I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars!

Overall, this is an okay fantasy. It's a little confusing for those who hadn't read the other books in this world like me. It doesn't offer enough context to the new readers so they can have a better understanding of the characters and the world. I see it as a continuation of the series but told of different perspectives, and not a spin-off series. I thought it was a spin-off and that I didn't need to read the other books beforehand, so that's why I requested this arc.

It's told by 2 perspectives, so our 2 main characters are Jas and Felicity. The main reason why I'm a little torn about this book is that I didn't care about Jas at all, and I didn't feel anything about her romance with Hale/Kendrick. The author spent a great deal on depicting her pain and trauma as well as her desire for revenge, but to me, it fell a little flat. Because of her trauma, she hates all fae (its shown and told multiple times), but at some point, when someone asks her if she hates all fae, she says that she doesn't hate all fae, for example she doesn't hate her sister. That sort of ruined all the built-up hate, anger, and fear. Also, there are many types of fae, so I didn't understand why she hates allof them, and not just the fae of the court of her abusers. Why show hostility to her sister's best friend and lover? Again, this lack of understanding might be because I haven't read the previous books. The romance between her and Kendrick/Hale (I use both names because I honestly don't know which one to use because the characters used both names interchangeably 🙃) felt a little forced as in the romance would have happened for any set of characters in their shoes. And something that I've wondered throughout the entire book is why kidnap your friend when you could have just asked? He was very courteous when he did ask for help, so why kidnap her first and ask later?

BUT Felicity and Misha?! That's an entirely different story. They were two characters I empathized with, two characters that made me feel invested in their happiness and success. Their romance felt like a natural result of them being close to each other. Felicity is a character that can be misunderstood like she was in the story. She chose to protect her brother by staying away from him because she knew she was a target. By doing so, she didn't partake in all those missions and that could be misconstrued as cowardness. I found her refreshing and authentic and genuine. Not everyone forges ahead with their sword, confident because they're the chosen one lmao. Some take other paths, other measures to protect their family. Misha is a kind king, lonely but funny and loyal to his people and his best friend aka Jas's sister. I really liked him. He was the light of this story!

The world-building was okay, nothing too extravagant and elaborate, but it was enough to keep my interest. Some names and titles felt unoriginal, though. And while the characters talked a lot about other realms, I didn't forge a connection to any of them, except Misha's court.

I think that you'll enjoy this book if you've read the previous books in this universe. For me, a lot was confusing, which made it harder for me to get invested in the characters and world. I'll probably read the next book only for Felicity and Misha.

I’ve absolutely loved going back into the world first written in These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan. I was so excited to get an early eARC of this book and it did not disappoint.
This book follows two POVs Jasalyn the shadow princess and Felicity who has taken on Jasalyns identity. Both Jasalyn and Felicity have their own storylines running alongside each other. Felicity is a new character to this story and she is definitely a character I want more from in the future.
I did find the bulk of the story to be from Jasalyn POV. I loved how both characters had their own missions and how they came across in the story. Both having their own lives and love interests.
I loved seeing the development in the characters and getting a better understanding and depth from the previous books.
The world building is just as immersive and descriptive as the previous books set in this world. The plot was fantastic with plenty of twists and turns and it had such a gripping storyline that I can’t wait for more.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series especially after that cliffhanger at the end!!

Thank you to the Publisher, Author and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Apologies I am no longer able to read this book as despite loving the first book in these hollow vows series, I’ve not been able to finish the second and don’t think it would then be fair for me to carry on reading in this world and rate unfairly.

Returning to the enchanting world Lexi Ryan crafted in the "These Hollow Vows" series was a delight! I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to read this book early and immerse myself in the lives of two flawed and intricate main characters.
When reading books with dual perspectives, I often find one storyline more engaging than the other. However, in this case, I was equally captivated by both Felicity’s and Jas’s narratives. Each was well-developed and crucial to the overall plot. I’m hopeful their paths will intersect more in the sequel!
The book’s greatest strength lies in its characters and their internal struggles. While the plot is dynamic, full of unexpected twists and betrayals, the most compelling aspect for me was witnessing the growth of both Felicity and Jas.

<i>I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.</i>

IMO you MUST read These Hollow Vows duology first, not optional, as it's direct spin-off happening three years after These Twisted Bonds
5 stars for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3690640883">These Hollow Vows</a>
3 stars for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4243546981">These Twisted Bonds</a>
This is the last warning you get, so from this moment on I assume you've read the first duology, or at least you're okay with being spoiled on what happened there.

