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Heavenly Bodies #1
Heavenly Bodies
"I defy the stars."
In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.
But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara's Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.
As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars' deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.
Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.
In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.
But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara's Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.
As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars' deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.
Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.
619 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,283 reviews
March 23, 2022
I'll give 3.5
And I'm going to go full review mode because most of the reviews at the moment are a bunch of people who haven't even read it and just randomly giving 5 stars. I'm sorry... You haven't read the book...? Oh and you gave it 5 stars..?? For what? You don't have to rate and review just to say you want to read a book... Do y'all realize there is an actual to-read shelf?
---PLOT---
I don't have all that much experience with fantasy, so my comparison might be a little off. But I am getting a mix between ACOTAR and Zodiac Academy.
So basically, Heavenly bodies is written in third person limited omniscient mainly focusing on our heroine Elara after her kingdom gets overthrown by the star Ariete and she has to flee to a neighboring country. The story starts off as she's looking for a way into the palace to ask the king for refuge. Here she meets Prince Lorenzo, The Lion of Helios. In completely new place with entirely different traditions and customs, Elara starts to train and grow her powers to try and take back her kingdom and learn how to defeat the stars.
Oh and let's not forget the prophesy she was cursed with: She will fall in love with a star, and it will kill them both.
Now, I think it is necessary to say that romance was the biggest plot in this book. I'm very much a romance whore and don't have all that much to complain about with that. But for the people that like more balance between plot-romance or a plot-heavy story, this book might not hit the right spots for you.
---CHARACTERS---
Elara's a Queen. She's clever, strong, and confident. And yes she does fall, and yes there are some very cute possessive "who did this to you" scenes with Enzo, but I still admire how she holds her own. Even when Enzo is down or not able to help, she makes the plans and executes them and dives off the cliff hoping for the best. Literally.
Lorenzo - Enzo - is the hottest kind of hero there is. A charming, sarcastic, protective ass who would do anything for the people he loves. He knows when to push Elara and when to hug her. He's strong and fearless and absolutely hot in general
As for their relationship? *chefs kiss*
No miscommunication trope here. AHH this was so refreshing to read.
The communication between Elara and Enzo was AMAZING. I loved how they were straight to the point and open with each other. It made my broken heart happy to see how many issues they avoided by simply talking about their feelings, and the confidence that they both had in their relationship. Obviously, there were some hiccups, but overall their relationship held strong. I loved their interactions with each other and their bickering and how possessive Enzo was. Burn the world down for her? Drowning the world in darkness for him? *swoon*
And while it was advertised as slow-burn, this book did not feel slow-burn just because of the endless amount of flirting and cute scenes Elara and Enzo got from the very beginning. The enemies was there, but it did not last long.
---WHAT I DIDN'T ENJOY---
While I did love the story, it took me a while to really get into it. The pacing felt all over the place.
The first chapter was nice and slow with a lot of vivid descriptions. But pretty much right after meeting Enzo, things started moving pretty quickly with them and their interactions, while the plot remained relatively stagnant. It felt like scene after scene it was only ever one trope after another after another. It was like the author was just ticking off list of tropes to see how many could fit in one book. I wished there was more interaction and slow progression with them and the side characters. You didn't really get to see Marissa and Elara become close friends, you were just told they were. At times some scenes between Elara and Enzo even felt forced and out of place.
Also it was kind of weird seeing the words "dragun" and "magick" spelled like that. I thought it was a typo at first but I figured after the amount of times it happened it wasn't.
The ending was also something I didn't enjoy. There were so many twists and turns and scenes I was getting lost at what exactly was happening. One moment they were chasing each other and another someone got stabbed and was falling through the air??
A lot of really great ideas that I felt could've been developed a little more. Really, the ending didn't need to have that much going on. I think some of the plot twists could've maybe been implemented earlier in the book to create more plot interest in between all those Enzo and Elara scenes.
