Name: Of Fire and Stars
Author: Audrey Coulthurst
Publisher: Baker + Bray
Date published: November 2016
Genre: Fiction, young adult, fantasy, romance
Pages: 389
Rating: 4/5
Betrothed since
childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known
what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between
Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile
kingdoms.
But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a land where magic is forbidden.
Now Denna has to learn the ways of her new kingdom while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation - and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine, sister of her betrothed.
When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, they discover there is more to one another than they thought - and soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.
But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms - and each other.
But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a land where magic is forbidden.
Now Denna has to learn the ways of her new kingdom while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation - and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine, sister of her betrothed.
When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, they discover there is more to one another than they thought - and soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.
But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms - and each other.
- From Goodreads.
Of Fire and Stars is lovely story with well-detailed world building and a very sweet romance.
I enjoyed both perspectives of each main character. Both were likeable while having flaws so felt well-rounded and real. Their romance built slowly and was not just believable but very sweet and I enjoyed them being together.
The other characters in the story were also fleshed-out and felt real. That, along with the detailed world-building which created an intricate setting, made the story feel very immersive and not at all flat or shallow.
The pacing of the story and the slow build up to the climax of the book was enjoyable to read. I know some people prefer action-filled plots where a lot happens, but I prefer slower-paced stories that focus more on detailed descriptions of the world and thoughtful character interactions and development and I think this book did well on those points. When action did happen in the book, especially towards the end, it was well-written and impactful.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable book to read, that kept me interested and excited to continue the whole way through. There were some points where I was uncertain if I liked the direction the plot was taking, but by the end I was happy with how it went and I look forward to reading the sequel.
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