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<b>"Sometimes it is that which we readily sacrifice at our lowest that we most ardently desire when we emerge from the darkness."</b>
Let me begin with a quote of mine from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4243546981">These Twisted Bonds</a> review:
<i>I do want to read more from Lexi Ryan in the future, so all I can do is keep fingers crossed that she'll make better choices with whatever will come.</i>

And oh Lord, Lexi Ryan made a 180 turn for me, making THIS book a 6 stars read and my strongest Book Of The Year candidate (as of today).

I've loved how fast paced, enjoyable and refreshing These Hollow Vows was, but its sequel crushed all the good things there were to find. And in my review I've listed everything wrong I found in it compared to the first book. Beneath These Cursed Stars you ask? It made me feel as if Lexi Ryan was reborn, fixing all her past mistakes and really growing as an author. So not to elongate this intro, let me introduce you to the brilliance to the story of our YA Barbie the Princess and the Pauper — seriously, if you were looking for a book that was the most similar to the Barbie version of this story, seek no more. Even Twin Crowns can't beat it.

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<b>"So the oracle predicted that I would kill Erith and you would overthrow the Magical Seven?"
"Dream team, aren't we?</b>
We're roughly introduced to princess Jasalyn as Brie's sister, the kidnapped one, the broken one. As three years have passed, she's still as broken and as lost as she was in her captivity by the false king. Wasting days by fearing the night, and spending night fearing for the dark. So Abriella decides to send her off to Misha, her well known BFF who is also known for the best retreat destination for the human girls turned Fae. The only problem is, Jas has different plans. As she comes to possess a magic ring that makes her fearless and her kiss a deadly one, she spends the nights wandering around and killing off false king's minions. Because the fear of his return never left.

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<b>"My sister will find me. She'll find me and take me home."
She gives me a sad smile. "She will rescue you, but you'll have to find yourself.</b>
Then we have Felicity — a mysterious being that has shit of her own happening, with her biological father hunting her down for her whole life. She's lived in disguise, happily with her adopted brother and his family, until the very same false king tipped her father that she's out there and breathing — so she's run to the Faerie land as a shifter, kinda mercenary one. To take out the Magical Seven of Elora, she agrees to her adoptive brother's plan — switch with the Unseelie Court's princess, and go in her stead to Misha's, the Wild Fae King's court, to search for a portal that will lead them to the merciless gods to get rid of them once and for all. But how would princess Jasalyn agree with the switch? As the adoptive brother says it wouldn't be hard to convince her, as he was the one that kept her sane during her captivity as a fellow prisoner.

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<b>Have I been fooling myself to think that my cursed stars might be changing?</b>
What about the main cast from the main duology you might ask? Well Brie is Queening, Misha is Kinging and so is Ronan. And to my surprise, the latter one is seeking redemption — Maas take notes please, Tamlin deserves one too (TBH I hope we get yet another spin-off with his The Selection kind of story line, season 2 I guess as he already had one in book one lol). As for Finn — he's literally an NPC now. At least in this installment (as yes, there will be another book following this one). What I mean by that is that he's a very good husband-king consort to Brie, kinda lacking his personality but TBH I don't mind as I wasn't the biggest fan of his. At least Brie is as stressed as ever, Misha as cocky and Ronan as patient with his redemption as ever. Honestly, I like it this way. They're there (especially that now Misha was promoted to the Male Lead), and it's just the right amount of their appearances to not interfere and shadow over the new cast too much.

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<b>"Drop your glamour."
"Drop. Your. Glamour. Now.</b>
Back to the story, as if all the stuff mentioned wasn't enough of a problem for the Shadow Court a strange faceless murderer is on the run, killing off more and more citizens. With Jas yet to make her drop into fae's immortality you can only imagine how stressed Queen Brie is to keep her alive till then. She'd be overjoyed to hear that she's sending a changeling in her stead to the safe asylum, going on a life threatening adventure herself instead. And what can I say, even though the book was heavily split into two POVs of the adventurers with Jas and whatever was going on between Misha and Felicity — I loved both of them, literally flying by the whole book just like I did with These Hollow Vows. I'm so glad my excitement for this series is back!!

The pacing felt right, the intrigues were right, foreshadowing was obvious enough but still mind twisting, I really enjoyed flashbacks both girls were having in their dreams — they're really interesting expansions to the story, and imo perfectly implemented in it! I really loved all the characters' dynamics and overall vibe. Romantic scenes were finally back to the right amount that one might expect from YA — THANK YOU! I'll forgive 'These Twisted Bonds' for traumatizing my 24yo self in this sense — here they're really tasty, with just the right amount of closeness.

