Born of Starlight is a stunning debut romantasy with a loose yet captivating retelling of Rapunzel. The magical world-building is enchanting, and the characters and story was so compelling that I found myself hooked from the very beginning.

Asterie and Fenris shine both as individual characters and as a pair. I also enjoyed the side characters like Sybilla, Emmerick, Krait, Amara, and the other sisters—though I had my suspicions about Firose from the start! Asterie’s confined life in the tower was heartbreaking, but her journey to save the realm was empowering and thrilling.

The vivid settings and unique magic systems added so much depth to the story. The wastelands and the war scenes gave me nostalgic vibes of The Court of Wings & Ruin, and the concept of the wastelands as a secretly warded realm reminded me of Velaris from the ACOTAR series—but with its own distinctive charm.

The plot was addictive, the pacing spot-on, and the story left me on the edge with a suspense. Thankfully, I had the sequel, City of Snakes, ready to dive into! And I have to say, Vangard was a delightful addition—I absolutely adore him.

If you’re a fan of fantasy and romance, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend it, especially for someone who love immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.