RELEASE DAY REVIEW: A Cruel and Fated Light (The Hollow Star Saga #2) by Ashley Shuttleworth
We received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Published: May 24th 2022 by Margaret K. McElderry
Review:
Myth: 5/5
The Hollow Star cast of characters really kicks it up a notch in a Cruel and Fated Light. I lived for Queen Riadne’s backstory sections, giving us insights into the past generation’s secrets as the current players try and make sense of how the story in front of them is unfolding.
The story has a fantastically rich world of the fae courts with casual and accepted queer representation. It really makes the book able to provide a safe space for YA gender and sexuality exploration.
And if you like the immortal, scary, broody, badass who is really just a softy for their love interest trope, but want it queer, then look no further than Nausicaä. I love her and her relationship more than I can say.
Magic: 5/5
Ashley Shuttleworth is a master at the nerd pop culture references, but to my utter delight, this was pulled into the magic system as well. There are definitely still the season-aligned powers at play, but Arlo’s new gifts take shape in a classic choose your adventure game play.
Overall: 5/5
A mess of teenage fae trying to figure out what to do next but also enjoy some summer holidays. The Cruel and Fated Light cast is a delight as they pull you in to their romantic entanglements and deadly court politics. Ashley’s storytelling keeps you hooked with a perfect balance of unfolding politics and developing romance.
Check out our Author Q&A with Ashley Shuttleworth
Other books in the series:
