Beneath These Cursed Stars: A Journey Through Heartache and Healing
When I first cracked open Beneath These Cursed Stars, the latest gem from the talented Lexi Ryan, I was buzzing with excitement. I had loved the These Hollow Vows duology, and the fact that we were diving back into this enchanting world left me giddy with anticipation. I mean, Misha getting his own story? Yes, please! But little did I know, I was in for an emotional roller coaster that would leave me gasping and clutching my chest.
Set against the backdrop of a beautifully crafted fantasy world, this installment follows Misha alongside two formidable characters: Felicity and Jasalyn. The dual perspectives between these two girls offered a rich tapestry of experiences and viewpoints that made the reading experience feel both expansive and intimate. There were times I found myself initially hesitant about Felicity, but oh, how she grew on me! I honestly found myself relishing her chapters even more than Jasalyn’s—a surprising twist, but one that made sense as Misha’s magnetic presence pulled me deeper into Felicity’s journey.
What really struck me was how the themes of healing and trauma were woven throughout the narrative. Jasalyn’s harrowing past casts a long shadow, and seeing her begin to unravel her pain felt incredibly poignant. Felicity, having glimpsed Jasalyn’s struggles, becomes a rare ally, and I found myself yearning for their friendship to blossom further in the next book. I hope they get to have a heart-to-heart that lays bare their souls; it feels like a conversation the world needs.
The pacing of the book did keep me on my toes. It started strong and ended with a momentum that had me glued to the page, though the middle felt a tad slower for my taste. Yet, the exquisite ending sent me reeling with its gut-wrenching betrayals—one of which I had seen coming, but the other? A total blindside! If you love a good plot twist that wrecks your heart, then this is for you.
One of the aspects that intrigued me was how the romance unfolded. I honestly preferred the relationships in this book over Brie’s with Finn and Seb—gasp! I know! There was such organic character development and chemistry between Misha with Felicity and Kendrick with Jasalyn. It felt real, raw, and heartfelt—definitely pulling on those emotional strings in the best way.
As I journeyed through this tale, I couldn’t help but notice how Lexi Ryan’s writing has evolved beautifully. The prose feels sharper, more focused, but the heart remains undeniably present. And while I’d love for the pacing to be tightened up a bit, it didn’t overshadow my enjoyment.
In conclusion, if you adored the previous duology, you’ll find even more to love in Beneath These Cursed Stars. For those who might have had mixed feelings about the earlier books, I encourage you to give this a shot—it could surprise you! I can’t wait for what’s next in this series; I’m rooting for more Misha, more healing, and definitely a Sebastian story in due time!
A huge thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. This book has not only reignited my love for this series but also left me hungry for more. Pick it up, and let’s discuss the pain and beauty together!
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