Overall, the book was still really enjoyable. I loved the relationship between Enzo and Elara. One of the best ones I've read in a fantasy. Heavenly Bodies was a great read and I'll be patiently waiting for the next book to come out.
And I'm going to go full review mode because most of the reviews at the moment are a bunch of people who haven't even read it and just randomly giving 5 stars. I'm sorry... You haven't read the book...? Oh and you gave it 5 stars..?? For what? You don't have to rate and review just to say you want to read a book... Do y'all realize there is an actual to-read shelf?
---PLOT---
I don't have all that much experience with fantasy, so my comparison might be a little off. But I am getting a mix between ACOTAR and Zodiac Academy.
So basically, Heavenly bodies is written in third person limited omniscient mainly focusing on our heroine Elara after her kingdom gets overthrown by the star Ariete and she has to flee to a neighboring country. The story starts off as she's looking for a way into the palace to ask the king for refuge. Here she meets Prince Lorenzo, The Lion of Helios. In completely new place with entirely different traditions and customs, Elara starts to train and grow her powers to try and take back her kingdom and learn how to defeat the stars.
Oh and let's not forget the prophesy she was cursed with: She will fall in love with a star, and it will kill them both.
Now, I think it is necessary to say that romance was the biggest plot in this book. I'm very much a romance whore and don't have all that much to complain about with that. But for the people that like more balance between plot-romance or a plot-heavy story, this book might not hit the right spots for you.
---CHARACTERS---
Elara's a Queen. She's clever, strong, and confident. And yes she does fall, and yes there are some very cute possessive "who did this to you" scenes with Enzo, but I still admire how she holds her own. Even when Enzo is down or not able to help, she makes the plans and executes them and dives off the cliff hoping for the best. Literally.
“A woman can be anything she wishes. Soft and fierce. Deadly and kind. She does not have to choose.”
"You know who the most dangerous kind of villain is?" she whispered. "A woman with nothing left to lose."
Lorenzo - Enzo - is the hottest kind of hero there is. A charming, sarcastic, protective ass who would do anything for the people he loves. He knows when to push Elara and when to hug her. He's strong and fearless and absolutely hot in general
As for their relationship? *chefs kiss*
No miscommunication trope here. AHH this was so refreshing to read.
The communication between Elara and Enzo was AMAZING. I loved how they were straight to the point and open with each other. It made my broken heart happy to see how many issues they avoided by simply talking about their feelings, and the confidence that they both had in their relationship. Obviously, there were some hiccups, but overall their relationship held strong. I loved their interactions with each other and their bickering and how possessive Enzo was. Burn the world down for her? Drowning the world in darkness for him? *swoon*
Enzo gave a dark laugh. "You overestimate my compassion, Elara, and underestimate how deeply mine you are. I would let the whole world burn if it kept you warm."
"So you'd set the world on fire for me," she mused. "Well I would turn the world into darkness for you. If you were taken from me, not a single light would shine until you were back home,"
And while it was advertised as slow-burn, this book did not feel slow-burn just because of the endless amount of flirting and cute scenes Elara and Enzo got from the very beginning. The enemies was there, but it did not last long.
"If you pose a threat to my kingdom, I will kill you."
"Then I should warn you," she murmured, making sure her hair tickled his cheek as she leaned into him, "that I don't take kindly to threats. And that if you make another, perhaps that will be your last."
---WHAT I DIDN'T ENJOY---
While I did love the story, it took me a while to really get into it. The pacing felt all over the place.
The first chapter was nice and slow with a lot of vivid descriptions. But pretty much right after meeting Enzo, things started moving pretty quickly with them and their interactions, while the plot remained relatively stagnant. It felt like scene after scene it was only ever one trope after another after another. It was like the author was just ticking off list of tropes to see how many could fit in one book. I wished there was more interaction and slow progression with them and the side characters. You didn't really get to see Marissa and Elara become close friends, you were just told they were. At times some scenes between Elara and Enzo even felt forced and out of place.
