Readers who are captivated by dark, emotional fantasies featuring morally gray characters, simmering enemies-to-lovers tension, and heart-wrenching choices between love and sacrifice will find this book impossible to put down. This story delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices we make for those we love. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative prose, this book will stay with you long after you turn the final page. If you're a fan of stories that challenge your expectations, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you breathless, then this book is an absolute must-read.

This story was fast paced with a bad boy who knows how to talk dirty. Another shadow daddy to love with dragons. Such an amazing spicy romantasy! I didn’t read book 1 but now I have to go back to read it!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and BohoSoul Press for an ARC of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


You don't need to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but I would recommend it because I feel you miss out on a lot of the background info.

I enjoyed every minute of this book! The pacing was perfect, there was tons of action, character growth, an amazing twist, and exactly the right amount of spice. I loved exploring a different part of this world as well.

If you love broody, morally grey shadow daddies, and strong take no BS from anyone FMCs this is the book for you.

I love how Drake evolved over the course of the story, and how Cresyln also found her footing and became the person she wants to be. Yes, the characters are toxic at times in their own ways, but that mirrors real life when you put two people together that are full of trauma.

The spice was varied, unique, and I never once got bored or felt the need to skim past it. The spicy scenes were also fairly short and very enjoyable.

I do feel the plot involving the bog, the witch, and the stone was a bit rushed. It did work out okay in the end, but I think it would have been much smoother with another couple chapters.

All the Sacrifice of Shadows by Hillary Raymer is the kind of dark fantasy romance that feels like being caught in a storm—intense, chaotic, and occasionally blinding. As the second book in the Starstorm Series, it ups the stakes with cursed assassins, blood vows, and a faerie bride who’s grappling with her own inner shadows. It’s dramatic, it’s messy, and it’s brimming with angst. And honestly? That’s exactly what I signed up for.

Let’s talk about Creslyn. She’s tough but tender, navigating a dangerous world where marrying for love is laughable—especially when your husband-to-be is Drake, the literal Shadowblade Assassin. Drake is, of course, dark, broody, and wildly compelling. Is he a monster? Sure. But Creslyn sees something more, and their relationship is equal parts push, pull, and "oh no, am I rooting for this?" (Spoiler: you probably will.)

What I loved most was the magnetic pull between these two. Their bond felt raw and wild, but also heartbreaking in a way that’s hard to shake. The whole “doomed from the start but can’t stay away” vibe is strong here, and it’s executed well. Also, the world-building is lush, though it can get a bit dense. There’s a lot of court intrigue, curses, and looming war to keep track of, which might slow things down for some readers.

As much as I loved the characters’ chemistry, the pacing felt uneven. Some parts flew by in a flurry of tension and action, while others dragged under the weight of all the lore and prophecy talk. It felt like the book was juggling a few too many threads at once, which made the emotional beats lose a little of their punch.

That said, if you’re into morally complex characters, forbidden love, and a healthy dose of heartbreak, All the Sacrifice of Shadows will hit the spot. It’s definitely more about the journey than the resolution, so don’t expect every question to be answered (and maybe have Book 3 queued up if you’re the impatient type).

I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. Big thanks to Hillary Raymer, BohoSoul Press, and NetGalley for the ARC. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that doesn’t hold back on darkness, drama, or deadly assassins, this one’s worth a look. Just maybe bring a flow chart for all the plot threads.