And alas — the twists. The plot. Omg, I was sucked right in from the very first pages right till the end — to sum it up "screaming-crying-throwing up". Now I'll suffer till another installment releases — but tbh I'm glad I will — as I said it feels awesome to be once more excited by Brie's story! I'm grateful to myself for not dropping this universe after twisted bonds, and extremely grateful to Lexi Ryan that I guess she took notes, grew and delivered an amazing book I'm proudly calling a 6 stars read of mine and a Book Of The Year candidate!


So if you're hesitating if you should pick it up, even though previous duology might've been not good enough to your liking — please do, as there's really a lot going on Beneath These Cursed Stars.

When I saw a new book by Lexi Ryan I wanted it so badly I requested it before I read the blurb. Imagine my joy when I started reading and realised that this is set in the same Faerie world as These Hollow Vows!!! Lexi is a true faerie queen and I devoured this book as quickly as I did with the original duology. This time, we get to join Jasalyn on her journey as she tries to cope with the scars of all the abuse she suffered at the hands of Mordeous. Set against a backdrop of dark rebellion against her sister, Jasalyn joins a group of humans. She gives some of her hair to Felicity who takes on the role of the shadow princess, to avoid anyone searching for her.
This is told with a dual POV between Jas and Felicity as they cope with the deception and the repercussions of the choice they've made. There's forbidden romance, tons and tons of Misha (cos we all fell a bit in love with him didn't we???) all the plot twists, secrets and deceit we'd expect from the faerie courts. I couldn't put this book down and I'm gutted it's over. This is a masterclass in YA fantasy. I'm going to be on tenterhooks till I get to read the sequel. I just love these books so much!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

I received this book from netgalley and the publishers, so thank you! I have only read book 1 of the ‘These Hollow Vows’ duology, and even though this book did not spoil much of those books, I highly recommend reading it first! The characters had amazing growth in this book, and I loved how every character interacted. I love the plot and concept of this book, and I loved the different twists we kept getting. I loved the POV’s we got in this book and how they both addressed their thoughts. I highly recommend this book, and I will be preordering myself a copy of this book!!

I really liked this!! the character development was great, I really loved the world and I did NOT expect that twist at the end!!

Typically I find with dual POVs that I find one quite boring, but this kept me engaged throughout and I found I flew through the book

Overall it's a 3.5🌟 read for me, just because I didn't realise it was a spin off of 'these hollow vows' which I'm still yet to read, and I feel once I read that world, i'll return to this book

If I had known this book was a spin off I NEVER would've requested it. I also think the author could've made it more clear in the description. I never finished the duology and I feel like there's no point in doing that right now.

I don't have anything positive to say. Jas, one of the main characters, was insufferable. I know she has been through a lot, but that doesn't give her the right to be annoying every 2 seconds. Felicity was alright, but not very interesting. Her part of the story felt a bit unnecessary. I also couldn't care less about both romances, just so incredibly boring. There was no chemistry. The plot was incredibly slow. It felt like nothing happened and the only thing I was reading about were the main character's yearning for their love intrests.

++ I will never understand why you would write homophobia into a fantasy book, even if it's just in the background 🤷🏼‍♀️

Overall I hated it and I definitely won't be reading the second book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love love loved this! It took a bit of getting into, as I read the These Hollow Vows duo quite a while ago. However I loved getting to know Jas on a deeper level, and having Felicity's POV as well. Some plot points were predictable, but I didn't personally mind that.

The idea of Jas's ring (iykyk) was so cool, she was like an independent siren queen and I love that for her!

The ending was absolutely crazy, and I cannot say anything about it for the sake of spoilers. All I know, is that I need the next book in my hands immediately.

If you like the These Hollow Vows duology, you will probably love this. I would also say that while this is can be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend reading it as such. There is a lot of assumed world-building and knowledge, that without having the other duology fresh in your mind can make it quite baffling.

This story picks up 3 years from These Twisted Bonds left off, leaving Brie’s story for her sister Jasalyn. Jasalyn’s story is one of grief and severe PTSD and ultimately manipulation. I think she’s a great character but I did feel that the handling of her trauma was a bit sloppy at times and she takes a lot of blame in addition to her own pain.

Fan favourite Misha was back with aplomb and it’s always fun to spend time in the Wild Fae Court. We have a new plot line with two new MC and for the first time a second POV, with Felicity, who I really liked. We also have Kendrick who I found a bit of a Finn copycat to be honest.

