Stars and Soil - Special Edition Hardcover

This book weaves a gripping tale of intrigue, rebellion, and reluctant power. Caitlin is a standout protagonist—deeply flawed, emotionally guarded, and grappling with her own apathy after losing everything. Her journey from indifference to reluctant involvement is both compelling and relatable, especially as she navigates a court filled with manipulation, danger, and secrets. The setting is richly drawn, with a kingdom on the brink of collapse. The unrest among commoners and the dying land create a tense backdrop for Caitlin’s rise to influence. The layered dynamics between the rebellion leader, the spoiled prince, and the enigmatic lady-in-waiting bring complexity to her choices, keeping readers on edge as alliances shift and motives are revealed. The story’s strength lies in its intricate web of conspiracies, from militant revolutionaries to cryptic priestesses and shadowy forces pulling the strings. The stakes are high, especially as Caitlin is drawn into the mystery of a hidden prophecy that could either doom her or turn her into a weapon of unimaginable power. However, the pacing can feel uneven, with some moments of action and discovery moving too quickly while others linger longer than necessary. The romantic subplot, while intriguing, could have used more development to fully integrate with the larger narrative. Overall, this is a thrilling blend of dark fantasy and political intrigue, with a protagonist who is as sharp as she is vulnerable. Fans of court politics, morally gray characters, and high-stakes prophecy will find much to enjoy.

I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. It has an excellent story but with some very unique views. It is worth a very careful reading and stay attentive to the details of the characters. Keep your mind open to some great changes and personalities.

This was an intriguing read into the combination of grief and court politics. Caitlins plight throughout the book is engrossing, as well as the combination of interpersonal relationships with the politicking. The not knowing who to trust is nice, as all the characters seem to have their own goals in mind. The world building is also incredible, leaving the reader wanting to dive in more. This was the first book I've read by Dax, but it certainly won't be the last.

What a fun and awesome debut fantasy novel! I loved everything about it and look forward to reading more. I received a copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was a great read! Intrigue, romance, long-forgotten magics, what's not to love? We follow Caitlin, who was a great main character. Watching her get thrown into a dangerous situation and, despite being in over her head, doing her best to survive. All the other characters were also well-fleshed-out with their own motivations and, like Caitlin, I was never quite sure who to trust. Outside of the central plot, you can tell how much work has gone into the worldbuilding. Fascinating cultures and magic systems, and plenty of intriguing threads that can be addressed in later works. Which isn't to say this story didn't have a strong conclusion, because it certainly did! Some other random things. Lots of lovely alliteration in the chapter titles (just a few: Love and Lies, Dangers and Dukes, Flowers and Foes). The book included a comprehensive list of content warnings, which are always appreciated. Not to mention, lots of inclusive relationships and characters across the whole spectrum of identities. The diversity and representation is always great to see! Admittedly I'm not usually a fan of 'court politics' type stories, and I had some minor quibbles, but the further I got into the book, the fast I started going through chapters - I couldn't wait to see what happened next! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and I'm glad I read it!