DNF @ 74%. I really tried, but I couldn't continue this book. It started out great! But the further I got in the story, the less interested I became. It's rare that I don't like the FMC or MMC, but this book is the exception to that. There are SO many inconsistencies. For instance (potential spoiler alert) earlier on in the book, the MMC has to go on a mission & while he's gone, the FMC is taken & almost killed. Later on, he decides to take her on another mission with him, but she can't be there when he does the "job", so that she stays out of harms way. The MMC has shadows that can reach out and actually touch you, among other things - so he tells her not to worry, that he will keep his shadows with her so she's safe. So you're telling me his shadows can protect from a distance - why didn't he just do that for her the first time?? He might be my least favorite morally grey character ever. Also, the smut is so random and feels very out of place most of the time. I'm someone who enjoys spice, but it needs to be done well. Others seem to enjoy this, it just wasn't for me. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I just love your style of writing and as a new reader of yours, I immediately want more!!!!! Thank you for giving me a window into your worlds and I impatient wait for me. This series was so balanced with plot and darkness and the right amount of spice. Highly recommend!

4.5 stars !
All the sacrifice of shadows

" I've yet to decide if you'll be my destruction or my salvation.

This book had some of the sexiest sentences ever written in a romanticy.

The king hated anything more powerful than himself
"Oh, you needn't worry about that, your majesty." She flashed a vicious smile of her own. "I am perfectly capable of *having* your son and Bearing his children without the assistance of magic."

As I was reading this, the thoughts going through my mind were
- bloody brilliant you show him girl you're finally sticking up for yourself and -well done you tell him who's boss, - amazing, blooming genius move, beating him at his own game.

I absolutely love how Creslyn has some form of secret power lying just underneath her skin that we are yet to discover but we can feel it with every move she makes, just as she can see prince Drake in the shadows, watching her, even though he is supposedly hidden. I think Creslyn is a fantastic character, such a dark horse. She is clearly sunshine and rainbows - quite litteraly. However, the darkness she hides inside her is one hell of a storyline! I love fierce Cres! Telling him to beg, demanding that "he should be so lucky," what a flip side to her sweet disposition!

"I do not touch you, because I know I will never want to let go. I do not train you, because I know nothing will stop me from taking you in front of my soldiers, not even your please. And I do not kiss you, because I know it will never be enough."

I absolutely love the shadow Prince, I love how he is surprised she WANTS him, I love how powerful he is and how he just says or takes what he wants, i love his conection to the dragons and the line he is "always silent, always watchin."
He is the shadowblade assain yet his thoughts - although dark, are absolutely full of passion, at one point his thoughts tell the reader that "she WILL wear his mark proudly", but is it in the Act of a branding or a trophy? As it could easily be either.

" Drake grab the Fistful of her silky hair, gently yanking her head back. He scraped his teeth down the column of her throat. "Wicked little fairy." "Tell me to stop," he whispered. "If you do not tell me to stop," he murmured, and her sapphire eyes flew to his, wide with shock, "I will ruin you."


I have reviewed on tiktok, Instagram, goodreads, Fable, bookbub and amazon.

This second entry in the "Starstorm Series", each of which is an interconnected standalone is leagues better than the first, mostly because the MMC here is the character I wanted to be the MMC in the first book, and the FMC here is not naively annoying in the way of her sister, the FMC of the first book. Drake is such a shadow daddy and Creslyn is rainbows, sunshine, and snark. They have great chemistry and are able to accept one another as who they are - flaws and all. This would have been a 5 star read for me but for Drake's actions in the last third of the book. I will definitely be picking up the next one in this series.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

OH. MY. GOD. !!!

I LOVVEEEDDD THE SECOND BOOK SOOOO MUCH THAT I WANT TO GO TO AERMERAE ASAP!!

Crestlyn 's character development is phenomenal and she is the confident and bold FMC I have read so far!!

Drake...
And
His
Entire character arc and development is
Extremely fascinating ✨✨✨✨
Eager for book 3
Thank you sooo much Hillary Raymer and @netgalley for giving this best fantasy I've read so far !!

I was so excited to read this story and it didn’t disappoint. Shadow daddy, what’s not to love? A good amount of spice and the plot had me hanging on!

Loved Creslyn as the FMC she was totally badass. She wasn’t taking anything from drake.

This is book 2 in connected standalones but it is recommended to read in order.

