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The Shifting Fae #2

The Starlit City

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A human sorceress. A dark fae mage. A deadly war that will seal their fates forever.
Kelia is one of the Magi Council's top sorceresses and they've sent her to the underground City of Stars to retrieve a prodigal child from the dark fae. The child is the key to the spell that will close the Rift in the Never for good.
To make it to the city, Kelia will need the aid of a dangerous mercenary named Callum whose last twenty years were spent in a magi prison. The Queen demanded his release in exchange for the child, and not even the magi understand why. He's shifty, untrustworthy, disgustingly handsome, and Kelia will need more than her arcane tricks to keep Callum focused on the journey ahead.
When they reach the underground city, and straight into war, their darkest fears become real. If they want to survive, they'll need to learn to trust in each other and combine their hearts and spells to stop the deadly siege.
If not, they'll never see the surface again.
The Starlit City is a standalone Fantasy Romance within the Shifting Fae world perfect for readers looking for sweeping, epic fantasy, a slow-burn romance, fast-paced action, and a happily ever after

270 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2022

51 people are currently reading
420 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Tilton

31 books310 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Eliza Tilton graduated from Dowling College with a BA in Visual Communications. When she's not arguing with excel at her day job, chasing after four kids, or playing video games, she's writing fast-paced young adult fantasy and paranormal tales. Check out www.elizatilton.com for more of her books or follow her on tiktok @elizatilton where she shares tons of bookish stuff.

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5 stars
60 (45%)
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41 (31%)
3 stars
28 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Miki.
1,057 reviews43 followers
April 6, 2022
Oh this is good; i loved book 1 i even love book 2 more. Callum is funny, loyal, protective and so powerful i loved learning why he was in prison because it showed how deeply loyal he was...which is even more important when a secret is revealed the fact he acted without any idea show how good he is.
he sure is a dark fae but he is so much more.
Kellia is young, she suffered a lot then the magi took her in but those are not a family or loving caretaker. She is courageous, determined but need to learn to trust and accept her feelings

The story is well written we learn a lot more about dark fae in this univers and it was interesting, only the end is a cliffhanger which annoyed me because it was not needed to make us want more.

You definitively can read this one without having read book 1, you understand everything it's not a stand alone but could work as one at this point. great urban fantasy with romance and fae
Profile Image for Stephanie Runyon.
419 reviews12 followers
May 3, 2022
Starlit City, by Eliza Tilton, is the second book in the Shifting Fae Series. Kelia has arrived at the magi prison to retrieve Callum Deathstrike. Kelia needs the powerful dark Fae to retrieve the Prodigal Child from Starlit City. She offers to exchange Callum’s freedom for his help in bringing the child to the surface. He agrees, but feels disadvantaged since he has a collar preventing him from using magic. The woman refuses to remove the collar and proudly professes, “I am a weapon.” Callum notices Kelia lacked social etiquette, and intends to remedy this. They reach The River of Night and Callum teaches Kelia how to communicate, igniting a feeling that Kelia has never felt before. Falling into the icy water, Kelia releases Callum from his collar to save her. As the pair enter Starlit City, Callum and Kelia both know something is wrong.
I found the vivid world Eliza Tilton created enchanting. The brazen manners of Kelia were unexpected in a female character. I connected with Callum more, despite the implication that he could be evil. While the physical attributes detailed the characters, I enjoyed the remarkable depiction of the emotions displayed between Callum and Kelia. The inner turmoil Kelia felt assisted with building tension with Callum. The character interaction, action, and suspense held my attention all the way to the end. While this is the second book in the series, Starlit City could also be a standalone novel. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy novels with slow burn romance played out through emotions.
Profile Image for Marcia - itsabookthing2021 .
827 reviews21 followers
March 11, 2023
After reading The Moonlit Woods book 1 in the shifting Fae series, I jumped at the chance to read The Starlit City, book 2.
Although this is a series these books can definitely be read as standalones and if you haven't read Moonlit Woods before Starlit City you would not get confused at all.
The only thing that I would say ties them together is the place setting. The Borderlands connects these stories together so in that aspect you get a bit more of a background regarding the darklings. You also meet Kelia in the first book.

