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Marked by Magic #2
Merciless Stars
Two sisters. Two loves. And a secret that can destroy them both.
For years, Silver has used her magic to draw the same human soul, Keelen, from the afterlife and place him into a wax raven she created. Each visit, her impossible relationship with Keelen deepened, leading Silver to want more than friendship. Yet it isn’t until after Silver and her queen sister, Afton, are forced to defend themselves from an enemy king's guards, that Silver discovers a way to give Keelen human life and become Afton’s weapon.
Afton had never given her heart to another … until she met Ragan. Just when it seems she’s found true love, she must temporarily push her feelings aside and accept a betrothal contract from the enemy king to keep her territory safe. But when Afton uncovers a danger that threatens all she has built, the sisters must put a stop to it before everything they love, including their sisterly bond, shatters.
Merciless Stars is an enticing stand alone book in the Marked by Magic duology. Each book is set in the same world but can be read in any order. Perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco, Laini Taylor, and Emma Hamm. If you love sizzling romance, strong female leads, twists and turns, and magic, then this is one addicting romantic dark fantasy you won't want to miss!
For years, Silver has used her magic to draw the same human soul, Keelen, from the afterlife and place him into a wax raven she created. Each visit, her impossible relationship with Keelen deepened, leading Silver to want more than friendship. Yet it isn’t until after Silver and her queen sister, Afton, are forced to defend themselves from an enemy king's guards, that Silver discovers a way to give Keelen human life and become Afton’s weapon.
Afton had never given her heart to another … until she met Ragan. Just when it seems she’s found true love, she must temporarily push her feelings aside and accept a betrothal contract from the enemy king to keep her territory safe. But when Afton uncovers a danger that threatens all she has built, the sisters must put a stop to it before everything they love, including their sisterly bond, shatters.
Merciless Stars is an enticing stand alone book in the Marked by Magic duology. Each book is set in the same world but can be read in any order. Perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco, Laini Taylor, and Emma Hamm. If you love sizzling romance, strong female leads, twists and turns, and magic, then this is one addicting romantic dark fantasy you won't want to miss!
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2022
About the author
Candace Robinson
54 books1,065 followersI spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 2, 2022
My primary reads in the month of November often focused on the relationships between sisters. Merciless Stars, a 2022 release by author Candace Robinson, was one of the highlights. A blend of fantasy, romance, and family drama, the book easily captured my attention and packed a climactic punch of intense shocks, tender moments, and diabolical schemes. There is a fine line between love and hate, and Robinson is an expert at showcasing such conflict with a balance of beauty and pain.
Afton and Silver--brilliant names, by the way--have been on their own for awhile. One is a ruler, the other is her biggest supporter. Three men encircle them... one a bodyguard with ties to their parents, the other two, suitors of the real and the imaginary kind. From double identities to crossing boundaries one should never cross, the story is ripe with tension and energy. I rooted for Silver, felt anger for both, even sympathy for the sexy but aging mentor/guard.
Merciless a great way to describe pieces of these characters, but they are so much more too. The bond between sisters, especially when they must work together to protect their future, is powerful. Another winner, and I'm looking forward to seeing what others think of this story.
Afton and Silver--brilliant names, by the way--have been on their own for awhile. One is a ruler, the other is her biggest supporter. Three men encircle them... one a bodyguard with ties to their parents, the other two, suitors of the real and the imaginary kind. From double identities to crossing boundaries one should never cross, the story is ripe with tension and energy. I rooted for Silver, felt anger for both, even sympathy for the sexy but aging mentor/guard.
Merciless a great way to describe pieces of these characters, but they are so much more too. The bond between sisters, especially when they must work together to protect their future, is powerful. Another winner, and I'm looking forward to seeing what others think of this story.
October 19, 2021
Did someone say Frozen sisterly vibe but also witchy magic, monstrous, and sizzling romance? Why yes, yes I did!
March 3, 2022
Two sisters, as different from each other except for the magic and love that bind them. When emissaries from a neighboring kingdom attack the sisters, you're slaughtered on site. But why attack the target of a marriage proposal to unite the two kingdoms.