All the Sacrifice of Shadows is book two of he interconnected stand-alone Starstorm series. I had not read book one of the series prior to this book, but it felt like it was simple enough to catch up with the world and all its players.

The main focus of book two is Creslyn and Drake, who appear to be opposites in most ways; he has shadow powers, and she has light powers. Due to an arrangement between Drake and Creslyn's family, they are set to be married, with is true reasoning unknown to her. Can they survive marriage and all of the other forces working against them?

I liked how the book set up potential couples for future books and how the main points for this couple were wrapped up without too much fanfare. The dual pov worked well in this situation because if we'd only had her pov, he probably would have seen even more insufferable at times. I'd be interested in reading more books in this world in the future!

Thanks to Hillary, BohoSoul Press, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

This series is so fun, with a Bridgerton feel in a fantasy world with obviously higher stakes and conflict. And WOW this book was spicy! The dragon scene? 🥵

I enjoyed getting to learn more about Drake as he was an absolute mystery in the first book. Creslyn is vastly different than her sister but ends up being such a good match for Drake. The conflict and adventure was fun, from an evil king to a dangerous witch to martial troubles. I love that each of the siblings have their own unique magic.

I am excited to learn more about this world and the other siblings as it is very evident that there is still a lot of story to be told here!

After the first book I was really hoping to see more of Drake and this book did not disappoint! We have a shadow daddy and a rainbow/sunshine (literally) girlie and it truly gave us that. I love that each book is a new sibling and their love story. It’s still giving us Bridgerton even though a lot of this book takes place in Brackroth away from the Starstorm family.

I will say that the love was a bit insta-love for me as I was hoping for a bit more banter before the two truly fell for one another. I really enjoyed some of the new characters introduced, good and bad! Also we have more dragons now which is always a win for me. I’m excited to see where it goes next!

An arranged marriage she doesn't want, a curse he wants to break, and a prophesy that might doom them both. Is Drake the villain of Creslyn's story, or is she is hero?

Read if you like:
-Shadow Daddies
-Dragons
-Arranged Marriage
-Literal Sunshine FMC
-Cursed MMC
-I'm too broken for someone like you
-Sacrifice
-Fated Mates

Good pterodactyl screech to you. Welcome to my unhinged review of All the Sacrifice of Shadows where I will try to be normal about this book but will fail. Utterly.

"You are not my weakness, but you are not yet a weapon."
"Fine then. Make me your weapon."

COME ON! I'm dying. Hillary! I am gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. You make that their dynamic and then have them say it while they are riding together on his dragon?!? You can't not expect me to fan girl over you after that.

Drake is the biggest smip for her and I love it. I'm obsessed with them. Creslyn challenging him at every turn was just chef's kiss. I love the way he spoils her rotten when what she really wants is him.

Read this book and then come scream at me about it.

god fmc was so forgiving if a man ever did that shit to me id never let it slide😭😭😭

just like book1, this was very much instalust because they were kissing by pg50 and doing it by pg100. i didnt like their relationship as well it felt very toxic. also no one is talking abt how he chose power over her LMAO.

i didnt like the mmc he was so. questionable. he did many things i disliked or disagreed with like he killed innocent ppl idk abt morally grey he just seems. yea. i liked the fmc but she definitely forgave him too quickly shldve made him beg longer for her forgiveness after picking power over her

plot was definitely there but it felt very messy at some parts? also the reveal of the what the mmc was? super random like it came from nowhere i was super confused for a minute

once again, the siblings are my fav part of this book they remind me very much of the bridgerton siblings which i love. thank you to netgalley and boho press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

-

What to Expect:
🐲Arranged Marriage
💫Shadow Daddy
🐲Enemies to Lovers
💫Touch Her and 💀💀
🐲Dragons
💫Grumpy x Sunshine
🐲Mate Bonds
💫Morally Grey MMC

-

CALLING ALL MY SPICY ROMANTASY LOVERS, if “Shadow Daddy" calls to you like it does to me, All the Sacrifice of Shadows is your next RUN to read! 🔥 Hillary Raymer has truly outdone herself with Drake and Creslyn’s story, giving us a morally grey prince who is possessive to the core and a fierce, sunshine fae who meets him toe to toe, ready to give it her all. Their chemistry? HOTTTT. From Creslyn’s playful banter to Drake’s unyielding obsession, I couldn’t get enough. Hillary knows how to turn up the heat—especially with that one scene - DRAGON - IYKYK. 👀 Let’s just say the spice was spicing!

