characters travel to.

in this book we follow leilani - a cursed seer, longing for individuality and escape from her horrid fate. she is begrudgingly betrothed to astrophel - a chronic “fixer” with a heart-wrenching desire to be loved. they go on a quest in order to find a lost artefact, in order to save their plagued realm. they recruit a team of support including blayze - the brash, broody clan leader who is equally daunting as he is endearing.

alll the characters in this are morally grey, do not be mistaken. there is no “good guy” to root for. this, in some ways, makes the love triangle even better. it’s hard to know what is best for leilani as she often doesn’t comprehend what is best for herself. she is very self critical and has allowed her “branding” to shape how she sees herself and how she believes others see her.

if you like the writing style of sarah a parker, wherein the world building can be slightly overwhelming but once it clicks you are in DEEP - then you will enjoy this. If you love lies, deception and unreliable narrators - then you will really enjoy this. And, if you like the vibe of Barbie & the Pegasus - you will love this!

i’m very excited to see where this series goes. I can’t wait to follow leilani on her future quests and endeavours along with the found family and creatures they encounter on the way.

The Last Starborn Seer drew me in straightaway with its blend of magic, danger and emotional depth. The worldbuilding is vivid and imaginative, and the magic system feels well thought out without ever becoming overwhelming. Arcelia is the kind of setting that lingers in your mind long after you stop reading.

Leilani is a strong and engaging heroine, carrying heavy burdens from both her past and the prophecy hanging over her. I really enjoyed following her struggle to balance fear, duty and her own sense of identity. The multiple perspectives added richness to the story and helped me understand just how much survival and hardship have shaped every character. The romance subplot is gentle and slow burning, complementing the political tension rather than competing with it.

The story starts at a measured pace, which may feel slow for some, but once the threads start weaving together the plot becomes genuinely gripping. There are twists that surprised me and moments that reminded me why I love epic fantasy. The ending ties enough together to be satisfying while still leaving plenty to anticipate in the next book.

Things I Loved

✨ Detailed worldbuilding and intriguing magic
🧠 Complex characters shaped by trauma and resilience
💓 A slow burn romance that feels natural
⚔️ Strong political and epic-quest elements
😮 Some well delivered twists

⭐ Audiobook note: The audiobook genuinely boosted my experience. The dual narration made it much easier to stay connected during the slower, more detailed sections and helped each point of view feel distinct. I did have to concentrate to make sure I caught all the lore and clues, but it kept me engaged rather than overwhelmed, and the performances added emotional weight to some key moments.

A Few Minor Drawbacks

⏳ The early pacing felt a little slow in places
🧩 A couple of worldbuilding details could have been clearer earlier on

This is a beautifully crafted and emotionally rich fantasy with characters you genuinely want to follow. It didn’t quite reach five stars for me due to some uneven pacing, but it is still a fantastic read and a brilliant start to a series that has huge potential. I will definitely be picking up the next instalment!

🔮Magic System
✨Forced Proximity
🔮Complex Characters
✨High Stakes Quest
🔮Enemies to Friends
✨Coming of age
🔮Found Family

Venetia Constantine's writing is the true star of this book. A wonderful introduction to this Epic Fantasy world and it's characters and I was never quite sure where it would go next.

I remember DMing Venetia at around 75% because my jaw was on the floor with what had happened, and pretty much stayed there for the remainder of the book. For a deeply complex world with equally as complex characters, I found this an easy read and very engaging. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

Wholly recommend for anyone who loves a fantasy quest with atmospheric scenery.

The audio for this one was wonderfully acted and easy to follow. Hats off to the narrator for a great job!

Thankyou to netgalley and the publisher for an ALC

beautifully written, quite addictive and a great plot

I absolutely love a good quest and to have that with just a sprinkle of romance made it very special.

audiobook was perfect!!

thankyou netgelly

I had no idea what to expect from this book, between the stunning cover, the mention of "steamy" in the book description, and the comparisons with Tolkien. It seemed like it shouldn't all go together - but it did. This was a complex epic fantasy with a well-developed world. It was clear that a lot of work went into breathing life into the setting, and I enjoyed all the little details sprinkled throughout. At the same time, at the core of the book were the characters and their complicated relationships. I did enjoy the love triangle (rectangle?) - I thought it provided a good dose of humanity and simple but strong emotion, in contrast to the epic, world-saving quest. I think fans of romantic epic fantasy will love this one.

Absolutely brilliant book!

This is part one in a series, and OMG do we need part 2!

The writing was phenomenal, the narration really stood up to it.