The younger sister uses dark magic to steal a soul to bring a wax raven to life, while her sister sets it out to discover what is happening in the next kingdom
To deal with the threat, ancient myths must be explored to find a cure for both kingdoms or all is lost. But can the ultimate sacrifice be made without destroying them all.
The author once again creates a magical world for readers to lose themselves in. Dark magic, savage appetites, a love will to sacrifice everything.
The younger sister uses dark magic to steal a soul to bring a wax raven to life, while her sister sets it out to discover what is happening in the next kingdom
To deal with the threat, ancient myths must be explored to find a cure for both kingdoms or all is lost. But can the ultimate sacrifice be made without destroying them all.
The author once again creates a magical world for readers to lose themselves in. Dark magic, savage appetites, a love will to sacrifice everything.
September 24, 2021
A delicious, twisty dark fantasy! I loved everything about this story and actually gasped at a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. The characters are real and relatable, the world-building great, and the magic intriguing!
September 4, 2021
A big fat thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC to read before the release of this fantastic book, because wow!! Silver and Afton are sisters, they're royalty and there's a magic that's coursing through them. It's unique kind of magic and it's different from any other fantasy that I've read. Silver is able to mold beings from wax and bring them to life. This is a dark magic that she knows better than to dabble in, but she does it anyway because she has feeling for the being that she keeps bringing back. His name is Keelen. As a kid she conjured him as a raven and he was there for her through the abuse she withstood by the hand of she and Afton's parents. As an adult, when the kingdom is at risk, she brings him back as a human to be Afton's main guard.
Afton, the now queen is facing hard times trying to save their people from an underworld lord that is seeping through the surface and has taken over the neighboring kingdom. Afton was able to defeat she and Silver's terrible parents and she's an amazing leader of their people. The two of them are close and they work hand in hand ruling and building their legacy.
Keelen, now alive, is training to protect Afton, yet his feelings for Silver cannot be ignored. He's being pulled in several directions and he's confused about where exactly he's come from. I love the connection that these two have. It's very strong and prominent and feels so very real. Robinson's writing is amazing and pulls you into the characters on an extremely emotional level. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I can't tell you what happens when they all find themselves in the cursed palace in the neighboring kingdom. But I will tell you that it's insane and perfect and so suspenseful!! 5 stars for me, this book is beautiful!
Afton, the now queen is facing hard times trying to save their people from an underworld lord that is seeping through the surface and has taken over the neighboring kingdom. Afton was able to defeat she and Silver's terrible parents and she's an amazing leader of their people. The two of them are close and they work hand in hand ruling and building their legacy.
Keelen, now alive, is training to protect Afton, yet his feelings for Silver cannot be ignored. He's being pulled in several directions and he's confused about where exactly he's come from. I love the connection that these two have. It's very strong and prominent and feels so very real. Robinson's writing is amazing and pulls you into the characters on an extremely emotional level. I don't want to give away any spoilers so I can't tell you what happens when they all find themselves in the cursed palace in the neighboring kingdom. But I will tell you that it's insane and perfect and so suspenseful!! 5 stars for me, this book is beautiful!
March 9, 2022
Have you ever read a book that was so good you couldn’t even form words to try to explain its fantasticalness, you just sit there stuttering? This is one of those books for me and I’m going to tell you I dont remember the last time I’ve had a book hit me so well.
She has done a book beyond what i could have even expected. The character depth is superb, the world building is mindboggling, and the twists and turns will make you dizzy and breathless but in such a beautiful way. I can usually figure out where a book will go, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and i mean the whole time. I work full time, have a farm, and am dealing with health issues and i still found myself having to devour it. I went to bed needing to know what happened to where i woke up at 2am and ended up finishing it, who cares if you are a little tired the next day, right?
I have been trying to even decide who is my favorite character and I can’t. They are all so wonderful in their own ways and you get to know each one fully and wish you could be a part of it all. The world is something I haven’t read yet. It’s a unique breath of fresh air to read something that is all its own. The romance is so swoon-worthy too. It feels so real and not rushed. You smile as you read them together and even smile in the parts they try to hide their feelings.
I felt so much emotion reading this beautiful story, it was a rollercoaster or fantasy bliss and it is a book i will keep on my shelf no matter how old I get and it is now my number one book i will recommend to everyone.
She has done a book beyond what i could have even expected. The character depth is superb, the world building is mindboggling, and the twists and turns will make you dizzy and breathless but in such a beautiful way. I can usually figure out where a book will go, but this one kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and i mean the whole time. I work full time, have a farm, and am dealing with health issues and i still found myself having to devour it. I went to bed needing to know what happened to where i woke up at 2am and ended up finishing it, who cares if you are a little tired the next day, right?
I have been trying to even decide who is my favorite character and I can’t. They are all so wonderful in their own ways and you get to know each one fully and wish you could be a part of it all. The world is something I haven’t read yet. It’s a unique breath of fresh air to read something that is all its own. The romance is so swoon-worthy too. It feels so real and not rushed. You smile as you read them together and even smile in the parts they try to hide their feelings.
I felt so much emotion reading this beautiful story, it was a rollercoaster or fantasy bliss and it is a book i will keep on my shelf no matter how old I get and it is now my number one book i will recommend to everyone.
April 15, 2022
I swear, if you’ve ever read a novel by Candace Robinson, then you know her style right off the bat! It’s so dark and twisted and yet romantic and swoon worthy. It’s such a delicious combo! This book follows that wonderful pattern yet adds such a wonderful sister relationship that reminds me so much of Frozen. I’ve been into books recently with families that truly care for one another and would do anything to save them and this story fits right in with that!
I honestly can’t help but wish I had that kind of relationship with anyone in my family. It’s unbelievably sweet. Plus, throw in the dark fantasy that this author’s known for and you have one heck of a wicked good novel! Loved this one!
***I received this novel in exchange for an honest review***
I honestly can’t help but wish I had that kind of relationship with anyone in my family. It’s unbelievably sweet. Plus, throw in the dark fantasy that this author’s known for and you have one heck of a wicked good novel! Loved this one!
***I received this novel in exchange for an honest review***
September 3, 2021
A dark-fantasy romance, a wonderfully twisted tale that’s rich with emotions, a unique world of tortured beauty, and packed with twists that will keep you unable to stop reading until the very end. Bravo!💜
January 24, 2022
If you love dark romance, tales of sisterly bonds, and wholly original fantasy, this is a must read.
It’s hard to compare this novel to any that I’ve read, but it had similar vibes to Frozen with how close the sisters are and what they’re willing to do for one another. But there is more than just sisterly bonds inside, there is deception, lies, and betrayal.
My personal favorite by the author so far!
It’s hard to compare this novel to any that I’ve read, but it had similar vibes to Frozen with how close the sisters are and what they’re willing to do for one another. But there is more than just sisterly bonds inside, there is deception, lies, and betrayal.
My personal favorite by the author so far!
March 9, 2022
Holy Merciful Stars!! This is DEFINITELY my FAVORITE book of 2022, so far!! It’s totally original, unlike anything I’ve read before!
I love love loved Silver and Afton!! There is a part that was heartwarming and made me think of my relationship with my sister, I won’t reveal the actual quote, because I don’t want to give anything away. But Silver and Afton had a very close relationship.
I also loved Keelen and Ragan…I especially adored Keelen. The characters are so well written, with complex layers, and the world building was fascinating, and the plot was captivating!!
I was so absorbed and consumed in this book that when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about the story, and when I was asleep I dreamt about it. This is the BEST book Robinson has written yet!! You need to read this dark romantic fantasy NOW!!
I love love loved Silver and Afton!! There is a part that was heartwarming and made me think of my relationship with my sister, I won’t reveal the actual quote, because I don’t want to give anything away. But Silver and Afton had a very close relationship.
I also loved Keelen and Ragan…I especially adored Keelen. The characters are so well written, with complex layers, and the world building was fascinating, and the plot was captivating!!
I was so absorbed and consumed in this book that when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about the story, and when I was asleep I dreamt about it. This is the BEST book Robinson has written yet!! You need to read this dark romantic fantasy NOW!!
January 3, 2022
Dark and beautiful. My favorite from Robinson so far!
May 26, 2021
I loved this. The unique world and magical beings that Robinson created in this were fantastic, the mail leads were swoony, and I have to say I found myself honestly shocked at a couple of places-which doesn't happen too often.