Also it was kind of weird seeing the words "dragun" and "magick" spelled like that. I thought it was a typo at first but I figured after the amount of times it happened it wasn't.
The ending was also something I didn't enjoy. There were so many twists and turns and scenes I was getting lost at what exactly was happening. One moment they were chasing each other and another someone got stabbed and was falling through the air??
A lot of really great ideas that I felt could've been developed a little more. Really, the ending didn't need to have that much going on. I think some of the plot twists could've maybe been implemented earlier in the book to create more plot interest in between all those Enzo and Elara scenes.
Overall, the book was still really enjoyable. I loved the relationship between Enzo and Elara. One of the best ones I've read in a fantasy. Heavenly Bodies was a great read and I'll be patiently waiting for the next book to come out.
July 29, 2021
I saw the author on tiktok talking about the book and it got me so excited and hyped up! I can’t wait to read it so I’m here early to show my support!
April 20, 2022
I read it and it was good. Not great but good and to be honest I was a bit disappointed. I felt like it was too long and the pacing was all over the place.
I also felt like it was way too tropey. I've noticed that alot of authors these days are writing tropes and essentially creating stories that read the same. I'm pretty sure I read these same characters in several other fantasy romance books.
3 stars because the author was spot on with her marketing and because, in truth, this IS a debut novel.
The way I'm just DYING to read this boooooookkk ugggghhh
I also felt like it was way too tropey. I've noticed that alot of authors these days are writing tropes and essentially creating stories that read the same. I'm pretty sure I read these same characters in several other fantasy romance books.
3 stars because the author was spot on with her marketing and because, in truth, this IS a debut novel.
The way I'm just DYING to read this boooooookkk ugggghhh
November 30, 2023
4.28!
This was everything the stars are dying wished to be....
"You’re the most beautiful woman anywhere. But that wasn’t enough to say. To tell you that you look beautiful seemed a lazy, easy thing to do to describe the way you look. Because I can barely put it into words."
Oh my! This was so enjoyable although with a few things that did affect my reading experience but I'll try not to be harsh for a debut novel.
.
The characters and the side characters. They were so well written I loved Elara and I loved Lorenzo they were so good together like who gave them the right to be that hot and that cute at the same time 😭 I loved them so much and the side characters were ones that you'd definitely ask a spin offfor and the ones who have enough personality to pull them off.
Elara started off as a really badass character and I really liked her. I loved how the prophecy was their revolving around but she still chose to fight it and for the things that she believed in. I liked how her loss was depicted and how she struggled with it as well.
For Lorenzo this man 🤌 the amount of times he had to put up with Elara and the way he was so down bad for her. Absolutely loved him. I love how MMC capture us more than the FMC 😭 he literally cared for her so much and was willing to loose everything for her.
"He took her hand, and the tension between them rose and shimmered, her lungs constricting at his burning touch. “You are already a light, Elara. It’s why the shadows flock to you."
The romance, there was a bit fo slow burn and angst but honestly not that much. There was ALOT of banter and I loved that alot the banter was probably my most favourite thing out of all. The way Elara and Lorenzo communicated and were together was so well done. The actions when they were around each other the way that was written was also well done. I liked the romance alot especially the last bits Woooohooo that was spicy. Lorenzo had me fanning myself.
Bits of their banter:
" 'i hope their poisonous'. 'me too. It will be a shorter suffering than having another conversation with you' "
.
"He raised an eyebrow 'are you always this insolent?'. 'are you always this insufferable' she retorted"
.
"The rest of the world can rot' she said "how altruistic of you' Enzo drawled. 'im in good company then,' she spat back"
There were so many tropes in this book like:
•He falls first
•Hate to love
��She helps him during his nightmare
•He takes care of her when she's sick
•Banter
•Found family
•Prophecies
•Star-crossed lovers
•Knife to the throat
•Forced proximity
"Because Elara, I maybe a monster, but you make me want to be a saint."
