It’s been fourteen years since Prince Gaeren lost Aeliana, the childhood friend he’d sworn to protect. Haunted by the unfulfilled promise, he searches for a way to bring her home. But with threats against the kingdom from both a rebel faction in the south and Mayvus, a power-hungry priestess in the east, he only has time to follow one last clue across the seas.

Kidnapped as a child, Aeliana is desperate to be rid of the chaotic magic in her blood, magic her captors use to ravage the land. When she’s found by Gaeren’s rebel enemies, she joins their fight to rescue her mother from Mayvus, but her unwieldy power only serves to attract Mayvus’ attention. Aeliana must learn to control her magic before they reach her mother, or risk becoming the weapon Mayvus needs to take complete control of the kingdom.

Blood of the Stars is the first book in an epic fantasy series full of magic, intrigue, found family, reluctant royalty, & descendants of Stars on the brink of war.

Book 1 of the The Half-Light Chronicles series.

Fourteen years ago, young Aeliana disappeared, and Prince Gaeren failed to save her. Now as an adult, Gaeren continues searching for his lost friend. Meanwhile, Aeliana’s guardians promise that if she finds a mysterious golden arrow, she can escape this world that hates the magic in her blood and finally return home. Karyne Norton’s Blood of the Stars crafts a rich fantasy realm exploding with life and complex heroes who grow throughout a quick-paced plot as they explore loyalty, religion, and consequences of their actions. A solid conclusion sets up a sequel for this first book of The Half-Light Chronicles series.

Best for: Fans of epic high fantasy with complex worldbuilding.

Discern: Child abuse, mild fantasy violence, self-harm as part of forbidden magic system.