I really enjoyed this and can't wait for it to officially come out so that I can add a copy of this to my shelves!
I really enjoyed this and can't wait for it to officially come out so that I can add a copy of this to my shelves!
October 10, 2021
Huge thanks to the author for letting me read this book early! It is a great tale with sisters, romance, darkness, and magic!!! It's a stand alone novel with ties to her earlier work, The Bone Valley. I love the creativeness, world building and characters. It is rare for me to not see exactly where a book is going, but this one was full of surprises. Such a fun read!
March 18, 2022
Merciless Stars is a richly woven tale. The world-building is beautiful! This Frozen-Esque tale of two magical sisters is a story chock-full of conspiracy, love, and twists that will keep you turning pages.
March 9, 2022
This wonderfully dark, delicious tale centers around Afton and her sister Silver. Two sides of a coin that work to balance each other. The cruelty in their lives left them scarred but it did not slow them down. They forge ahead and work together to better, not only their circumstances, but the world around them. I found this a great aspect of the story and it’s also the reason I am saddened by it being a standalone novel. There is so much more these two dynamic sisters could do. So many more adventures for them to go on.
Since this is a Candace Robinson novel, there is romance. And oh how sweet it truly is. I especially loved Keelen. Talk about a man made just for you! (Read the book and you will definitely understand what I mean)
The world-bulding, the pacing, the plot all of these elements were spot on and made for such an enjoyable read. I can’t recommend these books enough!
Since this is a Candace Robinson novel, there is romance. And oh how sweet it truly is. I especially loved Keelen. Talk about a man made just for you! (Read the book and you will definitely understand what I mean)
The world-bulding, the pacing, the plot all of these elements were spot on and made for such an enjoyable read. I can’t recommend these books enough!
December 22, 2021
A dark and twisty take on Frozen! A tale of two sisters with a magical bond and a story full of royal intrigue and romance. Can’t put it down!
December 19, 2021
I really liked the sister dynamic in this book. The story builds up nicely to a wonderful ending. I enjoyed it very much.
Read
November 15, 2021“Merciless Stars” by Candace Robinson is a hidden gem, a wonderful story, full of fantasy, romance, family struggle and perseverance. Robinson is one of those author that never cease to amaze, every single time I start one of her books, I try to curb my expectations, thinking she cannot be even better and every!… single!… time! she proves me wrong. Each book is a piece of art in itself and this one is by not means an exception.
The story evolves around Silver and Afton, two magical sisters members of the royal Ketill family, that cannot be more different and alike at the very same time. While both are driven by their longing for love, their approach cannot be more different. Afton have been looking for the one and only, refusing to give her heart to the wrong person, until finally her one true love – Ragan – appears in her life, only to be have him immediately ripped apart, as she has to agree to marry the King of a foreign kingdom to keep her land and lieges safe. Meanwhile, Silver uses her magic one and again through the years to pull back Kellen’s soul from the afterlife and anchor it to a wax raven figurine she herself created years ago. Silver and Kellen’s relationship has grown and deepen during the multiple visits, and evolved from mere curiosity though friendship to love.
But as Afton uncovers a conspiracy that endangers every she has been trying to defence, is upon Silver to find a way to restore Keelen to his former human alive-self and help Afton to save the kingdom.
Candace Robinson’s tale is rich in description, allowing the readers to immerse themselves into the world and become part of the story. The plot is carefully built, with very interesting and strong female main characters, and a vast variety of multidimensional secondary characters that add to story and help to create a wonderful credible, relatable, and captivating world. The two sisters are a wonderful example of female endurance and loyalty; the story is dark, filled with dark (and steamy) romance, with emotions running deep, fast-paced action and uncredible twist. And last – but by no means least – Robinson has created a unique, rich world whose dark beauty captivates the reader at the very first sight. Reader already acquainted with ‘The Bone Valley’ already know the feeling, to all the others I cannot stress enough to also read that story right away.
The story evolves around Silver and Afton, two magical sisters members of the royal Ketill family, that cannot be more different and alike at the very same time. While both are driven by their longing for love, their approach cannot be more different. Afton have been looking for the one and only, refusing to give her heart to the wrong person, until finally her one true love – Ragan – appears in her life, only to be have him immediately ripped apart, as she has to agree to marry the King of a foreign kingdom to keep her land and lieges safe. Meanwhile, Silver uses her magic one and again through the years to pull back Kellen’s soul from the afterlife and anchor it to a wax raven figurine she herself created years ago. Silver and Kellen’s relationship has grown and deepen during the multiple visits, and evolved from mere curiosity though friendship to love.
But as Afton uncovers a conspiracy that endangers every she has been trying to defence, is upon Silver to find a way to restore Keelen to his former human alive-self and help Afton to save the kingdom.
Candace Robinson’s tale is rich in description, allowing the readers to immerse themselves into the world and become part of the story. The plot is carefully built, with very interesting and strong female main characters, and a vast variety of multidimensional secondary characters that add to story and help to create a wonderful credible, relatable, and captivating world. The two sisters are a wonderful example of female endurance and loyalty; the story is dark, filled with dark (and steamy) romance, with emotions running deep, fast-paced action and uncredible twist. And last – but by no means least – Robinson has created a unique, rich world whose dark beauty captivates the reader at the very first sight. Reader already acquainted with ‘The Bone Valley’ already know the feeling, to all the others I cannot stress enough to also read that story right away.
March 9, 2022
Robinson is one of my favorite authors and Merciless Stars is another brilliant book! If you are a fan of dark romantic fantasy with well-developed characters you need to pick this up now! No spoilers but Silver, Afton, Keelan and Ragan will steal your heart! Highly recommend
November 15, 2021
Candace Robinson never fails to entertain and hold the reader captive. A story about the bonds of sisterhood, true love and romance and doing whatever it takes to hold your kingdom together. Don't miss out on this spectacular read!
March 9, 2022
I want to start off my saying that I received ebook arc in return for my honest thoughts and review. Candace Robinson books takes you on a ride. The world building and the characters she creates are amazing. I highly recommend author previous books. This book was not disappointing. The love that these two sisters have for each other is beautiful. Afton is very protected of her younger sister. After all the abuse Sliver had to take with their parents. The things they made Afton do to Sliver. I don’t blame Afton and her actions and her feelings towards trusting people. But she learns the one person she let in time and time again breaks that trust over and over. But her feeling for him don’t stop her from what her heart feels.
Sliver creates a guard with dark magic to protect her sister. Sliver doesn’t change into a raven this time she creates human. But she been bringing this same spirit back multiple times. This spirit never remembers who he is or where he comes from. When her current guard can longer protect Afton. With her current guard there is a secret about him. They can’t tell Silver who this man really is.
Sliver and Afton learn of secrets and figuring how to protect each other from a dark world taking magic and making it disappear. I highly recommend this book. It’s a short and amazing read. This definitely a new adult read. Thank you to the author for such a beautiful and fun book. This book releases March 9, 2022
Sliver creates a guard with dark magic to protect her sister. Sliver doesn’t change into a raven this time she creates human. But she been bringing this same spirit back multiple times. This spirit never remembers who he is or where he comes from. When her current guard can longer protect Afton. With her current guard there is a secret about him. They can’t tell Silver who this man really is.
Sliver and Afton learn of secrets and figuring how to protect each other from a dark world taking magic and making it disappear. I highly recommend this book. It’s a short and amazing read. This definitely a new adult read. Thank you to the author for such a beautiful and fun book. This book releases March 9, 2022
January 7, 2022
MERCILESS STARS is an epic story about sisterhood, friendship, and love that reminds me a bit of Frozen, except this story is super-twisted and definitely not for kids!
Sisters, Silver and Afron, have to fight the evil king, and to do so they must make sacrifices that threaten to break their sisterly bond. On one hand, Silver uses her magic to bring back to life a raven and turn it into a a human, a pretty weird one with an appetite for strange things. Why? She can use him to help her sister fight against the king. On the other hand, Afron, the sister queen, must marry the enemy king to keep the peace in her territory, but against her will, because she's fallen deeply/crazy in love with another person.
MERCILESS STARS is a great, fast read -- don't miss it!
Sisters, Silver and Afron, have to fight the evil king, and to do so they must make sacrifices that threaten to break their sisterly bond. On one hand, Silver uses her magic to bring back to life a raven and turn it into a a human, a pretty weird one with an appetite for strange things. Why? She can use him to help her sister fight against the king. On the other hand, Afron, the sister queen, must marry the enemy king to keep the peace in her territory, but against her will, because she's fallen deeply/crazy in love with another person.
MERCILESS STARS is a great, fast read -- don't miss it!
March 5, 2022
This was great!! Love some slightly blood thirsty sisters! Like the writing style; this author always has unique ideas, and love the macabre vibe to the story. Cool ideas surrounding magic; an entertaining read! Liked both the sisters, Silver and Afton, and the love interests, Keelin for Silver and Ragan for Afton. Silver and Afton are strong ladies that kick booty! The romances are sweet and very steamy; less about past partners would’ve been cooler, but still enjoyed the chemistry going on. Also, I liked that there’s multiple POVs; it helped me to warm up to Afton by getting her POV. Also, I really appreciate that this is a complete story! Looking forward to the next book by Robinson!
March 12, 2022
Fantasy readers, I don't believe you have ever met the likes of Afton and Silver, I know I haven't. What a wonderful imagination Candace has.
Alfton and Silver have always been close. With parents such as theirs, they needed to be. Afton was the more ruthless of the two but Silver could be just as deadly when the need arose. Two sisters in love with two brothers but not all is well in paradise. They say that there is a kernel of truth in every myth and legend. Afton - Silver always believed - is about to realize this in spades.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Merciless Stars from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
Alfton and Silver have always been close. With parents such as theirs, they needed to be. Afton was the more ruthless of the two but Silver could be just as deadly when the need arose. Two sisters in love with two brothers but not all is well in paradise. They say that there is a kernel of truth in every myth and legend. Afton - Silver always believed - is about to realize this in spades.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Merciless Stars from the author and have chosen to leave a review.
January 27, 2022
What a compelling, gritty, dark fantasy this is!
Think 'Frozen' but for grown-ups, and if one of the sisters ate the hearts of her enemies (literally), while another brought dead souls back to earth and trapped them in bodies made of wax, as one does:)
Seriously though, I'm so excited for readers to meet Silver and Afton and to visit their magic-drenched land. Enjoy this visceral, bloody, gory goodness - with a healthy dose of romance!
Think 'Frozen' but for grown-ups, and if one of the sisters ate the hearts of her enemies (literally), while another brought dead souls back to earth and trapped them in bodies made of wax, as one does:)
Seriously though, I'm so excited for readers to meet Silver and Afton and to visit their magic-drenched land. Enjoy this visceral, bloody, gory goodness - with a healthy dose of romance!
March 10, 2022
received from author
We follow two sisters, Afton and Silver. Afton is the queen, the older sister, who always protects Silver. She even killed their parents to save them. Afton wasn't looking for love until she meets Ragan. The story starts with an attack from the enemy's king guards, for which they are severely punished. Only the attack doesn't make sense, with the upcoming betrothal.
Silves used dark magic to pull the soul back from death and into a wax figurine. Each time the form melted, but not before they form a bond. Each time he lost his memories and she wasn't able to give him proper form, until now. She figures he can be a guard for Afton.
There are more sects to uncover and dangers lurking everywhere.
Merciless stars is dark, twisted and so romantic. :) The would build is very interesting and the characters are very vivid. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes their romance on the dark side. :)
We follow two sisters, Afton and Silver. Afton is the queen, the older sister, who always protects Silver. She even killed their parents to save them. Afton wasn't looking for love until she meets Ragan. The story starts with an attack from the enemy's king guards, for which they are severely punished. Only the attack doesn't make sense, with the upcoming betrothal.
Silves used dark magic to pull the soul back from death and into a wax figurine. Each time the form melted, but not before they form a bond. Each time he lost his memories and she wasn't able to give him proper form, until now. She figures he can be a guard for Afton.
There are more sects to uncover and dangers lurking everywhere.