There are lots of elements that are repetitive from the first duology particularly with the relationships and the same old ick remains in the 100s year old Fae falling for 17 year olds.

Overall, I have lots of reservations about this, but also I will definitely read book 2, so take from that what you will!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting concept that had all the elements I should love - fae, elves and a magical realm - but I was left wanting. The world building wasn't great with a lot of info dumping. I felt the author did too much telling and not showing, and also over explained obvious plot points whilst skimming over the magic system. I think with the right editing this story could be tightened and turned into something special, but it isn’t quite there yet.

I really liked Misha and Felicity; their characters were the redeeming factor in this book. I would be interested in seeing more from them, but the rest of the story fell flat. The overarching plot didn’t make a lot of sense and I have read the “These Hollow Vows” duology, so I don’t think it was a lack of understanding of the world. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this ARC via NetGalley, but sadly won’t continue with this series or author,

Overall, it was an easy read that was both too long and poorly written. I imagine it will appeal to people starting out in the romantasy genre, but if you are a lover of this genre then I would skip this one.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review.

Firstly, I'll have to say I didn't know it was a spin off of These Hollow Vows and as much as I can see how it can be read as a standalone series, I did feel like I was missing some important back info. I'm someone who really loves a strong world building and I felt a little lost. However, it has made me want to read These Hollow Vows, and I can't wait to read the next one in this series!!

I really enjoyed the author's writing style. The characters were loveable, the romance was really nice ( can't wait to see what will happen in the next book between Misha and Felicity 😬 ) and the stories had enough twists and turn to keep me gripped. I'll be awaiting the 2nd book impatiently but absolutely reading These Hollow Vows this summer 😁

This was an enchanting story, filled with twists and turns that had me shocked. The mystery kept me engaged and the connection between the characters was amazing. It really kept me on the edge off my seat. A perfect fantasy read!

I absolutely loved the prequel duology so was very excited for a spin off. Sadly, this was not for me
I couldn't connect with the main character and it all just felt dull... I gave up half way through.

Beneath These Cursed Stars is the first instalment in a duology. It is a spin off of These Hollow Vows duology and follows that series main character's sister Jasalyn as she adapts to her life in the fae world. It is told in dual PoV from Jasalyn and Felicity who are both involved in separate tasks to help with potential power struggle in realm. I would highly recommend reading These Hollow Vows duology first as although it follows new characters and is based 3 years after the first series there is a lot of world building and plot development from the first books that would be helpful for this series. I really enjoyed these characters and how the story is told from the pov of two strong female characters. They both have separate love interests and plot lines that manage to keep both storylines gripping. I found I enjoyed both equally throughout the book. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to be released!

“Beneath These Cursed Stars” is the first installment of a duology ya fantasy romance written by Lexie Ryan and currently in progress. The series constitutes a spin-off of the “These Hollow Vows” duology, set three years after the events of the main story.

A human princess marked by past events who spends her nights seeking revenge. An enchanted ring that gives her a deadly kiss and the power to bewitch. A fae shifter who hides to escape from a fatal prophecy. A mission that pushes them to become unlikely allies. A captivating, exciting and engaging prose. A fast pace and short chapters. A contained but well-described world building that includes humans, fae, Seelie Court and Unseelie Court. A story full of deceptions, lies, secrets, alliances, betrayals, secret identities and sizzling interactions. Intriguing characters portrayed in a fantastic way. A tender friends to lovers mixed with excellent slow burn and a tormented forbidden romance. An insta lust combined with a slow burn really slooow, forced proximity, secret identities and a powerful forbidden romance.

These are just some of the elements that make up “Beneath These Cursed Stars,” a novel that completely won me over! I loved the previous “These Hollow Vows” duology, but I enjoyed this title even more! From the start I found myself absorbed in the vortex of the narration, unable to tear myself away from the pages, eager to know! Seriously, I reached the end without almost realizing it and with the need for more!

