The Starlight in the Shadows

by Amber D. Lewis

The saga continues ...
Astra struggles to find her place in her world turned upside-down. Those she felt she could trust more than anyone in the world have betrayed her. Her newest friends are the only thing keeping her going, but time is against them as a war builds on two fronts and every turn holds a new danger.
Alak took a chance and made a choice that put him behind enemy lines, but for the first time in his life he finally feels truly useful. Every move he makes must be carefully calculated or everything falls apart. If he messes up, a lot of people could very well die.
Even though they're miles apart, they're working together, desperate to save Callenia and the surrounding kingdoms. If only they had more time. If only they had more allies. If only they could be together.

Genres: Fantasy

524 pages, Hardcover

Published August 16, 2022

About the author

Amber D. Lewis is a highly combustible combination of caffeine, mismatched coffee mugs, and shiny things. In her spare time (and, quite frankly, when she’s supposed to be doing other things) she writes fantasy and other stories.

Reviews

[Shanti (readingwithtay) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read
Absolutely loved this more than the first one. Loved the scenes between Ehren and Astra. Fight scenes were intense.

[Megan Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful to be on Amber’s beta read team because if I had to wait for this book to come out, I would be yelling at her the whole time.

Not many second books live up to the hype of the first, but this one really did. I flew through the pages and loved every second. She does such a great job of developing both the plot as well as developing her characters into the ragtag band of lovable miscreants they are. This book is filled with action, adventure, love and loss. It’s a perfect follow up to her debut novel. Can’t wait to make it through the whole series!

[Shannon (Twilight Sleep) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars // I don’t know how Amber did it, but this book may have been even better than the first one. I received an ARC from the author and I’m so glad I got to read this story early. I was desperate to know how Kato and Astra’s stories would progress, and Amber does not disappoint. This story was everything I wanted it to be and then some. I can’t wait for book 3!

[T. Van Athen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author and I was SO glad that I did.

*** May contain spoilers for Book 1, The Night the Stars Fell ***

At the end of Book 1 I was feeling REALLY frustrated with Kato's storyline. It just felt like such an abrupt change. I have been known to stop reading authors that I felt sacrificed characters for plot points.

I'm very glad I gave this series the chance.

At the end of Book 1 I was all "WTF KATO!" and while that didn't change in Book 2, at least now I understood where it came from.

It had to be a surprise for us, the readers, because it was a shock to Astra. And we needed to go on that journey with her. To recover and to discover. This is an amazing story, filled with characters you come to love (and love to hate), creative world-building and a story that pulls you in.

I'm chomping at the bit now for book 3.

[Mandy Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Once again, I am utterly blown away by Amber D. Lewis' masterful storytelling. I finished The Starlight in the Shadows in one sitting, because I couldn't bring myself to put it down! You learn so much more about all of the characters that we've loved from The Night the Stars Fell and Scars: Alak's Story, and you feel as if you're part of the group, just sitting there watching the story unfold around you and your friends. Without spoiling anything, I have to point out that everyone should have a friend like Cal--especially those of us who struggle with anxiety. Astra remains a bad bitch, taking her badassery to new heights. I still hate Bram, but I'll probably die doing that. I just...10/10 recommend this book, series, and author! Run, don't walk, to read this series!

Editing to add: I'm so thankful that Amber includes trigger warnings and a synopsis of previous books in the beginning of this book. This seemingly small action is so helpful to readers, allowing them to prepare for potentially triggering scenes without spoiling the plot of the stories, and also helping to refresh their memory of key points in the previous books.

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

The Night the Stars Fell was one of my favorite reads of 2021, so I was highly anticipating the sequel. It did not disappoint!

Amber D. Lewis has created a world of magic that I have fallen in love with. Her descriptions are well-developed so it is easy to envision the characters and setting. Book 1 left me with multiple characters I loved and was invested in. Book 2 developed those characters even more (especially love the interactions with Astra and Ehren) and introduced some new characters that I love just as much as my Book 1 friends (looking at you, Kai).

One of my favorite aspects of this series is how inclusive it is. And not in a way that feels phoned-in. POC and queer folks exist. I love the ace representation. Lewis also addresses mental health in a sensitive way in the books (and looks out for the reader's mental health by providing content warnings).

So...with all of the great things I loved, why 4.5 instead of 5 stars? I think there is still a bit of room for improvement with the villains. Sometimes they feel a bit 2-dimensional with awkward dialogue. However, I am still VERY invested in this series and am looking forward to meeting these characters again in book 3! Amber D. Lewis is an author to keep your eye on.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m voluntarily here to leave my honest review after receiving a copy of the ARC from the author.

I was introduced to The Night the Stars Fell (Book 1 of the Fire & Starlight Saga) early 2022 and very easily became obsessed. I can’t even express how thrilled I was to hear Starlight in the Shadows (Book 2) was releasing soon, so I can catch up on the stories of a bunch of new characters that I now love.

Amber D. Lewis has a writing style that easily captivates its readers and make us desire more. Her characters and their development are fun and interesting, it’s impossible not to fall in love with most of them.

Starlight in the Shadows will have you laughing, sweating, and joining amazing characters on a journey of a lifetime.

Book 3, anyone? :D

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Astra! This whole book is about relatable characters that can inspire us. She definitely has a few things she struggles with, including self confidence. We are taken through the universe of Astra & her companions as they struggle with the same inner conflicts we all have had to deal with. It makes them so relatable. There are times I’m reading this & yelling at the characters for their choices. There are times my heart stopped & others my heart melted. The whole story draws the reader in & just makes you want more. I want to be a part of this gang in real life. The characters all seem so incredibly built they feel real. Every time disloyalty happens, I want to confront the character like “how could you after everything?!” And Felixe…. Everyone truly needs a Fae fox. As a person who has a service dog, I understand how important an animal Familiar could be! My dog has saved my life many times.

I can’t wait to see where this story goes. I’m definitely along for the ride & this series I can see as definitely being compared to SJM. And I just think the author & I could be besties the way everything is put together & written. I love the characters being “flawed” So they can experience growth & draw us in even more.

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber absolutely know how to create worlds, people, friction between characters, character development is amazing. This book series can absolutely rival Maas’s ACOTAR. Everyone needs a fae fox in their life.

Ehren, Mac, Alek, Bram are all very well written male characters. As a female, you want to love each one. They all have amazing, protective but loving characteristics. As an ARMY wife, I related to Bram the most. He became my book boyfriend.

Astra, Winnie are both strong female characters. Astra is not a damsel in distress. These ladies know their worth & how to show it to others. Winnie (Ehren’s sister) is a brainiac & always found near a book/library. The ladies in the book all know how to be strong, independent females who won’t let anyone diminish their sparkle.

The world is in chaos following the twins 18th birthday. Magic is back & there’s all the repercussions- good, bad, ugly. Following the characters & their journey, their “coming of age” & learning who they are as people is relatable. Parts of the story remind me very much of Maas’s TOG but by the end of all 4 books, Amber D Lewis will have you hooked as a reader.

[Jynifer Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ok. This is part 2 in the series. Amber D Lewis has created an amazing world. While it is full of fantasy and adventure, it’s still completely relatable. I got fully immersed in this world and have fallen in love with all the diverse characters. It’s hard for me to find a book I can’t put down because I don’t like a lot of babble about description’s however I want to be able to visualize and imagine as I read. The author had achieved this. This book is full of visualizations in a kingdom I feel like I know. I hope this makes sense: The author doesn’t babble on about the color of the tree leaves yet I know what the trees look like. Anyway, in this continuation of the series, several more characters are introduced and they are as diverse and lovable as the others. The author has created an amazing ensemble. There are so many twist and turns that kept me in the edge of my seat. I NEED book 3! It didn’t necessarily end on a cliff hanger but this amazing story definitely has much more to go.

[Mistie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive and ARC copy of this and boy oh boy am I glad I was!! This is the 2nd book in the series and it flows very well from book 1.

I did feel like there was a little bit too much world building, and some was a little repetitive since you are getting somewhat of the same story from 2 angles, but it was never so much that it turned me off from the story.

I loved the way the relationships from the 1st book, and the novella, grow and change in book 2. I would love tobe a part of the core friend group!! I also love the growth that some of the characters go through individually.

The author does a great job tackling somethings that can be hard to tackle and does it in a way that does not take away from the story. And as others have said, the trigger warnings are much appreciated.