The writing style for the first 75% mark was really good I loved I was flying through it. The way Imani wrote this made me feel like they were actually my family. Everything was perfect but there was this chunk of 10% that really ruined my experience because the writing deteriorated and Elara wasn't acting the way she was which was really frustrating for me but in the end it did develop into something I can be okay with.
The only problem besides the writing I ahd was that I felt something was missing. Idk it was just this one feeling I can't pin point it but something was definitely missing and it kept bugging me. Also that 10% shouldve been shaved off.
"I’m a princess,” she replied. “Why can’t I look pretty as I stab you?
Finally, the plot and the world building. For the WB I think the foundation is there and it was kind of a main focus on this book so the next books can add and develop it but it'll only benefit it and for the plot it was interesting I'm a sucker for prophecies and fates + all the stars were reincarnations of zodiacs so fun to see that but the plot was definitely light here...like the romance was definitely where the spotlight was on and by romance I mean romance not smut and the plot didn't feel like it was the main focus. It was a 60/40 situation.
~~~
When she is about to jump and he says he won't save her but jumps after her when she falls 🥹🖐️❤️🩹
This was everything the stars are dying wished to be....
"You’re the most beautiful woman anywhere. But that wasn’t enough to say. To tell you that you look beautiful seemed a lazy, easy thing to do to describe the way you look. Because I can barely put it into words."
Oh my! This was so enjoyable although with a few things that did affect my reading experience but I'll try not to be harsh for a debut novel.
.
The characters and the side characters. They were so well written I loved Elara and I loved Lorenzo they were so good together like who gave them the right to be that hot and that cute at the same time 😭 I loved them so much and the side characters were ones that you'd definitely ask a spin offfor and the ones who have enough personality to pull them off.
Elara started off as a really badass character and I really liked her. I loved how the prophecy was their revolving around but she still chose to fight it and for the things that she believed in. I liked how her loss was depicted and how she struggled with it as well.
For Lorenzo this man 🤌 the amount of times he had to put up with Elara and the way he was so down bad for her. Absolutely loved him. I love how MMC capture us more than the FMC 😭 he literally cared for her so much and was willing to loose everything for her.
"He took her hand, and the tension between them rose and shimmered, her lungs constricting at his burning touch. “You are already a light, Elara. It’s why the shadows flock to you."
The romance, there was a bit fo slow burn and angst but honestly not that much. There was ALOT of banter and I loved that alot the banter was probably my most favourite thing out of all. The way Elara and Lorenzo communicated and were together was so well done. The actions when they were around each other the way that was written was also well done. I liked the romance alot especially the last bits Woooohooo that was spicy. Lorenzo had me fanning myself.
Bits of their banter:
" 'i hope their poisonous'. 'me too. It will be a shorter suffering than having another conversation with you' "
.
"He raised an eyebrow 'are you always this insolent?'. 'are you always this insufferable' she retorted"
.
"The rest of the world can rot' she said "how altruistic of you' Enzo drawled. 'im in good company then,' she spat back"
There were so many tropes in this book like:
•He falls first
•Hate to love
��She helps him during his nightmare
•He takes care of her when she's sick
•Banter
•Found family
•Prophecies
•Star-crossed lovers
•Knife to the throat
•Forced proximity
"Because Elara, I maybe a monster, but you make me want to be a saint."
The writing style for the first 75% mark was really good I loved I was flying through it. The way Imani wrote this made me feel like they were actually my family. Everything was perfect but there was this chunk of 10% that really ruined my experience because the writing deteriorated and Elara wasn't acting the way she was which was really frustrating for me but in the end it did develop into something I can be okay with.
The only problem besides the writing I ahd was that I felt something was missing. Idk it was just this one feeling I can't pin point it but something was definitely missing and it kept bugging me. Also that 10% shouldve been shaved off.
"I’m a princess,” she replied. “Why can’t I look pretty as I stab you?
