This book was amazing. I loved the characters and the storyline. The twist about the mmc I did not see coming. I can’t wait to explore the stories with all the other siblings: the author did a great job putting those little nuggets to entice the readers to be invested in the other siblings stories.

This book was great! The world building was very well done and the main characters were very well written! I would highly recommend!

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I adored Prince Drake in the first book but he really shined in his story. Creslyn really was his perfect match.
There was romance, plot, spice, banter, and the dragon-riding shadow daddy that stole my heart. Several scenes made me kick my feet up and giggle because it was so cute and romantic. I am obsessed.
I have already started recommending All the Chaos of Constellations but this book solidified that I will continue to recommend this series. I can't wait for more from this world!

Will she find some goodness within you? Drake knows that he has given Creslyn no choice but he hopes that she will accept him. He has to keep her far away from the king as he knows that she is not safe in the castle. But he can’t be by her side always. But the king had gone too far this time & he has no choice but to take her away. Creslyn has accepted everything about her husband and no matter how much darkness is around Drake she will always love him. Will they find a way forward together? A good read full of forgiveness & undying love. Great characters & settings. Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

3.5⭐️

I really enjoyed the first book in the series (All the Chaos of Constellations) and was super intrigued by Drake’s character in that book. That said, I was so thrilled to receive this ARC and follow his story with Creslyn!

This book had a lot of positives going for it! As with the first book, it was a fun read filled with It was full of romance, magic, reveals, twists, manipulation/betrayal, and court politics. I really enjoy the author’s writing style and her storytelling is very engaging. I love that these stories are written in dual POV! I really enjoy the world she has created in this series! The sibling dynamics are fun to read about and I’m enjoying learning more about their powers! I liked that Creslyn was bold and didn’t take 💩 from anyone despite her own insecurities. I liked that Drake was endearingly obsessed with Creslyn. He was also a TRUE morally gray character! And if you’re looking for a shadow daddy who knows how to use those shadows, look no further! 😉

That all said, I did have some issues with this one. My main complaint was that it was very much an instalove/instalust situation which took away from the romance for me. (I personally just tend to prefer more tension and build-up 🤷‍♀️) I also felt that there was too much focus on the lust and physical side of the relationship which also took away from the romance. I did feel like some aspects of their relationship seemed pretty toxic. I think some of the things that were supposed to be sexy from Drake came off more as red-flaggish. Granted, he is a true morally gray character so some of that is to be expected…I just didn’t find some of it as sexy or swoony as I think the author had probably intended. I felt like some parts felt rushed in their resolution (eg. The situation with the gem and the witch and the situation with the king) which left them feeling a bit anticlimactic. I was also confused by certain aspects of the world-building and story (eg. how mating bonds work in this world and Drake’s curse).

Overall, I enjoyed this read and would recommend this series to others. Overall, I still enjoyed this read and would recommend this series to others! I plan to continue the series and definitely have several characters I’m excited to learn more about in future books!

Thank you to Hillary Raymer, Victory Editing, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a MUST READ!!

I DEVOURED this book! I was instantly hooked from the first chapter with the banter and tension between Drake and Creslyn. The chemistry between these two is OFF THE CHARTS!! Drake is the epitome of a morally grey shadow daddy that is possessive as hell and only soft for her. He fully backs up his threats that no one better touch, threaten, or even look at Creslyn! My sunshine and rainbows Creslyn is a feisty little faerie that is determined, caring, and fearless. She has no issue putting Drake in his place, shoots it straight, and will do anything for what she wants! I was eating up every interaction between these two and blushing like crazy!!! On top of all the delicious spice, we also get depth and feel the inner conflicts both Drake and Creslyn go through. There is deceit, betrayal, acceptance, and the most beautiful forgiveness as well!

Hillary is amazing at writing vivid imagery that makes you feel like you are completely immersed in the story! As this is the second book of what will be eight interconnected standalones, you can already start mapping out how the events in this book will contribute to the overarching plot. We have prophecies and brewing war and questionable rulers and a few other fun twists that I won’t mention for spoiler reasons. I am also so excited about several potential romances I can see coming in future books with the other Starstorm siblings and the epilogue will leave you already highly anticipating the next book!!

While this series can stand on its own, if you have read Hillary’s Faeven Saga you will recognize quite a few references which is so exciting to see how these worlds are connected - queue the “Hillaryverse” and I am down for it!!

Memory updated
Here's the corrected version of your review:

This is my completely honest and sincere review of this book.

I received an advanced copy of All the Sacrifice of Shadows from the publisher. After reading the first book in the series, I was intrigued by Drake, which led me to request the advanced copy. The book did not disappoint, although I found Creslyn a bit immature at times and Drake surprisingly soft.

In the first book, I found Asher and Nova somewhat annoying, but despite Drake having a limited storyline, he still managed to steal the show. As a fantasy reader, I enjoy a good love story, though I’m usually not immune to the typical edgy, dark-boy love interests that dominate many popular titles. However, in his own book, Drake didn’t turn out to be as captivating as I had hoped.

Without giving too much away, both main characters are instantly attracted to each other and have no trouble expressing their desires. Creslyn, the "wicked little faerie," is feisty and caring, bringing sunshine and rainbows to Drake’s dark shadows. She doesn't let Drake dominate her; she’s a character who can stand on her own. The book also contains betrayal and secrets that keep the reader entertained. A few new characters are introduced in this book, hopefully setting the stage for future installments.

Hillary has a remarkable talent for crafting vivid imagery that fully immerses you in the story, making every scene come to life and allowing you to experience the world she creates firsthand!

Overall, I’m intrigued by this series so far and definitely plan to continue reading the upcoming books. The storyline has kept me engaged, and I’m curious to see where it goes next.

This book has a lot of potential - the writing was engaging and the plot was intriguing (totally ok to read as a stand alone, though you got more of the world building if you read the first book in the series first).

However, I think the weight and focus on the relationship and romance was too high, with their physical attraction being the focus of the story and the underlying plot being only a second priority. I think the story would have benefited from a greater focus on the both characters and what motivated them (aside from lust).

Though not the focus of this story specifically, I also would love more detail on the siblings and their powers since that’s a more unique element to the book so captures my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hillary Raymer, and BohoSoul Press for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m honestly not sure how we went from ATCOC to ATSOS because this book took things up a few notches. This book is really sexy compared to Book 1 and it’s definitely a little darker. The dynamic between Drake and Creslyn is interesting but it did give off insta-lust and insta-love which isn’t really my favourite thing in a book so it was difficult to understand how they developed any real feelings for each other when every interaction they’ve had was sexual with no real conversation.

At the heart of the story is Creslyn, a resilient protagonist whose journey is anything but predictable. As she resigns herself to a marriage with the cold and calculating Drake—a character who embodies both menace and allure—readers are drawn into her internal conflict. Creslyn's attraction to Drake is both ecstasy and agony, a reflection of her own hidden darkness that adds layers to her character. Raymer does an excellent job of crafting Creslyn's emotional landscape, showcasing her strength as she grapples with the complexities of her feelings and the reality of her situation.
Drake, the enigmatic Shadowblade Assassin, is a contradiction personified. His cursed existence and mastery of shadows make him a figure of intrigue—certainly monstrous, yet undeniably magnetic. Raymer deftly navigates the fine line between villain and anti-hero, allowing readers to witness Drake's internal turmoil as his obsession with Creslyn deepens. The duality of his character serves not only to heighten the stakes of their relationship but also to explore the question of redemption amid violence and darkness.
The narrative is beautifully woven, with rich imagery and poetic prose that transports readers to the world of Aeramere. Raymer's descriptions evoke a sense of vividness and urgency, particularly as the threat of war looms ever closer. The supporting characters are well-developed, each contributing to the depth of the story and the evolution of Creslyn and Drake's relationship.
Overall, this story is a spellbinding journey of love and sacrifice. This book is a thrilling read that will leave you pondering the complexities of human emotions and the nature of good and evil long after they've finished. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a richly developed fantasy with biting romance and a touch of darkness.

Okay but if there’s two words to summon me it’s “shadow” and “daddy” 🤭

This, like the first book was a fun ride. I really loved Drake and Creslyn. I thought Creslyn was really strong and fierce and she always tries to do the right thing. The way she always wanted to look out for Drake and her siblings? Love her.

As for Drake, he was in fact top tier shadow daddy and a real villain. The way he was obsessed with her from the beginning had me swooning. Both of their powers were super cool.

The only thing that let me down was that I wished this was more enemies to lovers. It felt very insta love/ lust and I wished there was more tension and buildup because their banter in the beginning made me giggle 🤭

Nevertheless the spice was spicing 🥵🔥 All I will say is there’s a one dragon scene and I will leave you with that information 👀

Although this series is interconnected standalones and technically you could read this alone, I would recommend reading the books in order, as the overarching plot line and world building will make more sense this way.