Overall, this story is amazing, Amber is an amazing author, and I absolutely recommend giving both books and the novella Scars a go!!

[Christina Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the biggest digital reader, but I was more than happy to read it digitally if it meant reading it early. This is the second book in the series, and the continuation from the first book was smooth. It kept me wanting to read. The emotional Rollercoaster I went through made for some sleepless nights.

The only downside is now it will feel like forever till book 3 is out, but please buy from her website :)
Absolutely worth the reread!

[Katie Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation of the series. Watching everyone grow was absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait to see how Astra and ehren solve the problems being thrown their way. My only complaint, and this is more my personal preference than anything, was the multiple POVs all being in first person, especially after characters are reunited. Made it a little confusing for me stopping in the middle of chapters but it got easier as it went on. I cannot wait though for the next book.

[Beth Doyle Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint! The world Amber has built feels so real and relatable. Reading this took me through a whole range of emotions, including heartbreak. I fell in love with the characters in the first installment of the series and really enjoyed the character development that took place in this installment. I can't want to read the next!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC by the author


This book was amazing I couldn't put it down. The story was written out so good between the world building the relationships of all the characters. I love how all the characters grew in this book. It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotion, and I can not wait to see how the story continues to play out. I loved this book more then the first one.

[Molly Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been lucky to be one of Amber’s ARC readers for her books. Her style of writing is easy to follow. I hard a hard time with reading when I was younger.

Astra has had a journey in this book. Poor girl. She’s so strong though. The trials that she went through has only made her stronger.

I can’t wait for book three! I need it. Like now!

[Cassandra Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series had be turning the pages wanting to know more. I loved the character arcs in this book. Things definitely become more intense and Astra is amazing. I love the friendships that grow stronger and can't wait to read the next book.

[Melissa Plonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down.
This book has made me scream, sob, cry happy tears, laugh, and lose sleep.
The author brings you into her world, and makes you never want to leave.
Book two has not yet been released, and I am already so excited for book three.

[Jessica Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc reader.
Wow, this such a good book. A lot of magic and action and romance. Astra groups is finally taking the step they need to go up against the king and her brother. Kato is building his army and bring in new players. War is coming and with it death. Can't wait for book 3.

[Reanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down! What a roller coaster. I laughed, I cried, I released the breath I didn't know I was holding ;) Safe to say Amber has me hooked and I'm both excited and scared to see what the next book holds in store.

[Tasha Stockstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps me hooked. It has everything from magic, to love, to heartbreak, and action. I couldn’t put it down. I am so invested in the lives of these characters and I cannot wait for the next installment in Feb 2023.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and a new favorite!

[Kostia D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed to receive the ARC for my honest opinion, and I feel freaking lucky that Amber D Lewis is the type of author that makes high fantasy fun and not super complex. The magic, the Fae, battles, the journeys, all the worlds explored, they’re all epic, they’re all fun and they feel within reach too. All the characters are lovely and I enjoy the friendship between Ehren and Astra.

I want to take a moment to thank the absolve queen Amber D Lewis for the ARC of the Starlight in the Shadows. I loved it so much and I am so hyped that I preordered my swag box as soon as the opportunity rose. I have multiple copies of the the Night the Stars Fell as well because the writing is that good and it’s a series that I will be reading and rereading.

The Starlight in the Shadows is the best sequel I could have asked for, all this action, all these characters unfolding their stories in such a wonderful way, it’s so easy to remember all of them. Astra and Kato’s story blows my mind. I love how different they are and I love how Astra is this amazing person, so powerful and yet so humble.

The world building is awesome, I can close my eyes while reading and see the different places our heroes visit in front of me. This is such an easy read, the descriptions are so good, they never make me feel that something is too much. High fantasy made easy is the right quote for this book. I love it as much I love the first book and Alak’s story. I am a huge fan and will always will be.

Thank you Amber for creating this world for me, I was on a disability leave from work and I was feeling so miserable and sad, and you made me feel so glad and found something special to wait for. I appreciate you.

[Autumn Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book. It is so so good. So much happens in this story. It is a Rollercoaster of emotions. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Worst part of the book was finishing it and realizing I have to wait for the next book!