Omg! Where do I start? So so good! I couldn't put it down for a second! I rated it 5 stars because it's that good! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

Stardust Child (Empire of the Stars #2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - publish date 27th April 2025

Easy 4.5 for me! I adored the first book and I adore the second!

The world building in this book is so well done. I absolutely love every minute detail of Tresengale being built and the vision that Remin has for this place. He doesn't want it to be like other places in the empire. I like that it's a safe haven and people are being drawn to it.

I really enjoyed following Remin and Ophele's journey from where they were in the first book to where we find them in book two. You can feel the love and attraction between them. The only thing that stopped me from giving 5⭐️ is the spice. It felt rushed, and I think we miss out on the intimacy when it's rushed. However, I can see that perhaps it would be good for people who aren't keen on spice as it's brief and not heavily detailed.

Ophele is trying to settle into being Duchess and she isn't completely comfortable with it but she wants to do her best. She really takes charge with projects that spark her interest and we see more of her past when she was living with House Hurrell. I enjoyed seeing her confidence grow but we also see how she was kept sheltered away from every day life which in turn has led her to really struggle out in this new society Remin is building.

Remin is also finding his feet as a leader and a man in love. I love how much he cares for Ophele and how protective he is of her. It's also great seeing the camaraderie with his men. We also see him struggle with the decisions he has to make as Duke and what this costs his people.

I love the side characters and how we got sneaky little POV's. Miche's POV in Ophele's old home is such an interesting one. I'd love to see more of him and Justenin in the next book but really enjoyed how the different perspectives were woven in. There's the arrival of some new characters although I'm not sure what to think of Lady Verr. Do we trust her?!?!

We also get some battles along the way. We see how ferocious the devils are and all the different kinds of them. The noises that are described are so creepy the cackling and this new one that purrs!

I absolutely cannot wait to see what's in store for Remin and Ophele in the next book. I find the whole realm and plot immersive and entertaining.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc. This is my honest review of the book.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Stardust Child is the second book in Melissa Cave's new Empire of the Stars romantasy series. It continues the story of Remin and Ophele, the Duke and Duchess of Andelin.

When he was a child, Remin Grimjaw's parents were accused of treason against the Divine Emperor. His entire family was executed as a result and Remin only escaped because a powerful family hid him. He grows to become the best warrior in the land and when he wins back some lands for the Emperor, he is given a boon and if he defeats the magic wielding enemies to the west he can have it. Remin's request is the duchy of Andelin and the Emperor's daughter for a wife. Seven years later, he has accomplished that goal and he comes for his bride. Only his bride is not the visible daughter of the Emperor, but an illegitimate one hidden in the country with secrets of her own. Remin collects her from her banishment and they travel to create the entirely new city of Tresingale in the newly formed duchy of Andelin. The relationship is not a good one in the beginning. Remin doesn't trust Ophele and is worried she might be a secret assassin of her father - a poison sweet. Ophele was neglected to the point of abuse by her guardians Lord and Lady Hurrell and her trust and self esteem issues are practically nil. Her excruciating shyness is debilitating as well so it is hard for anyone to get to know her. In book one, they grow to love one another. In book 2, that love begins to breed trust.

Stardust Child builds on the relationship of Remin and Ophele as they learn to become a team. Most of the book is dealing with the creation of their capital city, Tresingale and the unique monsters they must defeat to make their home and people safe. The Emperor and his legitimate daughter are briefly introduced in this book and their stories are intriguing enough that I am looking forward to understanding their motives in the next book.

When I requested this book from NetGalley, at first I did not notice it was the second book in the series. Once I did, I bought the first book (Traitor Son) to make sure I was not missing something especially in the world building. That book took me a little while to get through as it drug a bit in places, but the overall premise was good. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads. I thought I was in for another average to above average read with the second book, so I was pleasantly surprised when this one was more seamless and stronger in both plot and characterization. There are a LOT of characters and it takes a while to introduce and give some life and history to all of these characters which made the first book a bit long. More characters were introduced in book 2, but it did not seem as overwhelming as in the first book. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next installment.

