A Dark and Hollow Star

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Be that as it may, this counts for very little where Miss Jarsdel’s power is concerned.” Arlo’s stomach took a dive for the floor. Gaining momentum, Chandra continued, “Her father’s blood dilutes too much. She has magic, yes, but so little of it that she may as well not have it at all. While our deliberation might seem like prejudice to you, Your Highness, you must understand that there is much more for Miss Jarsdel to gain in pursuing her humanity than there is for her in chasing the formidable shadows of her mother’s family.” Plot: Ok, let’s be honest, there are TONS of book about the Faerie being written as of late, but I promise none can compare to this one. There is a perfect mix of Fae/modern world, tons of different mythology, and great LGBTQ+ representation. Celadon kept Arlo’s wrist in his grasp but angled around once again to face the stands. “Councillor Sylvain,” he returned, the reply spoken light as air, yet somehow just as gravid as the mood of the room. Councillor Siegel raised a fine chestnut brow. “Quiet your theatrics, Miss Jarsdel. You would still be you, and you would not forget your family. You’d forget only what is unnecessary for you to remember. Your father remembers you still, does he not?”

A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR | Kirkus Reviews A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR | Kirkus Reviews

Thalo and Celadon looked eerily alike, despite the fact they were only first cousins. Her mother looked so much younger than her forty-two years, and with the same twilight-glow complexion, willowy height, russet hair, and lovely features as Celadon, it was a fair assumption to make that they were siblings, when in fact it was the High King and Thalo’s mother—the princess Cyanine—who were brother and sister. They would put this hearing off until a later date? They were actually going to humor Celadon’s desperate scramble for Arlo to be granted full fae status and a place in the Viridian line? It… it should matter that I’m a Viridian,” Arlo heard herself say, in a voice made small by nausea and nerves. “My magic might not be very strong, I might have much more of my father’s iron blood than you’d like, but I can still alter and conceal my appearance with a glamour just fine, and I possess enough of the Sight to see through the glamours of other folk as well…” There was so much for Arlo to miss if the Council not only denied her fae citizenship but also inclusion in the magical community as a whole. Fae citizenship, with its isolationist rules and responsibilities, was not something she was sure she even wanted, but she knew without a doubt that she didn’t want to be expelled from magic altogether. She didn’t want to forget the truth about her family any more than she wanted to forget that magic had ever survived the collapse of human memory that it had existed.In the eyes of the High Council, the only thing that mattered was that half of Arlo’s heritage was human. The fact that the other half had come directly from a royal fae family— the royal family, the family that currently sat as head of the magical community above even the heads of all the other Courts—was actually a mark against her. The fae were quite proud of their undiluted bloodlines, and the very long line of the Viridian family comprised only that—fae. There were no faerie relatives—those folk who possessed some animal or natural trait like bark for skin or leaves for hair. The Viridians certainly had no human relatives either, not until Arlo’s mother had married one, and then shortly after had given birth to Arlo. At least Arlo herself looked similar to the fae; she shuddered to think how much worse she’d be treated right now if her magical heritage came from anything else. Councillor Chandra rose from her seat, displeasure etched into her stunning sand-brown face at the thinly veiled accusation in Celadon’s statement. “Weighing the worth of an ironborn child is no trivial matter, Your Highness.”

A Dark and Hollow Star Review – The Caffeinated Reader A Dark and Hollow Star Review – The Caffeinated Reader

Only her husband, the man at Councillor Larsen’s side—short by fae standards, golden-tanned and very blond—showed no surprise at her words. The rest looked up at their Headship in confusion. Queer ownvoices urban fantasy set in Toronto with serial killers” felt like someone had reached into my bookish soul and made every last one of my wishes into reality. It was surreal. I was rooting for this book with my whole heart. It’s not? Forgive me, Councillor, but your inspection of my cousin has worn out the hour it was meant to take and now runs dangerously close to an interrogation.”But many more had stopped putting such importance on the color of blood, and it was considered abhorrent behavior on anyone’s part to do so anymore, but especially a member of the Fae High Council. It was also the very worst thing to say in front of a powerful prince he’d just insulted, whose personal time had long been devoted to advocating for ironborn rights. And not only that, but in this current climate of unease, if word got out that one of the Council’s own had displayed such elitist behavior… Arlo didn’t know what would happen. Aghh you see what I mean? How can I choose a favourite when they all make me feel like this?!?! I demand that Ashley be sued for the too many feels.🥺 I mean, I can’t even begin to describe my euphoria when I first heard the premise of A Dark and Hollow Star. (Though if you want some idea, please scroll to the bottom of my review and take a gander at my yelling and spluttering!) Councillor Sylvain shot up from his seat, a blue flush bleeding through his glamour to heat his face. “High Prince Celadon!” The Councillor’s words were more like thunder.

A Dark and Hollow Star | Book by Ashley Shuttleworth A Dark and Hollow Star | Book by Ashley Shuttleworth

Moreover, I feel just as—if not even more—strongly about publishing and reading ownvoices queer stories. It is SO IMPORTANT that we read and support queer authors, and queer spec-fic holds an infinitely soft space in my heart.Also, is it weird to say that I actually just adore one of the villains. (at least I'm pretty sure he's a villain?) His plans are a little unclear and he's protecting Arlo sooooo *confusion*

The Hollow Star Saga by Ashley Shuttleworth - Goodreads

Tall and lithe, his numerous years were yet unable to conquer his sinewy strength. His voluminous emerald and turquoise robes, fastened by gleaming gold, did little to soften the severe cut of his glamoured ivory face. Councillor Sylvain opened his mouth to reclaim the floor and announce his verdict—when the door behind Arlo suddenly burst open. She jumped, spinning around to face the source of this disturbance as the Council rustled in irritation behind her.No,” Celadon continued on, “I only came to collect my cousin. It is her birthday, after all, and her family would like to spend what little time you’ve left her now to celebrate this fact.” He lifted his watch higher to exaggerate this point, then shook his head despairingly. “Apologies for the interruption, Councillors. I wish every one of you a wonderful night.” Celadon allowed silence to infuse the room a moment longer than what was comfortable for anyone. Even Arlo shifted at his side, her heart beginning again to flutter in panic. In this world, Fae and faeries also live in the human world, while of course, not allowing the humans to discover that magical creatures do in fact exist. (glamour is truly amazing😌) If he's evil and all, well I still love him because he's definitely a really cool villain😏 uh oh pretty soon im gonna be rooting for him too smh