Finally, the plot and the world building. For the WB I think the foundation is there and it was kind of a main focus on this book so the next books can add and develop it but it'll only benefit it and for the plot it was interesting I'm a sucker for prophecies and fates + all the stars were reincarnations of zodiacs so fun to see that but the plot was definitely light here...like the romance was definitely where the spotlight was on and by romance I mean romance not smut and the plot didn't feel like it was the main focus. It was a 60/40 situation.
~~~
When she is about to jump and he says he won't save her but jumps after her when she falls 🥹🖐️❤️🩹
March 10, 2022
Book tok has led me to another shitty book and I’m taking a very long break from their recommendations. This book had potential but it was very obvious this was her first novel. The pacing was all wrong and there was every trope imaginable thrown into it. The dialog of the characters was cringe and varied from casual to overly proper. It was wayyyyyyyyy too long. It’s a huge shame bc this story could’ve been so good. It’s such a good plot but it was just written like a watt pad story the whole second half.
I think this author has potential and I hope she grows as a writer bc she def has some good ideas the execution was just not there.
I think this author has potential and I hope she grows as a writer bc she def has some good ideas the execution was just not there.
May 20, 2022
You can't just write trope after trope and think that it makes a worthwhile story. One giant cliché and the writing was boring. I wanted to like it, and I bought into the hype but yikes.
February 19, 2022
It was good at first but it felt like a wattpad quality book in the end, the author has potential
August 29, 2023
"A woman can be both, you know. Soft and fierce. She does not have to choose."
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Elara.
I really liked Elara´s character; she´s your strong, badass and smart FMC with incredible powers that I really loved. I liked how she also had slight flaws in case of immense stubbornness and trying to do everything on her own. I liked the match Lorenzo was for her and how they always went head to head in the beginning because he is as stubborn as her. The promised trope for this book was enemies to lovers and I have to say I loved how they were at each others throat´s in the beginning, I just wished it would have lasted a little longer. The transition to being friends happened a bit too fast for me.
Regarding main characters I really liked Merissa and how she became such a great friend to Elara. I definitely liked Sofia, but wished there would have been more of her. The book definitely gave me found family vibes in a sense.
I love the idea of the book. The powers feel unique and interesting and I definitely really enjoyed the magic system. I enjoyed most of the characters and I liked the plot, it felt like a great start for a debut. So where does the three star rating come from? Despite everything else being an amazing idea, the pacing in this book felt like a hot mess to me. The start is alright with the world building being farely good but then the pacing slows down so much to a point where it was just too slow and the middle of the book started to be a bit boring. It then picks up so much by the last 10% of the book that it is just action after action after action. I feel like a more "even" pacing would have done the book more good.
Overall it´s a great debut novel that just has problems with the pacing.
trigger warnings: torture, attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), death/murder, trauma/mental health problems
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Elara.
I really liked Elara´s character; she´s your strong, badass and smart FMC with incredible powers that I really loved. I liked how she also had slight flaws in case of immense stubbornness and trying to do everything on her own. I liked the match Lorenzo was for her and how they always went head to head in the beginning because he is as stubborn as her. The promised trope for this book was enemies to lovers and I have to say I loved how they were at each others throat´s in the beginning, I just wished it would have lasted a little longer. The transition to being friends happened a bit too fast for me.
Regarding main characters I really liked Merissa and how she became such a great friend to Elara. I definitely liked Sofia, but wished there would have been more of her. The book definitely gave me found family vibes in a sense.
I love the idea of the book. The powers feel unique and interesting and I definitely really enjoyed the magic system. I enjoyed most of the characters and I liked the plot, it felt like a great start for a debut. So where does the three star rating come from? Despite everything else being an amazing idea, the pacing in this book felt like a hot mess to me. The start is alright with the world building being farely good but then the pacing slows down so much to a point where it was just too slow and the middle of the book started to be a bit boring. It then picks up so much by the last 10% of the book that it is just action after action after action. I feel like a more "even" pacing would have done the book more good.
Overall it´s a great debut novel that just has problems with the pacing.
trigger warnings: torture, attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), death/murder, trauma/mental health problems
April 5, 2024
WOW. WOW. Everyone who loves new adult fantasy romance needs to pick this up. Like, YESTERDAY.
