Queen Atreya thought surviving the arena was the hardest battle she'd ever face. She was wrong.
When the magical wards protecting Ember shatter and her husband threatens everything she loves, Atreya is forced to make an impossible trust Ronan—a dangerous vampire who delights in tormenting her—or watch her kingdom burn.
Their mission is cross the hellscape of Ferenz to find help from her greatest enemy, the notorious Rebel King. But nothing about Ronan is what it seems. Bound by a blood vow and promised a ring that could let him walk in daylight, he serves the very man Atreya has spent her life hating.
As they journey through the wasteland together, Atreya discovers that surviving the monsters isn't her biggest challenge—it's resisting her growing attraction to the vampire who holds both her fate and her heart in his deadly hands.
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, THE STARS OF EMBER is a dark fantasy romance filled with sizzling tension, dangerous magic, and enemies-to-lovers passion that burns hotter than dragonfire.
In a world where magic strikes like lightning and desire cuts deeper than steel, some temptations are worth dying for...
I started writing when I was twelve. A poem here and there that gradually turned into more complex stories and worlds that I was trying to escape into.
That's it. That's the gist. Can we get back to fantasy lands now?
I received this as an ARC directly from the author, so yes , there's a bit of editing to be done still. However, it's a great story. I had a couple of questions but I can see those are being taken care of, now I can't wait to buy and read the fully edited version. Looking forward to the next one!
First off I love Ronan!! He lighted things up a bit gave contrast to a relatively dark setting. Their banter despite everything was absolutely hilarious at times. She is one of the strongest women mentally I have read, I only wish it went a little deeper as far as the mental English she has gone through. And that cliffhanger you are killing me. There’s no date on number three and I don’t know if there’s gonna be a number three, but I can’t wait.(There better be) Also want to point out I KNEW it from how I was explained in the first book to the second book. I just knew it and if you’ve read the book and you’re reading this, you know what I’m talking about. ;) recommend highly One complaint though there’s one part of the book that wasn’t clarified clear clearly I don’t know if I just missed it or what but I am a little confused but I don’t wanna give out spoilers. Have fun reading!!!
In “The Stars of Ember” we continue where the last book “Night Lore” left off. The journey then continues following Atreya but now also Ronan, a vampire who was visiting Ember. The narrative switches back and forth between these characters revealing inner thoughts, emotions, and so much more. This series is packed with drama, action, fantasy, and romance and I am obsessed. The plot of the book is EVERYTHING and the characters just add to the greatness. As a bonus, we see many recognizable characters from the first book carry over into this book which really kept the flow of the story on point. I really was worried when diving into the second book because I found the first book to be so good but “The Stars of Ember” did not disappoint and I will eagerly be awaiting for the next book. This story is **muah** chef’s kiss and I highly recommend!
I received this book as an ARC, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Stars of Ember is the second book in the Night Lore series, and the fifth book in G.B's catalogue. The book follows Ronan, an 800 year old vampire, and Atreya, a Fae woman and the Queen of Ember. The unlikely pair are tasked with travelling the continent in an attempt to escape Atreya's abusive husband, King Ramses, and get to the safety of Solaris and the Rebel King, Eldra.
The cover of The Stars of Ember is gorgeous, and having a warning page at the beginning is a really nice touch to help make sure the reader knows what they're getting into.
It does, however, seem to go downhill from there. There are formatting errors, grammatical errors, continuity errors… and that's just the bare bones of it. The premise of the book seemed like it would be right up my street, and everything I like in a novel, but it was poorly executed and genuinely a really difficult read. The action scenes didn't seem to have any pacing, and by action I mean both adventure and spice, but particularly with the fights– there always seemed to be a flashback or a side conversation that ruined the tension that the author was trying to build.
At one point, towards the end of the book, characters were being called the wrong names and paragraphs were being repeated mere pages apart and words were missing from sentences. Throughout, the author seemed to forget what the characters are like, constantly flipping Ronans body temperature from burning hot to ice cold. His heartbeat was also up for constant debate. Sometimes it was silent, dead, and other times it beat slowly, unlike the other humanoids of this world. The book seemed to take twice as long to read as I kept having to flick back and forth to check that it wasn't something that I was confusing, rather than actually being in the text (spoiler alert: it was almost always in the text).