I enjoyed Starlit City just as much as Moonlit Woods. I loved the dynamic between Kelia and Callum. I really enjoyed how the hints at a bond/mates were recreated without the spice level. It gave a feeling that this was more than just attraction and sex. That fact that the only thing that happens on page is kissing is a refreshing take. Would spice give something to the story - maybe, does no spice take away from the story - definitely not. We're here on a mission not for the human and fae's sex antics 🙂

I am so enthralled with Eliza Tilton's writing, I sat and read this novel in one sitting. I was so engaged and eager to find out what would happen. I loved the adventure it took us on and the twists were just as great.

I really enjoy this series and I do look forward to reading book 3.
Profile Image for Laurie Anne.
960 reviews18 followers
January 9, 2023
🅰🆄🅳🅸🅾🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

Book 2 in the Shifting Fae series is just as engaging as the first. It's a standalone book set in the same fantasy realm of Seoul, with recurring characters from the previous book. You won't be lost if you haven't read it yet. I do recommend, though, since it's a perfect read for tweens, teens, and adults alike!

Narration done by Matyos Job Gombos, who is insanely talented. His ability to voice all the characters in this fantasy is precisely why I love listening to anything he narrates.

This book focuses on Kelia, a powerful being who enforces the Magi Council's will. She is tasked with freeing dark Fae, Callum, from prison and going to the Starlight City to retrieve a young light bringer to help fight against the dark things.

As always, Eliza creates a world that sucks the reader in and doesn't let go until the last page! There are so many uncovered secrets in this book!

Loved the relationship between Kalia and Callum that developed over the course of this book.

** Readers note: I always appreciate an author who is consistent in keeping a narrator for a continuing storyline. Why? Because that narrator already knows the characters, the accents, and the feel of the book. Thank you, Eliza, for finding the talented voice of Matyos!
Profile Image for Ruth Hinojos.
381 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2022
Fue una gran continuacion a la serie, los personajes son asombrosos y la trama fue buena, la unica cosa que resto punto en mi opinion fue el final, el problema se resolvio muy facil y rapido, el tiempo que tomo en llegar ahi fue bueno y bastante bien desarrollado y hubierq esperado lo mismo de la resolucion, siento que fue muy precipitado, daparte de eso mas me gusto el libro.

Recibi una copia avanzada a cambio de una reseña honesta.

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It was a great continuation of this series, the characters were awesome and the plot was great, the only thing that rest points for me was the ending, the problem was solved very easily and quickly, the time it took to get there was good and quite well developed and I would have expected the same from the resolution, I feel that it was very hasty, given that I liked the book.

I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
626 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2023
This can be a standalone, or read in order.
Kelia is a sorceress, who has trained herself not to have feelings. Callum is a dark fae who spent the last 20 years imprisoned by the Magi. The Rift is putting the worlds in peril, and Kelia is sent to close it. She is given the added duty of bring Callum along and retrieving the prodigal child. The fae, as they are known to do, are tricky and offer deals where it is buyer beware. Can Kelia and Callum learn to trust each other, and work together? I enjoyed this story. It painted a detailed picture of the fae world, and of the characters themselves. I felt a dislike for the fae prince, distrust of the Queen, and compassion for Callum and Kelia as their romance slowly developed. Plenty of action, twists and turns. Narration was really good.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Andra.
1,072 reviews15 followers
March 31, 2022
Book 2 in the Shifting Fae series

Wonderfully written Fae adventure with strong characters in a well-developed world. Captivating from page 1.

Powerful Mage (fearless, yet sheltered)...Dark Fae (cocky, trustworthy, dependable)...War & Darkness...Restrained Emotions...Hidden Powers...Danger...Trust...Awakening Emotions...
Bonds...Swoon-Worthy Endearments...Budding Attraction...Slow Burn Romance...Love...

One is in search of freedom. One holds the key to freedom. Fire & Starlight. "Set my heart free."

"As if the All Father himself had created her to fit perfectly in my arms."
"Feelings were dangerous."