Merciless stars is dark, twisted and so romantic. :) The would build is very interesting and the characters are very vivid. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes their romance on the dark side. :)
March 9, 2022
This book was so much fun to read. Silver and Afton were the definition of fierce. They were fighters and survivors, and I really loved their bond. I enjoyed their time in Enare, unraveling the mystery of that creepy place and its inhabitants. There were many great characters in this, and so much was not what it seemed. I really love how everything ended up, and I cannot wait to read this again and step back into this world.
***I voluntarily read a complimentary ARC of this book.***
***I voluntarily read a complimentary ARC of this book.***
April 16, 2024
was going to be a 3.5* but I don't think it quite makes the cut... the characters and the plot was interesting but I think definitely could've been better. silver + whatever the other one's name was could've been much more fleshed out, because I didn't feel that much sympathy for either of them. the romances were also a bit rushed - I was invested in silver + the raven guy (who's name I have also forgotten), but it kind of seemed to be for nothing. I guess it's to be expected from a 200+ page book.
February 18, 2022
A story about two sisters who have to work together to solve the corruption in their world? Yes, please!
I’m a sucker for these kinds of sisters against the world stories, and this one was amazing. Robinson once again blends steamy romance with a horrific fantasy world to create a blend that is uniquely hers. I raved about The Bone Valley when I read it last year which has a similar vibe, and while it’s still my favorite book of hers, this one comes very close.
Two sisters, Afton and Silver, who had to claw their way out from under the thumb of their abusive parents are left with the emotional damage and cruelty left behind. They can tap into the magic of their land, transforming themselves in the process. While Silver tends to be the more optimistic of the two, she regularly taps into dark magic, including the land of the dead, from which she pulls a soul to live within a wax body. Her older sister, Afton, took the brunt of the cruelty of their parents and ended up with a lot of anger because of it. She is more cruel, more terse, and more brutal than her sister. Only Silver can bring out the kindness of her sister.
The sisters have their bond to keep them above the horrors of their past, but as they investigate a nearby kingdom and learn of the curse that has befallen it, they soon realize things aren’t what they seem.
I fell in love with Silver almost instantly, and Keelan as well, her wax servant. Once again I find so many characters to root for. This world was so nuanced and so well-built that I could envision the walls of their castle and the grounds where they rode their horses. I was slowly drawn into this unique world, but once I hit the halfway point, it was hard to put down! I’ve learned to expect this from Robinson’s books now!
A wonderful, steamy read with unforgettable world-building, spooky monsters, and layered characters. I recommend it for fans of dark romance and fantastic worlds. Robinson is clearly finding her stride, and I’m very much here for it.
5/5 bloody hearts
I’m a sucker for these kinds of sisters against the world stories, and this one was amazing. Robinson once again blends steamy romance with a horrific fantasy world to create a blend that is uniquely hers. I raved about The Bone Valley when I read it last year which has a similar vibe, and while it’s still my favorite book of hers, this one comes very close.
Two sisters, Afton and Silver, who had to claw their way out from under the thumb of their abusive parents are left with the emotional damage and cruelty left behind. They can tap into the magic of their land, transforming themselves in the process. While Silver tends to be the more optimistic of the two, she regularly taps into dark magic, including the land of the dead, from which she pulls a soul to live within a wax body. Her older sister, Afton, took the brunt of the cruelty of their parents and ended up with a lot of anger because of it. She is more cruel, more terse, and more brutal than her sister. Only Silver can bring out the kindness of her sister.
The sisters have their bond to keep them above the horrors of their past, but as they investigate a nearby kingdom and learn of the curse that has befallen it, they soon realize things aren’t what they seem.
I fell in love with Silver almost instantly, and Keelan as well, her wax servant. Once again I find so many characters to root for. This world was so nuanced and so well-built that I could envision the walls of their castle and the grounds where they rode their horses. I was slowly drawn into this unique world, but once I hit the halfway point, it was hard to put down! I’ve learned to expect this from Robinson’s books now!
A wonderful, steamy read with unforgettable world-building, spooky monsters, and layered characters. I recommend it for fans of dark romance and fantastic worlds. Robinson is clearly finding her stride, and I’m very much here for it.
5/5 bloody hearts
March 8, 2022
This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.
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