This second book in the interconnected Starstorm (standalone) series hit all the right notes. Drake, our “shadow daddy,” isn’t just broody—he’s got layers. Watching him show glimpses of softness, not only to Creslyn but eventually to her family, was EVERYTHING. Meanwhile, Creslyn shines in every scene, blending strength with empathy. She adapts seamlessly to Drake’s darker world, embracing his shadows and balancing his darkness with her light. These two are the ultimate yin and yang, and their story is a perfect blend of plot, tension, and sizzling romance. An added bonus, the epilogue teases just enough to leave you craving the next book, where another Starstorm sibling gets their own turbulent romance.

While this series can technically be read out of order, I recommend starting with All the Chaos of Constellations to fully immerse yourself in the overarching plot and rich world-building. The vivid imagery makes each page feel like a cinematic experience, and every side character is so well written you’ll be rooting for their own stories. If you’re into dragons, morally grey love interests, and powerful heroines, this book will have you devouring every page. Buckle up, because Hillary Raymer has become one of my FAVORITE QUEENS of Romantasy! 🖤🔥


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I realized that this book was the second in the series, and also recognize that I am unable to complete both the first and the second in time for the publication date. I am excited to read the first one as the premise is greatly exciting! Thank you for this opportunity of sharing your work with me, and I will take this as. a learning experience as a new reader on Net Gallery to be careful when signing up for a sequel to ensure that I am able to finish the first and second in time for the publictation date.

ARC Review!

This series is full of interconnected standalone, so you could technically jump to this book as I did. However, I saw a review recommending reading them in order and as someone who jumped back into book 1 after this- the world-building and plot flows so much better! Kind of reminds me of Elise Kova's book plot progression!

I loved this story and the best part was the dynamic between the main characters that had me so invested. It’s not your typical enemies-to-lovers, though. Think more “arranged marriage acquaintances to lovers,” and it totally works.

Creslyn is a top FMC for me- she's fearless, strong, and super nice! She is fierce and protects herself/those she loves. Her ability to accept Drake, past and all, especially right from the start? Unheard of, and yet she took him in stride and also not afraid to lay down her own expectations!

Drake is everything you’d want from a shadow daddy and he uses those shadows, among other things, for Creslyn! LOL. Drake clearly cares for Creslyn is from the jump and watching their relationship grow was one of my favorite parts of the book.

This romantasy is such a great mix of plot, banter, powers and dragons! The magic system is unique and left me excited to continue this series. Keep in mind that this is an HEA book, but it is also meant to be a standalone. Some of the loose ends felt patched up quickly, but that didn't take away from the amazing story!

Oh, and the epilogue?! STOP. It teases the next main couple!!! So excited!!!

Love getting Drake and Creslyn’s story!

I was super intrigued by Drake in All the Chaos of Constellations. You could tell pretty quickly that he was morally gray but really a secret softie! Well Drake is an ultimate shadow daddy and I was not disappointed at all!

I absolutely loved Creslyn as well. She was a badass FMC. She was compassionate, caring and bubbly but she was not a push over and put Drake in his place continuously.

The spice was *chef’s kiss* good! It was a good balance of spice and not just spice thrown in to just have spice.

This is book 2 in an interconnected standalones but recommend to read them in order to understand the major plot throughout the series.

**Received an eARC from NetGalley and BohoSoul for an honest review**