5 beautiful stars!
I was sucked in from page 1 to the very end. The word building, the rich character development- I mean the main characters Elara and Enzo have my heart.
I'm honestly confused why this book has not yet blown up on tiktok and bookstagram, it has everything I'd ever hope for in a fantasy romance!
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-star crossed lovers
-touch her and you die
-beautiful, lush world building
-angel lore
-mythology
-unique magic system
I can go on. I'm fully obsessed with this book and starting book 2 immediately!
5 beautiful stars!
I was sucked in from page 1 to the very end. The word building, the rich character development- I mean the main characters Elara and Enzo have my heart.
I'm honestly confused why this book has not yet blown up on tiktok and bookstagram, it has everything I'd ever hope for in a fantasy romance!
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-star crossed lovers
-touch her and you die
-beautiful, lush world building
-angel lore
-mythology
-unique magic system
I can go on. I'm fully obsessed with this book and starting book 2 immediately!
July 14, 2023
this was amazing!! if you like fantasy romance, please pick this up! i need everyone to read it and give it more hype because this was everything.
tropes & themes:
runaway princess
enemies to lovers
begrudging allies
star crossed lovers
slow burn romance
touch them and you die from both fmc and mmc
care taking trope
guy falls first
celestial gods
prophecies
elara was such a great main character, her powers were so cool, and she’s such a badass. enzo is for sure a new book boyfriend, he’s my favorite character in this book. i love him. his powers were also really cool. love that they had opposite powers basically, light and dark.
the hate to love was so fun, it was slow burn and so so exquisite. like i was BEGGING for them to kiss and get together for what felt like forever and every little morsel of romance we got was incredible. the sexual tension between these two was palpable.
the magic system and the gods/stars were also super intriguing and i love how the world is basically based off of the stars and zodiac signs and how that correlated with what kind of magic people got. the world building was really well done. and the celestial influence was my favorite part of it all.
i adore this book and it’s definitely a new all time favorite fantasy romance. i loved imani’s writing style and the world she created. cannot wait to dive into book 2!
tropes & themes:
runaway princess
enemies to lovers
begrudging allies
star crossed lovers
slow burn romance
touch them and you die from both fmc and mmc
care taking trope
guy falls first
celestial gods
prophecies
elara was such a great main character, her powers were so cool, and she’s such a badass. enzo is for sure a new book boyfriend, he’s my favorite character in this book. i love him. his powers were also really cool. love that they had opposite powers basically, light and dark.
the hate to love was so fun, it was slow burn and so so exquisite. like i was BEGGING for them to kiss and get together for what felt like forever and every little morsel of romance we got was incredible. the sexual tension between these two was palpable.
the magic system and the gods/stars were also super intriguing and i love how the world is basically based off of the stars and zodiac signs and how that correlated with what kind of magic people got. the world building was really well done. and the celestial influence was my favorite part of it all.
i adore this book and it’s definitely a new all time favorite fantasy romance. i loved imani’s writing style and the world she created. cannot wait to dive into book 2!
March 6, 2023
Wow.
From beginning to end I absolutely loved this book.
The world was so well built and I loved concept of stars being people. It was well thought out and I enjoyed that the story had elements of myths/legend mixed in with fantasy. And that teamed with it being so well written meant I could picture everything so vividly.
The characters were fab, can genuinely say that I actually really liked them all - there was a good balance between the protagonists and the side characters, looking forward to more of their stories down the line.
And that ending?! What an absolute whirlwind! Ready for book 2 now please.
Edit - re read: I adored this book just as much second time round
From beginning to end I absolutely loved this book.
The world was so well built and I loved concept of stars being people. It was well thought out and I enjoyed that the story had elements of myths/legend mixed in with fantasy. And that teamed with it being so well written meant I could picture everything so vividly.
The characters were fab, can genuinely say that I actually really liked them all - there was a good balance between the protagonists and the side characters, looking forward to more of their stories down the line.