The world building might seem complex at first, but there is a glossary and everything is very well explained. I loved the FMC and how she deals with years of trauma and suffering simply for being different and how she learns to think and act for herself, not necessarily for other people's expectations.

This is a dual POV book - and I must say Astrophel is the character that stood out to me: he is the one who as the most intense arc, he develops in a positive way , he's got deep wounds that he needs to heal while no one is really rooting for him. I liked him way more than the actual MMC, who to me is quite shallow (I think we'll get more of him in following books, so this is not harsh criticism) - I also quite liked the side characters, but again we'll need more of them in following books. For this one I'd say there are too many internal monologues of the narrators and not enough info about other characters, but this doesn't make the book less enjoyable.

I really liked the terminology, the atmospheric setting and the adventures that the characters already had.

All in all, I really loved this book, and would highly recommend pre ordering any version of it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Venetia for the chance to read this book ahead of publication!

Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC!

Going in, I thought this would lean heavily towards romantasy (dramatic tension, swoony moments, all that). Instead, The Last Starborn Seer is very much epic fantasy first, with romance simmering gently on the edges rather than driving the story. And honestly, once I adjusted my expectations, I really appreciated it. The world building is dense and immersive, the kind that throws you into the deep end and trusts you to figure it out. At first, I felt slightly lost, but eventually the lore clicked, and I found myself fully invested in the stakes. The pacing is unapologetically slow-burn. This story takes its time building atmosphere, politics, and character relationships before letting things escalate (which will work for some readers more than others). Leilani is exactly the kind of protagonist I root for. Not effortlessly powerful, not endlessly brave, just trying to survive while destiny keeps escalating the situation. Her growth feels messy and believable, which made every small victory land harder. There is romantic tension, but it’s subtle and very much secondary to the epic fantasy plot. I’m curious to see where the love triangle goes because, for now, I wasn’t completely sold on it. The chemistry is more hinted at than fully developed, so I’m hoping the next installment leans into the romantic dynamics a little more.

The audiobook genuinely helped me settle into the story. Both narrators nailed the atmospheric, almost mythic tone without becoming overly dramatic. The slower pacing actually works well in audiobook form, it felt like listening to a legend unfold rather than trying to race through dense lore on the page.

Final thoughts:
✨ epic fantasy first, romance second
✨ immersive lore and emotional stakes
✨ slow burn everything
✨ audiobook adds major atmosphere

I finished this curious, invested, and very ready to see how both the story and that love triangle develop in sequel.

Super high fantasy story! I loved having the audio as a companion to the story. It was such a lovely audiobook it really added to the story and helped me really understand the high fantasy elements. This was defo High fantasy which I wasn’t expecting tbh but it was really interesting all the world building and lore. Such an amazing and well written debut!

An ethereal fantasy that is often lyrical in its prose, TLSS is a beautiful debut with an exciting quest arc, a great line up of interesting characters and a sizzling romance. There was quite a lot of information prior to the book starting about the world and its history which was a bit intimidating at first and in some ways was better as an audio but was harder to refer back to. While this has a lot of qualities of a romantasy book, the world building was more like that of an epic fantasy which was refreshing. It did take me some time to get into the book but once the quest element began and we got to experience and explore the world with the characters I really got into it. I enjoyed theorising about how this was going to play out, and while I guessed some parts there were others I didn't which is always a positive for me when reading. The dual POV was good for the pacing of the story but I would have loved to have heard Blayze's pov too.

I loved the narrators for this, they really brought the characters to life and made the experience all the more enjoyable.

I'm excited to see where this series goes!

-Rating & Tropes-
✨ 4.75/5 {Rounded up}
🫂 Found Family
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
❤️‍🩹 Love Triangle
🧝🏼‍♀️ Epic World-Building
🗺️ Quest
🦄 Mythical Creatures
2️⃣ Dual POV

📚Book One of a Trilogy

🔏Pub Date: 5th March 2026

-Thoughts-
I really enjoyed the immersive world building of The Last Starborn Seer, the world this author has created is lush and atmospheric I wanted to jump right in and take residence. The characters are all very well written each with their own distinctive personalities and appearances that I never found myself getting confused with who was who whilst reading. The plot kept me reaching for this book over and over and I’m excited to continue this series. I recommend this to anyone who’s looking for ~The Last Unicorn~ vibes, with an epic quest and a side of romance.

-Thank you-
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC and a huge thank you to Venetia Constantine.
& a shout out to Gaia Wise and Maxim Ays who truly brought these characters to life.
Also reviewed on Goodreads, StoryGraph & Fable

Disclaimer - My rating reflects the vibes and enjoyment I had whilst reading the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

The Last Starborn Seer was a story that really grew on me.

