A Blog of Books and Tea

(Rattle the Stars ARC Review)

Tropes:

• Enemies to Friends
• Forced Proximity
• Fated Mates
• Green Flag MMC
• Slow Burn
• Found Family
• Animal Sidekick
• Class War
• Multi POV
• Scent Marking
• Secret Identity
• Powerful FMCs
• Powerful Cadre

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖🫖

Synopsis –

Unseelie rogues have invaded the Vale,
plaguing the blissful Summer woodland with their magic
of frost and decay.

Ornella will protect her king, even if she must face
the infamous Wild Hunt.

The cadre of the Autumn Prince.

But she never expected to survive the encounter,
much less become a captive of the riders
in ghoulish skull helms and armour made from
thorn and bone.

Now, the Summer dryad is trapped
in the Autumn Court with a reluctant warden.
A gorgeous rider with violet eyes
who has been ordered to train her
so she can take her place in the Wild Hunt.

And he hates her as much as she wants to hate him.

Ornella is determined to destroy
the Wild Hunt before they can march against her homeland.
But there is an even greater evil spreading in Autumn
that would soon threaten all feykind.

She will need to ally with her reviled captors to defeat it,
but how can she bring herself to trust an enemy
who will some day destroy her home?

Thoughts –

As a fantasy lover, I knew this book was for me from the very first page. I’m quite shocked it hasn’t gained more traction since it was released in 2023, and we’re currently absolutely loving fantasy as a book community at the moment. There seems to be a surge in interest for intricate world building and enchanting stories in recent years, making it even more surprising that this gem has flown under the radar. I guess this is why I love reading ARCs – they really do introduce me to books I may never have heard of without joining this amazing community of reviewers!

There is so much within this book that I absolutely loved; the unique twist on fated mates adds an intriguing layer to the storytelling, creating a sense of destiny that pulls the reader in. The fantasy world is not just a backdrop but is filled with an abundance of lore, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity that keeps you wanting to discover more. Additionally, the journey from enemies to friends offers a fascinating exploration of character development, as past animosities melt away to form meaningful connections. The slow burn potential of romance is executed beautifully, leaving readers yearning for those heartfelt moments to unfold, and the forced proximity between characters heightens tension and intimacy in a way that feels both thrilling and authentic. Moreover, the strong FMCs are portrayed with such depth that they become relatable and inspiring, making this tale not just a story, but an immersive experience that captivates and resonates long after the last page is turned.

I absolutely loved Ornella. She is sassy but also fiercely protective of those she holds dear to her, to her detriment in a sense. Her loyalty knows no bounds, often leading her to put herself in harm’s way to safeguard her loved ones. Despite her brave demeanor, she has some major trauma that obviously makes her feel unworthy of positive connections, which also pushes her to put herself in the direct line of danger. This inner turmoil creates a complex character whose struggles resonate deeply. I really hope we get to learn more of her past, as understanding her history could shine a light on her current behavior and the reasons behind her protective instincts. Furthermore, I genuinely wish for her to find the strength and resilience to overcome the trauma she has had to endure, allowing herself to open up and forge meaningful relationships, free from the shadows of her past.

Sage is a mirror to Ornella in the sense that he is also willing to do whatever necessary to protect those he loves, displaying an unwavering commitment that is both admirable and relatable. He is equally as fierce, though he possesses a much quieter approach to his actions, relying on his calm demeanor and inner strength. Where Ornella is sassy, quick with a witty retort and exuberantly expressive, Sage is calm and quietly determined, exhibiting a depth of character that resonates with readers. I really enjoyed reading his POV, as it provided an insightful glimpse into his thoughts and feelings, and I found myself invested in his journey as he navigated through his emotional defenses. Watching his barriers come down when around Ornella was a poignant experience, revealing the vulnerabilities he keeps hidden from the world. This evolution not only enriched his character but also intensified the connection between them. I cannot wait to see how their relationship develops in the next book, as I believe it holds the potential for even more profound moments of growth and understanding, exploring their bond amidst the trials that lie ahead.

We also got Amira and Riordan’s origin story, which adds a rich layer of depth to their characters, and I feel like getting that additional storyline really sets us up well for the direction I assume the next book will take. Amira’s strong in her own right, and maybe stronger than even she ever imagined she could be, as she continues to discover untapped reserves of strength and resilience within herself. This journey of self-discovery not only shapes her character but also influences her relationship with Riordan, allowing them to grow both individually and as a team. I’m so interested to see how that storyline progresses, especially in terms of the challenges they will face together and how these experiences will further shape their paths moving forward.

There was plenty of action in this one, especially towards the end, and I’m sure we’ll be getting plenty more of that throughout the series as the plot continues to build and the stakes rise higher. The intensity of the moments kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. I have my own theories about Ornella and her past, which seem to be shrouded in mystery, and I can’t wait to see if I’m right. Each revelation about her character adds another layer to the narrative, making me even more invested in her journey and the overall story arc.

Watch this space for my review of book two, Bane of the Wild Hunt.