And that ending?! What an absolute whirlwind! Ready for book 2 now please.
Edit - re read: I adored this book just as much second time round
January 1, 2024
4.5✨✨✨ I really loved this book & 100% experienced some 5 star feelings reading it :) this book most definitely felt like a fever dream like I was so entertained the entire time but at the same time I was like omg what is going on??? I loved the balance between romance & plot in this, in addition to action packed scenes & quiet moments to get to know the characters. Enzo and Elara are magnetic! The world building in this was ethereal and pretty unique, it was giving like Dawn Court from acotar setting wise which I 🤭🤭🤭 ate up! Also the political system felt really original to me and I was really engaged with that whole aspect. The only thing that really kept it from being a 5 is that I did feel like the pacing was a little all over the place and some plot points I wish would’ve taken longer to reveal themselves.
Overall I 100% think this is a must read for fantasy romance lovers and I’m so excited to dive into book 2 straight away.
Overall I 100% think this is a must read for fantasy romance lovers and I’m so excited to dive into book 2 straight away.
July 26, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Found family
✨ Slow burn
✨ Soulmates
✨ Shadow mommy
✨ Sleeping beauty(ish) retelling
I AM SCREAMING over this book! PLEASE GO READ IT!
I am so in love with the world building and the characters in this story! It truly has my whole heart. 🥹
“My muse. Look how fucking beautiful you are.”
“Elara, you are my soulmate. Do you think that something as fragile as fate would keep me from you? I defy the stars.
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Found family
✨ Slow burn
✨ Soulmates
✨ Shadow mommy
✨ Sleeping beauty(ish) retelling
I AM SCREAMING over this book! PLEASE GO READ IT!
I am so in love with the world building and the characters in this story! It truly has my whole heart. 🥹
“My muse. Look how fucking beautiful you are.”
“Elara, you are my soulmate. Do you think that something as fragile as fate would keep me from you? I defy the stars.
March 12, 2022
This first chapter had so much potential! And then the more I read the worse it seemed to get. By the 8th/9th chapter it had more of a wattpad quality feel to it with a bunch of popular tropes shoved in (which weren’t done very well) and was about 200 pages too long.
Want to read
October 16, 2021the way i am counting down the days till this book comes out i cannot WAIT!!!!!
i haven't been so excited for a book to come out in a looooong time
i haven't been so excited for a book to come out in a looooong time
January 28, 2024
Prob more like a 3.5!
I really enjoyed the characters in this and the world building. The banter was a lot of fun. But it felt like three books shoved into one. It really needed some pacing help. Also at times it did feel like the author had a checklist of tropes and was checking them off. However I love all those tropes so really didn't mind.
I'm excited to see where this series goes though. The lore in it is really cool.
I really enjoyed the characters in this and the world building. The banter was a lot of fun. But it felt like three books shoved into one. It really needed some pacing help. Also at times it did feel like the author had a checklist of tropes and was checking them off. However I love all those tropes so really didn't mind.
I'm excited to see where this series goes though. The lore in it is really cool.
August 30, 2023
DNF 82% (I know….) 3.5 stars
January 29, 2023
I was not expecting how much I loved this book!! 🥹
This book is perfect for those who, like me, enjoy a steamy NA fantasy which focuses on the hate-to-love romance. The romance is by far the best part of this book!
Elara is a princess on the run, hiding from the powerful and ruthless Star who murdered her parents and usurped her throne. She has no choice but to seek refuge in the neighbouring country, which so happens to be an enemy kingdom. She strikes a bargain: in exchange for keeping her hidden and safe, she will train with their prince in order to defeat the Star. What she didn’t expect, is that the prince, also known as the Lion of Helios, is as much handsome as he is broody and an godsdamn insufferable flirt. 🔥
Their hate-to-love DYNAMIC is PERFECTION. Their banter is full of bickering and smooth comebacks that had me smiling from ear to ear. What I loved the most is that the romance is slow burn, building up that longing and attraction to a peak, so that when these two collide we feel that urge to SCREAM in glee! We truly see these two enemies who absolutely can’t stand each other try to deny, however impossible that is, that they are utterly obsessed with each other.