Thank you to NetGalley and BohoSoul press for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to be an ARC READER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW


Drake is a shadow daddy that we all love to hate and then love again .. this fantasy has it all...the grumpy/ sunshine ,Morally Gray, shadow, daddy, dragons. touch her and die, Arranged marriage, and so much more!!! there's spice WHILE ALSO HAVING A GOOD STORY LINE !!! The characters relation is filled with trials and tribulations, tension, but also sweetness. It was so well written . I love books that are part of a series that can also be standalones ... the way the author described things made me feel like I was standing in that particular time and place. So good .

Thank you NetGalley and BohoSoul Press for this e-arc!

5⭐️
4🌶️

This is book 2 of the Starstorm series, an interconnected collection of books by Hillary Raymer.

While not required to read book 1, All the Chaos of Constellations, after receiving this e-arc, I wanted to go and read book 1 first. I strongly encourage the same because it helps in giving background information of the world and characters.

In a Bridgerton meets Fae style world, each book so far has focused a new couple surrounding the Starstorm siblings (there’s 8 of them). Fast-paced from page 1, it’s a quick, easy, and fun read for those who like their romantasy stories with spice and plot!

I was blown away at how much I liked book 1, and that continued here with book 2, All the Sacrafic of Shadows! Following Cresyln Starstorm and the Prince of Shadows, Drake, as he swoops Creslyn away from her home and family upon an agreement with Cresyln’s brother. But Creslyn isn’t some damsel in distress, weak and fragile. She embraces her new world head on, while also not denying her feral attraction to her betrothed, Drake. While seen as a girl of sunshine and happiness, Creslyn has a darkness of her own she’s never revealed to anyone. Drake, on the other hand, has a reputation for his darkness and believes he needs Creslyn, or her blood, to break his curse. Tests along the way bring out the question of which will win out, power or love?

Again, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. The inspiration of a Bridgerton type family, but make it fantasy has been done really well here. As a fan of Bridgerton, I have enjoyed this WAY more.

Each novel may center around one couple, but I love how there is not only a sub-plot that the couple is dealing with, but then on a underlying level beneath is this overall plot that links them all together. It goes beyond JUST the romance, even if that is front and center.

The spice in All the Sacrifice of Shadows was definitely kicked up a notch and I loved it! I think it was called for with Creslyn and Drake too with their character personalities.

I also love the family love and closeness of this book as well. And how even as the family expands, they absorb their new members with open arms to come together against a common goal.

Hillary has set it up very nicely for the next 3 books at least I think in book 2 and I can’t wait to keep reading this series!

Thank you again for the e-arc! I have had a fun and wonderful time reading these!

Well it’s fair to say, much like the first book, I absolutely loved Hillary’s writing 😍

This book gives absolute shadow daddy vibes… I love that Cresyln has always thought the best in Drake & that despite his better judgement he’s always wanted her.

The way he loves her without even saying it is 😮‍💨 and my goodness was this one a spicy meatball! 🌶️
There was no warm up into this story! It was straight in for the dropping the robe to the floor & baring all before him!

We find out more about Cres’s powers and we find out just exactly ‘what’ Drake is. The whole storyline here was just brilliantly put together. Loved it!

I loved the dragon riding element, that they visited witches and bargains were made. And there’s something going on from within there kingdom… we just don’t know who’s the cause of it yet. But there is war coming & the next book is going to take us through that I’m sure! Or at least bring us closer to it!

The next book is going to be about Sol & Rissa… they used to want each other but something happened between them, something about her going with someone else instead of him which means they can’t even stand to breathe the same air as each other! I’m looking forward to the third in the series for another spicy enemies to lovers. And finding out more about her untrustworthy mother & the Queen and her son… whatever they’re actually up to!

Fantastic book! I'm loving this series! There's a great balance of romance and plot throughout the story. Both MC's had a ton of character development which flowed very naturally. I honestly can't wait for the next book to come out.

I really enjoyed both of these characters. I loved that Creslyn could take and do anything, but she wasn’t unwilling to accept help or show fear. I thought it was cute that the only thing she was really bad at was dancing. I also loved Drake - his obsession with her, his attraction to her. I did get a little bit tired of his whole I am an awful being with a black soul deal, but that’s his character and it makes sense he feels guilt for everything that he’s done. I love Drake wanting to protect her and always be with her.

When Drake says this - "What need do I have for air? You steal away my every breath." I was about to die.