**Many thanks to NetGalley and Owl & Bear for the eARC

AHH OKAY. I read the first book last year (so sorry, but I won’t be going into too much detail because, hello, spoilers) and I really really enjoyed it. Stardust child left off/went the direction I kind of expected—world building and putting subplots together now that the romance is more established. This is a TRUE romantic fantasy—the romance is a strong presence, and still provides tension without being the sole purpose of the plot, like a lot of romantasy’s are nowadays. So—if you’re looking for something that focuses more on the fantasy, this series is for you.

I loved the new POV add ins and am excited to see where they go in the future. Ironically, I would have wished for the SMIDGIEST of smidges more in the romance department (hello, will-they-won’t-they), but I love Remin and Ophele so much. Like mans had me clutching pearls and glued to my kindle the first go around 😩

Anyway. Pick up the series. Now I patiently wait for book #3 (cries)

This was such a great book. I loved seeing the relationship become more than just convenience. The book is filled with action. I loved reading the different perspectives on what was going on for everyone. This series is just so entertaining. I cried, laughed and just thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the next one to be out.

Another installment to this cozy fantasy romance. Remin and Ophele are so precious. I love seeing how much they've grown together.

This book high lights more of Ophele's time before she met Remin, and how her foster family treated her after her mother's death. Knowing what shaped her and why she is as timid as she is really helps in under standing her motivations in the previous book. While I already felt it was pretty clear that she was abused, I didn't think it could be this bad. The gaslighting and under handed comments were bad enough.

The character who's had the most development is Remin, he's open to trusting people more, and I love how sweet and tender he is with Ophele. I did like that more of this book showed more of his heroism and what it's like outside the walls of the city. The 'devils', I'm still straggling with picturing them. But I am glad that the local threat of mystical beasts had more focus in this book. In the previous one they felt more like a far away threat in a way.

The additional POVs in this book have me very curious for the rest of the series. Lady Verr, and the Emperor himself. I do wonder to a degree if the Empress had her hands in what happened to both Remin and Ophele. The Emperor clearly hates his wife, as it states in the prologue, and I do wonder if he had wanted to marry someone else and if that person had been Ophele's mother. As for Lady Verr, I have no idea what her goals are, but at the moment I don't fully trust her. She is up to something, but I don't think it's to hurt anyone. I think it's something selfish. I hope that this will be answered in the next book. Which I am very excited to read.


This is a book is a great balance of romance and political intrigue. It is refreshing reading a romance between to people who undoubtedly unflinchingly love each other. I want this to become a trend again where love and compassion between characters is at the forefront.

Stardust Child is a great second book in the Empire of the Stars series. It follows on from Traitor Son, picking up almost immediately where the previous book left off, but here we get to experience much more honesty and reality within Remin and Ophele's relationship. We also get to learn much more about Ophele's experience as a child growing up in exile and how this has shaped her worldview. A large portion of the book is focused on discovering more about the 'devils' which plague the town and the duchy's villages, with Remin venturing into the mountains to find the lair after Ophele has done some detective work to pinpoint their possible source.

The whole book has a vaguely ominous air, there is the constant threat from Ophele's father the Emperor, the devils, and countless other human and natural occurrences, which can cause innumerous issues. I spent the whole time questioning, who could Remin and Ophele trust?

We finally see Ophele starting to behave a little more like a Duchess. At only 18 years old she is, of course, very young and very inexperienced, as well as being downtrodden by her previous background, but her constant worrying about these facts had been somewhat distracting for me, so it was great to see her starting to come into her own in the second half of this book. I love the relationship she is building with her Hallows in particular.

Stardust Child differs from Traitor Son, in that it features more points of view from other characters (albeit less frequently than are two main characters). One of my favourite parts of the book sees Sir Miche visiting Ophele's former place of exile. This normally charming and humorous Knight becomes wrathful and vengeful when he discovers the truths of Ophele's childhood, it's quite something to behold.

