Review Detail

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan is the first book in a new YA fantasy series set in the same world as These Hollow Vows. It’s been three years since Brie saved her sister from the dungeons of the false king, but Princess Jasalyn is still trapped there mentally. Her fear and need for vengeance drove her to a witch in the human realm of Elora where she bargained her magic and fae-life for a magical ring. With the ring, Jas sneaks away every night to assassinate those who kept her prisoner in Mordeus’s dungeons. With rumors that he has returned, Jas teams up with her former cellmate in the hopes she can find and take him down.

I really enjoyed this book. It is told in dual POV which is a deviation from the original duology. Here we get Jasalyn’s POV and Felicity’s. Felicity is a new character who I really like. She is an Echo, which means she can take the form of anyone as long as she has some of their hair. It isn’t like a normal shapeshifter though. With this power, she sees their memories and can even smell like them. With Felicity’s power, Jas is able to join a renegade group who is looking for Mordeus. Felicity takes her place when Brie sends Jas to the Wild Fae kingdom with King Misha.

While fast moving, the plot really has two stories that run side by side. Jas is with Kendrick, a human she was imprisoned with who is also trying to take down the regime who rules Elora, the human realm. Their story unfolds slowly. Jas is way too trusting of Kendrick and his crew, blinded by her need to find and kill Mordeus once and for all. Felicity’s story is heartbreaking. She is fated to kill her brother and hasn’t been in her true form in over three years. Now she is taking on Princess Jasalyn’s form, being asked to make Misha fall in love with her, and find the mythical Hall of Doors.

I liked both storylines and how the author brings them together. However, it can be jarring to go from one POV to another especially if we are left with a cliffhanger. As much as I like Jas, I loved Felicity’s storyline. I found it fascinating and was thoroughly engrossed in the story. Ryan continues to build upon the world of the fae, and I’m excited for what is coming.

Overall, I really enjoyed Beneath These Cursed Stars. There are so many twists and turns that you do not see coming, and Ryan makes you feel all the feels from the warmth of first loves to the heartbreak of betrayal. If you are a fan of fantasy, I highly recommend.