Profile Image for Ysobella Black.
Author 51 books3 followers
March 28, 2023
This is the second book in the series, but can be read as standalone.
I liked Callum immediately. It took a while for me to come around on Kalia. She was so arrogant at the start, but I understood her by the end.
The world building was interesting, especially after Callum and Kalia arrived in the city and had to deal all the Fae intrigues and politics. I especially liked the magic system. There are deceptions and secrets revealed. The fight scenes are depicted well.
The romance is slowburn, and builds naturally. It, along with the overall plot, are set to carry on into the third book.
Matyas Job Gombos did well bringing the story and characters to life.
2,141 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2023
Audiobook: I enjoyed book 2 of "The Shifting Fae" series even more than the first one. Once I started the audiobook, I had to listen until the end as I was so absorbed. The story was fast paced and filled with plenty of action. The characters have grown and changed and become more fascinating. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Matyas Job Gombos' narration was awesome, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Eugenia M.
187 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2023
Another great one

I always enjoy Eliza's books. They always have great characters and I feel connected to them. As always there are some twist to this one that I didn't see coming.

I really liked Kelia. She was very focused on her task but as she developed you could finally see pass the mask she Shrouded. Definitely reminded me of myself.

Callum was wonderful as well. He was shrouded in mystery for most of the book and then we learn what he did to be imprisoned.

Definitely recommend this one. It was a fun read.
Profile Image for Trisha Lynn.
Author 7 books30 followers
August 10, 2023
What an interesting little book. While I didn't like this one as much as book 1, it was action packed and full of adventure. Kelia pulls Callum, a dark fae, from a prison for his assistance into the Starlit city. A place no human or mage is welcome.
A little naive, but fearless, Kalia is a fun main character. She was trained to keep her emotions in check to be a better mage, much to Callum's annoyance. Callum is a classic arrogant Fae but I loved the description of his physical appearance, because I felt like that was less then typical which I really appreciated.
Revelations throughout the book really showcase who Callum is and you can't help but fall in love with him.
Definitely a book for the romantic fantasy reader who likes adventure, fae and minimal to no spice.
Profile Image for Cátia.
263 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2022
Eliza did it again. This world it's absolutely amazing and you can get enough of it.
This time, Eliza brings us new characters and another perspective, Kelia and Callum and the Underground.
It's impossible not to love Callum and his ways and his humor. Kelia is been through so much and is incredible strong. The two of them are a burn fire. Thq Queen is also a very interesting character, as well Prince Eldrich.
Can wait to dive in this world again.
Profile Image for Megan.
69 reviews25 followers
April 8, 2022
Book 2 of the Shifting Fae series, I did not read book one, as I was told that this one can be read without starting with the previous book.
I think I definitely would have enjoyed this one more if I read the other one first, I was confused for some of it and I felt like the story dragged.
It was very descriptive and captivating, but I definitely felt like there was something missing in it
Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,568 reviews29 followers
January 2, 2023
This can definitely be read on its own, I can’t actually remember book one too much and nothing rings a bell.

I wouldn’t call this a series because both stories have an ending with no hook or cliffhanger.

Short and sweet
Gifted audio, narration was good and fit the storyline.
3 star listen

Not overly note worthy but I wasn’t bored either.
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
160 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2023
I really have enjoyed listening to this series in audio format. It’s a well written and creative story which includes a lot of excitement while showcasing many truly emotional moments you can feel as a reader. I liked the setting the best and found it really enticing and beautiful. Anything fae will always excite me! I asked to review this book but my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Katie Stephens.
381 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
Cute. Just cute. A really enjoyable read. I’m a spicy fae book reader but every once in awhile it’s nice to read something not so intense. Callum and Kelia are adorable. Highly recommend for those who want a read about fae without the spice. The adventure was fun and kept my attention. Looking forward to book 3.
868 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2023
Mortal/Fae Familiar but yet Entertaining

This basic storyline may be replicable, but adding the characters of Kelia and Callum makes for a story of tension, adventure, and overcoming obstacles, real and self-made. The writing itself is very well done. Callum is definitely the hero figure of this book, as Kelia has to shake off her past to become real.
Profile Image for Melanie.
668 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2025
Book 2 in this series reintroduces us to a minor character that we met at the end of book #1 - Kelia. She is tasked with collecting a fae prisoner named Callum and heading off on a quest for the Magi's Council. As you might have guessed, she and Callum find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another...
Profile Image for Sue Stich.
60 reviews
March 31, 2022
Excellent YA fantasy with sweet romance! A well written tale full of adventure. The dynamic between Kelia and Callum was well written. The pacing was fantastic and I found myself finishing the book in one sitting!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,337 reviews89 followers
April 24, 2022
This is a wonderful romantic/fantasy adventure! I liked it very much! It is unique and intriguing, with great characters!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
May 22, 2022
This read is full of twists and turns with trust issues added to the mix. Kelia will need the aid of a dangerous mercenary named Callum who has a questionable past. The storyline was well written and flows smoothly.