I'm already looking forward to the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

I am in love with this series!! I love the plot, the characters, EVERYTHING! I think my favorite thing in this series, and what really separates it from the others, is that our main characters embrace their marriage and relationship and actually WORK TOGETHER rather than miscommunicate, make wrong assumptions, and just make the reader feel frustrated. I'm hooked on it. I will be sad when this ends, but that's what re-reading is for :)

Another imminently readable entry in the series! Remin (now deeply in love, good for him, willing to walk on broken glass for his wife) and Ophele (still dealing with a lot of childhood trauma and shame, it’s okay babe) continue to build out their new home. LADIES ARE HERE! That was my hope after book one that Ophele could have some ladies around her and we get varying kinds to choose from, from peasants to cool warrior ladies to a lady in waiting that seems a bit mysterious.

We also get signals for what is to come later in the series (summons from the Emperor, LEAVE THEM ALONE; also the abusive guardians’ secret is still unknown) but we have learned more things about the attacking devils and moved into the manor house. Even though devils attack and people die, it does have a very cozy, hopeful core to the story that I really appreciate.

I really enjoy the building (in a very tangible sense) of community and the sense of loyalty that Remin’s men have for each other. Looking forward to the next book.

4.5 stars.
Heat level: 4

Thanks to the author and netgalley for this arc.

I read this on a long-haul flight and it made for a very relaxed day. Thank you for the chance to read the ARC.

This second installment of Empire of the Stars was as enjoyable as the first. The series plot continues at a steady pace along with the world building and character development. I find myself liking this FMC a lot for being so realistic. Yes, I also enjoy the brash, sword wielding types. But it takes a lot less imagination to put myself in Ophele's shoes. It takes a long time and a lot of hard work for real people to overcome the things they struggle with, to change habits and reactions, to trust or learn or recover. So, I like that she doesn't get it together overnight while picking up years of battle prowess in a matter of weeks to go on to save the day without any doubts or errors. I haven't either. It doesn't hurt that the MMC is still big, dark, and growly, though! I am looking forward to reading the third book later this year.

The main character has finally come to terms with her new marriage and has to face many challenges. He is haunted by terrible things that have happened to his friends and family when a war happens. This book has very similar vibes to those of the Witcher and Outlander

The world building In this book is incredible it really makes you want to be in the story line with the characters.

I'd rate 6 stars if I could! Book 1 was so good, I have no idea how book 2 managed to be even better!
I really liked the new addition of POV chapters from other characters, it really was a great glimpse into their heads and added a lot of depth to the story.

🌶️🌶️, I really liked how Remin and Ophele's intimate relationship developed and grew in this book!
I was on the edge of my seat several times during the book! The storytelling was gripping and then the ending (epilogue) was dramatic! There are a lot of threads opened in this book that did not get concluded by the end, so I can't wait for book 3!

My absolute favorite part of the book was when Ophele has her huge jump in character development and decides that she is not limited by her history. I have always related to Ophele's character a lot and that part just made me tear up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Melissa Cave for the ARC!

Another beautiful book of the series! As much as I love world building I was struggling a bit with this one, but still what a fun time. I loved how Ophele finally confessed everything, I was so hard watching her struggle the whole book😭 At times I wanted to shake her because girl get a grip. Ophele is finally finding her purpose and place in the society, I love her growth.

SOOO many new character were introduced that it was overwhelming at times. I still have no idea who’s who, but I guess further books of the series will help.

Also, I want Mionet to get together with Miche. I know they haven’t met yet but I feel like they will be so good together.

I read this immediately after finishing book 1, and was not disappointed one bit. I enjoyed the Stardust Child even more than I liked book 1 and I rated that a 5 stars. I wish I could give this 10 stars because it definitely deserves It. It had amazing world building and great plot and character growth throughout the book.

I absolutely loved returning to Tresingdale and following Remin and Ophele’s journey. The book’s unique perspective on their lives and growth together made it truly captivating for me.

The world building continues to impress me. The descriptions of the devils, the different houses, and the Nobel men and women were incredibly vivid, immersing me in the story. I eagerly anticipate reading the next book in the series.