Overall, it was a disappointing read in both the way it was written, and the fact that it wasn't as good as the blurb led me to believe. The author needs to take a good look at her characters and the lore that she's built around them and their races, to make sure they're consistent throughout the book. A good editor to look through and help with grammar and continuity would also not go amiss.
I recently received and reviewed Night Lore, the first book of this series, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next. So when I received an offer for an ARC of The Stars of Ember, I put all other books I was working on on hold so I could read and review this one by the deadline. Night Lore was good, but The Stars of Ember blows it out of the water! I was sucked in from page one and couldn't put it down.
I love Ronan so, so much, and the push-and-pull of his and Atreya's relationship provides a palpable tension through much of the novel (which, unlike book one, takes place over a period of just a few months). She's still reeling from all of the trauma and suffering she experienced in book one, and she wears that suffering like armor, doing her best to be impenetrable. Even so, she can't help but be drawn to this vampire that yanked her away from everything she's ever known to escort her to Ember, where he promises she will find protection and aid under the rebel king she has come to hate so much.
Atreya's story is a difficult one, and I would definitely heed the trigger warnings for DV, narcissistic abuse, and PTSD. Her husband, King Ramses, used and manipulated her for years, and that abuse haunts her throughout The Stars of Ember in ways that can feel quite real for readers who have experienced similar. But watching her try to face it, grow, and move on can also feel somewhat healing.
Will Atreya be able to work alongside her new companions from New Solara, build a better life for herself, and find peace? Who knows. But I can't wait for book three to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thrown through a portal by Gael, Ronan is surrounded by three figures, so he stretched out on the carpet and complimented them on their creative method for trying to kill him. Xaneth, Ronan’s master, had bragged in front of everyone that Ronan had an invitation to Ember whose walls were warded. Eldra approached and told him they needed to get past those walls and Ronan would need to capture Furian Slayer, Queen Atreya. They actually thought he could do it! The room cleared except for Eldra who then told him he had a Daylight ring that was supposed to have been destroyed, but his father had kept it. With the ring, Ronan could move freely during daylight hours. And if he succeeded in capturing Atreya, the ring would be his to keep. Eldra threw open the curtains and the sun’s rays touched his skin… with NO effect! A blood vow would secure their deal and prevent betrayal. When their deal produced the required bond, he gazed down at a woman, alledged to be violent and fearsome, lying unconscious on the forest floor. When Queen Atreya wakes, only Ronan is standing next to her in the woods. Now they have a mission to go for help from her enemy, the rebel king, with Ronan promising she will find protection and help. But traveling through the wasteland together, it’s not just the monsters she will need to fight. It is getting more difficult to ignore her own attraction to the vampire she is falling for.
I was so excited to be able to receive this as an advanced copy. Now, on to the goodness of the review!
I will preface this review by stating, read at your own risk and mind the trigger warnings, this book covers some heavier topics. Your mental health matters.
I absolutely LOVED watching the healing journey that Atreya goes on in this book. Ronan was an interesting character, and the banter between the two was absolutely needed between all of the craziness of the journey.
Vampires, fae and dragons OH MY! But seriously, the variety of creatures and characters in this book are amazing. The world building was once more absolute perfect!
There was a few spicy moments, around 3 peppers out of 5.
There were some twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and some that I suspected after reading the first book, iykyn. I won’t say more as not to spoil anything.
It does end on a bit of a cliff hanger and I’m hopeful there will be a third one! Fingers and toes crossed!
The Stars of Ember picks up seamlessly from where Night Lore left off, continuing the thrilling journey with Atreya while also introducing Ronan, a vampire visiting Ember. The narrative shifts between these two characters, allowing readers to dive deep into their inner thoughts, emotions, and evolving stories. The dual perspective really adds depth to the plot, creating a rich and multifaceted experience.
What I love most about this book is how it builds on the first one, answering lingering questions while still keeping the story fresh and engaging. It’s the perfect continuation of a series, expanding the world and its characters in ways that feel natural and exciting. The pacing is well-balanced, and Batista does an excellent job of keeping us entertained while unraveling more of the mystery and intrigue.
If you enjoyed Night Lore, The Stars of Ember is a must-read. It expands the universe and keeps the stakes high while developing the characters in a way that makes you even more invested in their journeys.
“Let’s see what happens when we rewrite the rules, shall we?”
The Stars of Ember is book two in The Night Lore series. It picks up exactly where book one leaves off but then goes back a bit to give more details and back story to how things got to where they are currently. It is a duel POV unlike book one with it mostly following Atreya and her Fae life as a courtier in the castle to her life as queen. She has power that most cannot possess among other povs. This book follows Atreya and Ronan only. At the end of book one Ronan takes Atreya from her kingdom and then runs while the barriers to her kingdom are down! In book two we follow them as they both grow as characters but also as the try to save Ember(her kingdom) from her kings horrible rule. Atreya discovers she is more powerful then she could have imagined. Eventually they have feelings but if you wanna know if they act on them or not your just gonna have to read it! What I can say is that I am in love with this series and I CANNOT wait for the next book!!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the second book I do recommended reading the first book not because you have to, but it is worth the read. If you like a good enemy to lovers' book this is a good read with a riveting story look no further. Also did I mention it has magic and dragons? I enjoyed the first book and was unsure how the story would unfold after the cliffhanger it was left on. I was rooting for the Servat and Queen Atreya to somehow make it out of the castle together with their son. Just for that to be destroyed in front of me with a lightning strike. I was not expecting that enemies to lovers turn in this book. Ronan did not do anything as evil and veil as her own husband but a half-truth and a few more fumbles have broken her trust. The twist and turn in keeps me reading but I think how these books end gives me anxiety while I wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my this book will break your heart, mend it, only to rip it out again and Im here for it. Atreya is with Ronan now and she is battling over her emotions about what just happened. Ronan makes everything a joke which pisses of Atreya. As time goes by they see the chinks in their armour to what they hide beneath it. On the run from Rames and only able to travel at night. You get to meet amazing characters and go through unimaginable events. Just when everything is going well the bottom falls out with devastating revelations. With their world turned upside down can they come together to fight? This story is woven with so much heartache you can feel it seep off the pages but you get flashes of joy, love, found family, this author will pull at every emotion you have and take it beyond its limits. This book is a roller coaster ride so you better hold on with 2 hands and enjoy the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received this as an ARC and my opinions are my own🖤
I loved this installment and I had a feeling I knew who Atreyas parents were and I was correct.
The enemies to lovers was done very well and a great slow burn. Ramses was an Ahole as always and a great villain. I was wondering when we would see more of Eldra and he came back in at the perfect time.
The flow of the story was so good. I was so hooked after reading Night Lore and I loved this one even more.
Atreyas love and strength for Vryseris was so beautiful and so pure.
The spice was very good and placed at the perfect places to enhance the story.
I can’t wait till the next book as I need to know what happens with that ending.
I was really looking forward to reading book 2 in this series. It did not disappoint i thought it was actually better. The story continues straight on from where book 1 left us with a cliffhanger. We continue Atreya’s journey with the enigmatic vampire Ronan as her companion whom she has a love/hate relationship with. Plot twists, romance and darkness follow with another great cliffhanger.
The author delves deeper into the characters in this book and secrets are revealed. The plot is really good and the story moves at a good pace keeping the reader interested the whole way through.
I Can’t wait to read the next instalment. Really hope there will be one
I received an ARC for free and leave this review voluntarily. I would definitely buy book 3 if it’s not available as an ARC.
Well, where shall I begin. It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster at least for me. But that's what I seem to love about these books. This is definitely going to be a series that I treasure. I am so glad I got the opportunity to be ARC read this book. I started the first one then jumped into this one and the only regret I have is that I will not be able to reread this for the first time again. My review might be a little vague but it is because I do not like giving out spoilers. I want you to feel it and read it the same way I did. Get the full effect of the book! Amazing author. Love the world she is setting up!
This is the second book in the Night Lore series and after loving the first book, I was very excited to read this one. But this book exceeded even my expectations by far! The book picked me up straight away and I just couldn't put it down, which is why I had to devour it within two days. The characters are complexly written and the character development is fantastically written and you can understand the feelings of the characters perfectly. I love the way Genesis Batista has written this story in a vivid way that keeps you hooked to the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book. It was so worth the wait. Ronan and Atreya, my sweethearts, were wonderful and the slow burn was so brilliantly executed. I don't know why but after they got together I stopped reading but then I went back to it and was wondering why on earth I left. I did not see a lot of stuff coming but I adored every second. The banter between so many characters was amazing. Atreya is absolutely amazing and like totally deserved to have that( don't wanna leave spoilers), I just kinda wish it had lasted longer.Love how Atreya slowly gains her confidence back, but also wtf was the ending *loved it though*. Can't wait for the next book.
The Stars of Ember by Genesis Batista is an engaging and imaginative read that kept me hooked throughout. I didn’t realize this was book two in a series until I was already into the story, but for the most part, I managed to follow along without much trouble. That said, it left me eager to go back and read book one, Night Lore, to fully immerse myself in the world and its characters. Batista’s storytelling is rich and vivid, and while I may have missed some backstory, this sequel still delivered an exciting and emotional experience.
This was such an amazing follow-up story! I'm so engrossed by this series, and I need the next book immediately 🙌😍 When I read book one, I couldn't wait to get some answers, and the author definitely delivered those answers in this one!
Atreya is such a phenomenal character. She displayed so much character growth. The author did a wonderful job bringing the characters and all of their emotions to life. 🙌🖤 I'm super excited to find out what's in the store for the rest of this series!!
Thanks so much to the author and booksprout for the ARC!
OMG! Atreya has many struggles in this book. There were points that brought tears and joy too. After her escape in the last book - there is heart break she has to go through. We get to see her savior/enemy turn to lover and all that they go through. She has many challenges on her journey and gone she learns more about herself and her strength. Once again Batista throws in a twist that you don’t see coming and leaves one heck of a cliffhanger! I NEED book 3!!
As i sat digesting everything I had read in this second installment... I sat looking at the beautiful cover that I realized made so much sense if you paid attention to the story. But dang it... I was left on a cliffhanger yet again! I feel happily tortured. I loved the dual POV because it made it easier to get a sense of more. To try and understand the characters and their troubles. I yet again became emotionally attached to characters, and it was made so easy to do. I recommend this!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way Batista writes characters makes the reader feel genuine emotion and attachment. I was drawn into the story instantly and firmly grounded in the world of the Night Lore books. I appreciated the care Batista took when handling such heavy topics such as mental health issues and emotional and physical abuse. This book was steamy, sexy, and a heart-pounding adventure.
I am angry at this book. I appreciate this book, but I am angry at this book. This was a stunning fantasy themed journey of healing for a domestically abused woman, her child, and a redemption arc for a "man" (not her husband) with a marred past. Did I love the ending? You know, I didn't. Did I love the journey? Yes, I did. There were a few editing issues (mentions of sunlight when there shouldn't have been) but this was overall wonderful, but as always check your triggers.
Holy cliffhanger ending!! This was a read-all day second book and dare I say better than the first book?! This world just gets better and better, the creatures, fae, vampires, dragons, and differing magic make for a captivating read. Ronan and Atreya’s banter is awesome and had me actually chuckling. Love the humor so much! Anxious for book 3. Thanks to booksirens for the opportunity to get a copy for my thoughts.
The dedication grabbed my attention immediately. This book picks you right where book 1 left off. Twists I never saw coming. No break in the pace of the story, at all. The last 2-3 hours had me feeling like I was on the age of my seat. I literally could not put the book down. The ending...one last unseen twist. I definitely recommend this book. Genesis, thank you, for am amazing sorry!
I received this book as an arc to read and review. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, and the second book did not disappoint. This series is fantastically spicy. I love the banter between Ronan and Atrea is awesome. Wonderful twist at the end. This series is wildly under hyped, in my opinion. I will just be over here pining away for book 3.
I would recommend starting with book one it says book 2 it definitely does not let you down. It is a page Turner. If you like this gentry, it is a must read. Are terrific. The world building is great and the storyline is impressive. I would recommend and definitely looking forward to book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this as a sequel to the Night Lore series. It had that element that I enjoyed from the previous book and that the characters continued to work in the storyline. Genesis Batista was able to weave a strong story in this and keep me wanting to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author is super sweet! This is the second book. The spice in here👀😮💨🌶️ I enjoyed so much. I want to read more books like this!!!! Cannot wait for the second book
Everything in this book was amazing! The plot, the characters, the suspense and the journey of it all! Just love how it all came together and the bond between the main characters. This ends with a cliffhanger and man i need book three already! I can’t wait to put this series on my bookshelf!
Absolutely amazing. Tropes: enemies to lovers romance, escaping a monster husband, learning true history of parentage…I might be leaving out something. Slow burn but good when the spice hits. Morally grey MMC & a fun FMC.