I think the story is well done, and there was really sweet romance development alongside their instalust. The writing was great, everything flowed and the dialogue all felt really natural.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am so grateful that I did! I saw a reel about this book and signed up for NetGalley just in the hopes that I would get an ARC. I posted my review on Goodreads.

I did not read the book that came before this one, but I would say that you should - I am definitely going to go back and read the first book.

This is the second book in the Starstorm series and it builds on the first perfectly!
We pick up where we left off with Drake now being matched with Creslyn, who thinks she’s second choice but little does she know, Drake has had the eyes on her this whole time, and we all know what that means - did I hear someone say mates?! Yes, you’ve got it!

But, it’s not all smooth sailing in the house of fated mates, Drakes “father” is a monster, and Cresyln bears the brunt of his cruel and twisted hate of faeries.

The adventure theme within this book is perfect, and we explore more of their worlds and learn about the crumbling patriarchy and the unrest and rebellion theme continues from the first book.

I absolutely loved the magnetism between Creslyn and Drake, and Hillary has set up the next few books in the series, I’m so invested in Solarius and Narissa, Sarelle and Prince Aspen, and Caelian and Kjeld - so much tension and angst to come!

I looooved this! Such a cool new fantasy series. Action packed with characters you will definitely get attached to.

Review to amazon to be posted when released.

Book Review: All the Sacrifice of Shadows (Starstorm Series, Book 2) by Hillary Raymer

All the Sacrifice of Shadows is a dazzling and darkly romantic sequel in Hillary Raymer's Starstorm series, which continues the tumultuous journey of Creslyn and Drake, two characters entwined by fate, magic, and an unbreakable bond. This fantasy romance thrives on its blend of rich world-building, complex character dynamics, and a gripping storyline that pulls readers into a realm where light and shadow clash.

At its core, the novel revolves around the volatile and captivating relationship between Creslyn and Drake. Creslyn, with her internal conflict of embracing her darker side, is a protagonist who feels relatable in her vulnerability yet empowering in her determination. She’s drawn to Drake despite knowing his brutal past and the curse that shadows his existence. Her decision to claim him as her mate, despite the absence of a traditional love story, feels daring and is an anchor point for the emotional tension of the novel.

Drake, on the other hand, is a deeply flawed antihero, cursed from birth and locked in a life of violence and death as the Shadowblade Assassin. His magnetic darkness and the slow-burn obsession he develops for Creslyn add a thrilling intensity to the novel. Raymer masterfully crafts his character with layers of complexity, making him both a monster and a man capable of love, albeit a dangerous and all-consuming one.

The world of Aeramere, with its brewing unrest and prophetic dangers, heightens the stakes. As Creslyn and Drake are thrust into political conflict and the threat of war, the story’s pacing picks up with action, intrigue, and danger around every corner. The attack on House Celestine and the looming prophecy provide a perfect backdrop for the book's darker themes—sacrifice, fate, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

Raymer’s prose is vivid and poetic, painting a world of both violent sunbeams and catastrophic rainbows, where love and loyalty are tested in extreme circumstances. The author has a gift for mixing lyrical descriptions with intense, fast-paced action. Whether it’s a tender moment between the two leads or a battle scene infused with magic and shadow, the writing keeps you engaged.

What truly sets All the Sacrifice of Shadows apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. Love isn’t a cure-all in this story. Creslyn and Drake’s bond is passionate and raw, but it’s far from perfect or traditional. The novel poses thought-provoking questions about power, control, and the price of loyalty, especially in a relationship built on such dangerous foundations. Can Creslyn save Drake from his curse, or will their union inevitably lead to destruction? This tension keeps readers on edge until the final pages.

For fans of dark fantasy romance, this book will be a satisfying continuation of the series. It delves deeper into the shadows of its world, exploring the cost of love when it’s entangled with curses and political strife. The dynamic between the fierce yet conflicted Creslyn and the brooding, cursed Drake is magnetic, pulling readers deeper into their twisted but enthralling love story.

In conclusion, All the Sacrifice of Shadows is an atmospheric and emotionally charged sequel that will appeal to fans of dark, character-driven fantasy. Hillary Raymer’s ability to weave together romance, magic, and epic conflict makes this a must-read for lovers of the genre. As the story closes with even more secrets and sacrifices on the horizon, readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Starstorm series.

This was a strong sequel in the Starstorm series, it had that concept that I wanted from this type of book and as a sequel. The world felt like it was supposed to and enjoyed the plot of this book. It had that feel that I wanted and was glad that the characters felt like they were the same. Hillary Raymer has a strong writing style and can’t wait for more.