I’ll be honest the beginning felt quite slow and it took me a while to fully settle into the world. There’s a lot being established early on, and because of that I initially struggled to connect with the characters in a meaningful way. I wasn’t immediately emotionally invested, which made the first few chapters harder to get through than I expected.

However, once the plot began to unfold and the stakes became clearer, everything shifted. The pacing picked up, the tension deepened, and the characters started to feel far more layered and compelling. I found myself increasingly drawn into the central conflict and genuinely curious about how everything would resolve.

By the end, I was completely invested and turning pages quickly.

Overall, while it had a slower start for me, I ended up really enjoying this book. It’s one that rewards patience, and I’m glad I stuck with it. A solid four-star read that fantasy readers who enjoy layered world-building and character growth will likely appreciate.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is such a great debut. Firstly, the cover is absolutely stunning — it was the purple that initially drew me in.

The real star of the show (pun intended) is the world that’s been created. It’s beautifully crafted and feels genuinely unique, and I had a wonderful time getting lost in it. I also really enjoyed the political elements. Watching how different characters manoeuvred around each other and seeing all the moving pieces gradually fall into place is one of my favourite aspects of fantasy, and this book delivered that very well.

The characters themselves were also well developed. They’re flawed, certainly, but that only made them feel more real. I particularly liked the addition of the guardians, and I appreciated that the story prioritised fantasy first with a touch of romance on the side. I already know who I’m rooting for and I’m really hoping that’s who Leilani ends up with. Let it also be known that I would happily throw Astrophel off a cliff.

The pacing did feel a little uneven at times, but by the second half the story really throws you into the thick of it. It becomes full of action, lies and secrets, and at that point you have no choice but to hold on for dear life. And that ending… what do you mean I have to wait for book two?

I also thought the narrators did an excellent job bringing the story to life. They made the world feel immersive and vivid.

Ultimately, you can tell this book was a labour of love, and that only added to the experience. I’m now very impatiently waiting for book two.

I have been looking forward to this book for so long and it really didn't disappoint. The writing is lyrical and whimsical and makes it so easy to get transported into another land, another world. I particularly loved the audiobook as it really helped bring the world to life, the narrator did a fantastic job of keeping me hooked and engaged the whole time

I was gifted an ARC of this book from Head of Zeus. Thank you!

Here's my blurb: 'Fantasy with a capital F. Every inch of Constantine's world dazzles with magic and depth, as do the characters that inhabit it. The Last Starborn Seer has all the makings of a fantasy sensation.'

And here's my non professional screaming: This book is so freaking good. I'M OBSESSED. It reminded me why I love epic fantasy so much, and was so nostalgic while also fresh. I love how much it leaned into the pure fantastical aspects. We have lots of unique races, brightly coloured hair, and a land so rich with history and magic I felt bereft to leave it.

Also I will fight anyone for Astrophel (the endearing little shit.)

"Yes books have saved me before. Stars willing, they'll save me again."

✨ Duet narration
❄️ Epic fantasy
🔮 Sprawling world-building
🦌 Sapient familiars
✨ Royal/political intrigue
❄️ Found family
🔮 Romantic sub-plot

If you yearn for the truly fantastical, for a fleshed out world reminiscent of Tolkien but with an 80s-fantasy flavour, you'll adore The Last Starborn Seer. The dual narration is perfect to reflect the dual POV, and both voice actors embody the characters in a way that enhances the story. Leilani's voice actress in particular has a cadence to her speaking that almost reminded me of Arwen from LOTR which was perfect for this.

Venetia's writing is lyrical in a way that proves both enjoyable for the reader and crucial in grounding this story in the magical realm of Arcelia. The characters are interesting and layered; flawed and yet redeemable which is refreshing amongst a sea of often one-dimensional heroes and antagonists.

I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this world, but I did find the romance element to be a lot lighter than the marketing implies. This didn't negate my enjoyment of the story once I adjusted my expectations, but it focuses a lot more on the royal/political intrigue and epic quest elements. I do feel like book one was setting us up for a more impactful romance in book two, however (though I fear my preferred pairing isn't going to happen!). Despite this, the fantasy elements are solid and its easy to see that Venetia has been dreaming up this world for a long time.

The pacing lagged a little during the mid-point but luckily the sheer depth of world building is often enough to make up for this, giving us something new to discover and marvel at even while the action is catching up.

Overall this a vast, atmospheric, enchanting tale with a great cast of characters (Briar the Sylvanmare has my heart) - I had a great time reading it and can't wait to see where Venetia takes us next.