Jasalyn and Felicity, protagonists with their respective first person povs, won me over! Jasalyn is a human princess, younger sister of Abriella, powerful fae and queen of the Unseelie Court. A girl who has been deeply marked by what she had to endure during her terrible time as a prisoner of the cruel King Mordeus. Jas is torn apart by fear, pain and terrible nightmares, which she manages to erase only when she wears a magical ring enchanted with death's kiss and the power to bewitch. A ring that transforms her into an avenging creature who sneaks out of the palace at night to kill her enemies. Jas is a morally gray character, torn between her need for revenge, power, and security and her gentle, introverted, fearful, uncertain, and deeply haunted nature. Felicity, on the other hand, is an extremely skilled fae shifter. Destined to kill her magical father and tormented by a fatal prophecy, she uses her abilities to escape what was foretold. Felicity hides among the fae, wearing appearances different from her own, attempting not to attract attention. It has been years since she took her true form, living far from home and those she loves, too afraid of the risks. Felicity is a determined, shrewd, ironic and kind girl, who behind her confident facade hides many doubts, worries and sufferings. I loved Jas and Felicity so much! They are two wonderful, well portrayed protagonists, whom I became very fond of (although I admit I have a slight preference for Felicity)! And what can I say about Kendrick and Misha, except that I loved them madly? Kendrick fascinated me with his selflessness, his kindness, and his great caring for Jas. Sure, he also made me crazy with his load of omissions and secrets, but details! And Misha...well let's just say he had already captured me in “These Hollows Vows,” but here he made me swoon badly! I am not particularly fond of friends to lovers, but I must say that I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jas and Kendrick. Their shared time in captivity, their special bond, involved me a lot and I found myself sweating hard from the slooow burn and angst that involves them. However, my preference goes to Felicity and Misha who despite the insta-lust, made me swoon badly between secret identities, slooow burn and forbidden romance!

I loved the reappearance of some characters from “These Hollow Vows,” especially Abriella/Brie and Finnian!

In short I loved everything, but now I absolutely need the sequel!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beneath our cursed stars

“what if you find yourself living beneath nothing but cursed stars?…Then you go find yourself a world with a whole new night sky.”

Secret identities layered on top of secret
identities!

Beneath our cursed stars jumps between the POVs of Jasalyn the shadow princess & Felicity who has taken on Jasalyns identity. Both characters have their own tortured pasts & missions to save the realms.

“We both know death is hardly the worst thing our enemies can do to us”

With two POVs this also means you get two slow burn romances unfolding at the same time 🔥

“You say your kiss is deadly, but every hour that passes, I feel more and more like I might die without it.”


If you love:
>YA fantasy
>Multiple POV
>Hidden identities
>Magic & prophecies
>Found family
>Who did this to you?
>Forced proximity
>Bonded companions (a little goblin you can call on for portal travel & wisdom)

The betrayal & twist at the end had me reading until 2am , I couldn’t put this down and I’m dying for book 2!

“the ring was to free me from my fear, and now there’s nothing I fear more than what I’ve done because of it.”

**This is a spin off of the “These hollow vows” duology (I have not read). I believe they are all set in the same world with a cross over in characters. This would explain why the world building is minimal in Beneath these cursed stars.**

Thank you NetGalley Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this one! I’m so happy i got to go back to this world again and with new charismatic characters!🤩
The story is told from a double pov (Jasalyn and Felicity’s) while they cooperate towards a bigger plan that involves both the fae kingdoms and Elora. Both our fmcs have love interests that are swoon worthy but i’m partial to Misha, i’m so glad we got to know him more in this book and i hope we’ll get some chapters from his pov in the next book.
In spite of all the schemes, new magic powers and revelations, this book also explores Jasalyn’s ptsd after being in Mordeus dungeons during the previous books (These Hollow Vows & These Twisted Bonds) and it’s awesome and terrifying (for obvious reasons once you read the book) to see her coming back to life again and gain her will to live anew.
In spite of this, i loved Felicity’s chapters a little more✨ her and Misha’s chemistry was palpable💖
Thank you netgalley and the publisher Hodder Books for a free earc. All opinions are my own🥰

This book gave me Barbie Princess and the Pauper vibes (but darker and with magic) and I absolutely loved it!

This book is dual POV, Jasalyn and Felicity, and I loved both characters. I couldn't get enough of either of them. Usually I favor one POV over another but both characters stories were developed so well and both their love stories entranced me. They were both badass and I loved both of their back stories, I'm hoping we get more to them in the sequel. I love how both love stories were so different yet they were both forbidden.

Misha was also an amazing character, he was definitely one of my favourites. I loved him and Felicity together, I was rooting for them the whole book.

Unfortunately I had no idea this was a spin off before reading this so I felt I missed out on a lot. There was li ttle world building and there was a lack of explanation for some of the magic (which I assume would've been explained in the series before). I was considering dnfing at half way because of this, but I am so glad I didn't.

I would definitely recommend this book but only if you have read The Hollow Vows duology. The ending to this book was amazing. I am so ready for the next book but I will definitely be reading The Hollow Vows beforehand.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this amazing ARC