However, I wish the book had been more concise in its chapters. It was challenging to stay engaged, which is why it took me a while to complete. I understand the necessity of long chapters for world building and character development, but I believe they could have been more concise.

Despite this minor critique, I highly recommend this fantastic book. I eagerly anticipate reading the other works in the series. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing this arc!

I could hardly wait to delve back into the story & life of the Andelin Valley in the 2nd book of the Epire of the Stars! As Remin & Ophele navigate their new marriage through the trials of the coming winter and the onslaught of the devils, more is revealed about each of their backgrounds through the trying lives they've lived. Both duke and duchess along with their trusted knights must rise to the occasion to fight both seen and unseen enemies. Melissa Cave paints a wonderful tale of love and trust through the most trying circumstances.

This book was amazing! The world building was wonderful and very detailed. And the main characters were very interstellar and had great depth!

This is probably one of the best fantasy books I've read this year, maybe this decade. The world building and character development continues to be top notch. The monsters are scary, the knights do all the brave things. You'll laugh and gasp and cry. The love story between Remin and Ophelia is, honestly, swoon worthy. Such a pure love born out of uncertainty. The way Ophelia becomes such an important part of everyone's lives but takes forever to actually realize her importance is frustratingly satisfying. I can't think of a negative thing to say about this book and can't wait for the next installment ...

This is a book I have recommended to all my friends/family and several perfect strangers. It's that good.

Even in my little time this month I had to read I put every free minute I had into reading the second installment in the Empire of the Stars series, seriously can't wait for book 3! Easily a 5 star read, I would rate higher if they let me.

We've been acquainted with Remin, Ophele and many of those other lovable characters but goodness, the character growth that all of them still managed in this book was amazing, just as our favorite teddy bear Remin said, "There is no finished person" I thought the writing in the first book was so beautiful and thoughtful and this one was 🌟even🌟 better. Somehow, Melissa J Cave is a wizard for the written word. There were a lot more POVs in this which I found to be super interesting and a nice shake up from book 1. (I MISS YOU SIR MICHE PLEASE COME BACK😭(Very excited to see him roll up with an entire estate though lmao))

A lot of emotional conflict in book one had been nicely "resolved" so to speak and as most series tend to go, new problems present themselves to further the plot. HOWEVER, Stardust Child took an even deeper dive into conflicts that not only we as readers thought were were resolved or maybe would get swept under the rug but many characters as well. I find it incredibly realistic and touching that trauma was presented in such a raw and tender way by Ophele, she is so relatable and reminds me of myself as a child. Her coming into her own strength while remaining gentle and kind is something I love about her. We had a good grasp in Traitor Son, but did not know the full extent of her perils. It fully warmed my heart to a crispy chicken tender to see Ophele sticking up for herself, admitting or struggles and trying to be there for her people, for Remin while eventually telling the truth of all she suffered. "It felt as if a tornado blew through their home and somehow made it stronger."
Remin, while now becoming quite comfy in his role as a loving husband (I said favorite teddy bear for a reason) is still learning things for himself. It was brought up in book one about how he wanted his land to not only be separate from the empire but different from the empire, with their own etiquette, customs, expectations etc. which becomes much more prevalent in this book and I can't wait to follow them on their journey to see what is next.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Melissa Cave, Victory Editing and NetGalley!

All opinions and thoughts are my own. 🖤

i devoured this book in a day and a half!

finally, remin has redeemed himself and we get to see the softest side of him.
he and ophele are maybe my new favourite book couple.
i love how innocent and wholesome their relationship is, even while being spicy.

this book, like the first one, wasn’t exciting but i think that was the author’s point (this is not a bad thing).
not very many romantasy books show the aftermath of the wars that are fought so i really like the concept.

ophele has come into her own a little bit more and i’m hoping that continues in the next book!
i can’t wait to see what happens when they all go to starfall.

thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc!

A superb follow up to book 1, which took the captivating slow burn romance and adventure of the first book, and taking it to a whole new level.

This was a solid sequel!I loved the writing and the story a lot. The characters were great and the pacing was solid.