I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
12.8k reviews191 followers
May 25, 2022
What a second book. Impossible, but even better than the first. Drew me into the fantasy world of the characters. There’s no stopping until you get to the end. Each page has you wondering what could possibly happen next.
567 reviews
January 5, 2023
Good pace and intriguing characters. It was a little disconcerting that it kept referencing back to another incident yet did not give much more details, so I am guessing more to come in this series which will help fill in gaps.
Profile Image for Candy Smith.
497 reviews35 followers
February 25, 2023
This book has suspence,action, romance, and great world building. Two unlikely characters thrown together on a seemingly impossible and important mission. They must rely on each other to survive the quest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cleocutie.
3,176 reviews25 followers
April 11, 2022
Great continuation of the series. The world is well developed and the characters are well written.
229 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2023
very good continuation

I’m very much enjoying this series! Great characters and the story does grab you … I read it quickly and am off to the next book!
343 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2025
Different

Had a little trouble following the story as some of the sentence structures where off, but over all it was a good story but I won't be reading the others I the series.
Profile Image for Debbie Mathis PA.
146 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2022
Kilia is on a quest to retrieve a prodigal child from the dark fae. This child has the power to close the Rift between their worlds for good. The Magi counsil has her enlist the help of Callum, a dark fae who has been imprisoned for the past ten years.

Kilia is human but possesses powers that the Magi Council has nurtured since she was a young girl. They however didn't teach her about love so when she meets Callum, sparks fly. During this quest to retrieve the child they must learn to trust each other, or they may never see the world on the surface ever again.

This was the second book in the Shifting Fae Series by Eliza Tilton and it did not disappoint. I could not put it down and read it within a day. I can't wait for Book 3.
Profile Image for Sandi.
696 reviews46 followers
January 16, 2023
4.5 stars! This was definitely an interesting high fantasy romance, with a great adventure and fast moving story that left me definitely wanting more. I think what made this more intriguing was that we have two very powerful main characters, but neither of them knows exactly how powerful the other is. They are forced on this journey together, because Callum, as a dark fae, is apparently the only one who can help Kelia gain access to the Starlit City, which as a human and Mage, she is not generally welcome. She is in search of a prodigy child who is allegedly powerful enough to stop the growing rift that is threatening their world. So she takes him from the prison he was in, with his power fully dampened by a magic collar, to the city to retrieve the child.

Their interactions are great - she has trained to suppress her emotions in order to better control her magic, and this emotional vacuum seems to not only intrigue, but drive him crazy. He’s also been locked away for the last twenty years, and he is most definitely attracted to her in more than just a physical sense. As he challenges her long guarded control, Kelia remains committed to her end goal, to do whatever she can to stop the rift and heal their world. As they get to know each other, they each start to let go of some of their strong walls, and as more secrets come to light, the back and forth is absolutely engrossing. While this is a clean romance, there is definitely not a lack of innuendo or even innate sexuality to be found, especially in places where you would definitely expect it. But the story doesn’t suffer for the lack of spice, as often fantasy is one of those genres that, when written well, can easily weave an interesting story without it. The development of their relationship is slow and deliberate, it doesn’t feel forced or off, and their story, while given a nice HEA, at least for now, leaves open a key story point that will continue to propel this series forward and have me coming back for more.
Profile Image for Susan May.
731 reviews14 followers
August 18, 2023
This was quite the story full of magic, war, trust and lies. Great characters and plenty of action. Kelia was the best sorceress the Magi Council had, so they sent her to the city of stars. Her job was to retrieve a special child. She would also need the help of Callum a fae mage. She was warned to keep him under control. He was mysterious, dark and handsome so at first she disabled his magic. As they journeyed into the city, their adventure began. The Queen involved them in a war with horrible enemies. They also learned they would have to trust each other & work together if they wanted to survive. An exceptional story for any fantasy lover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews