The Stars are Dying (Nytefall, #1): Book Review
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Step into the captivating universe of “The Stars are Dying,” the first thrilling installment of the Nytefall series by the imaginative wordsmith, C.C. Peñaranda. Prepare for a cosmic adventure that will have you giggling and gasping in equal measure!
Step into a world where the ethereal dance of celestial bodies reveals a tale of magic, destiny, and unimaginable wonder. “The Stars are Dying,” the enchanting debut novel in the Nytefall series by the visionary storyteller C.C. Peñaranda, invites readers on an extraordinary journey into a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.
With a masterful touch, Peñaranda weaves together a tapestry of fantastical elements that will sweep you away into a universe brimming with mythical creatures, ancient prophecies, and breathtaking landscapes.
Get ready to be spellbound as you immerse yourself in a realm where the stars themselves hold secrets, and the fate of worlds hangs in the balance. With its richly imagined world and captivating narrative, “The Stars Are Dying” is an enthralling testament to the power of fantasy literature that will leave you craving more.
The Stars Are Dying Description
“The brightest star needs the darkest night.”
With fragmented memories of only five years of her life, all Astraea knows is safety in seclusion. She’s determined to discover more about her past, even if that means fleeing the arms that hold her safe from the wicked vampires that roam the land.
But when Astraea stumbles upon the mysterious Nyte, she soon realizes determination alone isn’t enough to guard her heart. He lingers like the darkness that expands between the stars, and soon she discovers her captor’s wicked means of control weren’t based on a lie to keep her under locks after all. In her desperation, Astraea accepts Nyte’s help before deciding if she might have sold her allegiance to one of the bloodthirsty beings the people of her world fear.
Review of The Stars Are Dying
When connecting with Chloe’s assistant, I was incredibly excited to read and review The Stars Are Dying. I heard of Chloe’s other series An Heir Comes to Rise and wanted to be at the forefront of a tale that intrigued me.
That being said, I don’t know where to begin with my review. The story had so much potential. It is full of political intrigue, world-building, and a magic system all its own. However, with my ambitious interest in the tale, I can’t consider it a perfect success for the first installment of Nytefall book one.
“Love was a drug laced with its own cure”
For me, one of the biggest flaws of The Stars Are Dying would be the pacing of it all. As the story unfurls it attempts to keep you engaged by withholding answers, almost cliffhanger-esque but not quite on that level.
By the 50% mark, the first half is terribly slow. So slow that I was left bored, slugging along through the story. While major events happen periodically, with one happening to actually spur along the main character, it isn’t enough to push the story along, and often feels as if Chloe is holding back.
“WHEN FALLS NIGHT, THE WORLD WILL DROWN IN STARLIGHT”
The story doesn’t actually start moving in succession until about the 60% mark. Allowing the engagement I needed to happen. I know what you are thinking, well that is the end of the book. And to that, I say yes it is but the ending is written so well it gave the redeeming quality to the story that makes me highly anticipate book 2. And, the ending too leaves you on a cliffhanger and you are left shocked and amazed.
“Think of me, and I will answer. Long for me, and I’m right here with you”
Astraea is a main character that is left distracted by “shiny objects” you don’t quite know what she is after, with everything changing so constantly that you can’t quite keep up. Her development is practically nonexistent. Constantly telling the male main character that he is insufferable, but in actuality, it is her that has these traits. Even as you near the end of the story she still has little growth, despite being shown time and time again the trust that each side/main character is willing to give her.
Final Thoughts
A major plus is that the chemistry on the page is beyond unmatched. The love that Nyte has for Astraea is among the best written. You really feel how deeply he loves her even in the first few pages of the story. And Chloe really shines while writing these scenes.
“We’re only just getting started on impossible, my Starlight”
I additionally loved the world-building and the high stakes that Chloe explores. These points add to the interest of the story. Nyte is probably one of my favorite characters. I love villains. He is funny and sweet. He is DADDY.
Plus, as I’ve mentioned I loved the whole idea of the plot. It is something all unto its own. While the use of trials is not technically unique the way that it is presented is. This adds depth to the story. And although at times it can be consulted the twists and turns, secrets and mysteries again add to the story.
To say the least, I am torn. The Stars Are Dying isn’t overtly bad, anything below 3 stars didn’t seem quite right. On one hand, there is the premise and overall concept of the story, but on the other is the pacing, which makes or breaks the storyline.
Overall, I did enjoy the story and am definitely looking forward to book 2.
Thank you to the author for gifting me an eArc in order to review. The Stars Are Dying is available on KU or in paperback/hardcover
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