The characters are very morally gray, let’s just say they aren’t afraid of killing those who wrong them 😱🖤
This book has a multitude of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, he falls first, found family, who did this to you, no one touches her but me, MC who unalives her enemies, one horse ride, MC nursing her, I’d burn the world for you… I was seriously having to bookmark scene after scene! At a point I was even wondering how the author managed to put all my favorite tropes in one book, but she nailed it! The side characters are also very well done, Leo, Merissa and Isra all create heartwarming friendships with Elara and we truly feel the found-family trope bloom.
A refreshing romance with a blend of magic, mythology and a beautifully crafted fantasy world. I will mark my calendar for the release of book 2!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
This book is perfect for those who, like me, enjoy a steamy NA fantasy which focuses on the hate-to-love romance. The romance is by far the best part of this book!
Elara is a princess on the run, hiding from the powerful and ruthless Star who murdered her parents and usurped her throne. She has no choice but to seek refuge in the neighbouring country, which so happens to be an enemy kingdom. She strikes a bargain: in exchange for keeping her hidden and safe, she will train with their prince in order to defeat the Star. What she didn’t expect, is that the prince, also known as the Lion of Helios, is as much handsome as he is broody and an godsdamn insufferable flirt. 🔥
Their hate-to-love DYNAMIC is PERFECTION. Their banter is full of bickering and smooth comebacks that had me smiling from ear to ear. What I loved the most is that the romance is slow burn, building up that longing and attraction to a peak, so that when these two collide we feel that urge to SCREAM in glee! We truly see these two enemies who absolutely can’t stand each other try to deny, however impossible that is, that they are utterly obsessed with each other.
The characters are very morally gray, let’s just say they aren’t afraid of killing those who wrong them 😱🖤
This book has a multitude of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, he falls first, found family, who did this to you, no one touches her but me, MC who unalives her enemies, one horse ride, MC nursing her, I’d burn the world for you… I was seriously having to bookmark scene after scene! At a point I was even wondering how the author managed to put all my favorite tropes in one book, but she nailed it! The side characters are also very well done, Leo, Merissa and Isra all create heartwarming friendships with Elara and we truly feel the found-family trope bloom.
A refreshing romance with a blend of magic, mythology and a beautifully crafted fantasy world. I will mark my calendar for the release of book 2!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
October 21, 2023
February 2023 rating & review: 4 ⭐️
February 2022 rating & review: 4.5 ⭐️ This book wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was SO GOOD???? It had everything I want in a fantasy romance.
My ONLY COMPLAINTS: the pacing was off here and there, and the enemy part in enemies to lovers didn’t last long enough
February 2022 rating & review: 4.5 ⭐️ This book wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was SO GOOD???? It had everything I want in a fantasy romance.
My ONLY COMPLAINTS: the pacing was off here and there, and the enemy part in enemies to lovers didn’t last long enough
September 11, 2022
14% in.
She escapes from her kingdom and seeks a super secret refuge in a neighbouring kingdom. She’s met 5 main characters till now and ALL of them already know who she is? Lol some well-kept secret she is.
This book reminds me of target knockoff of TOG. Except she ends up with prince Dorian and…… Here is a major spoiler for the ending… I skipped ahead and checked. Even the arc of the king (her soulmates dad) being the villain is the same from TOG.
26% in. Officially DNF-ing
Ok I've calmed down a bit and will clean up my review now and write a more articulate review about why I didn't like this book.
-The world is intriguing but is not built. What I know about her world is what I've learnt from the premise and some odd mentions here and there.
-As I previously mentioned, she meets 5 people: the king, the prince (playboy), the bff of the prince (captain of the guard), the seer, the ladies-maid (idk what she is called, I don't read a lot of court fantasies) and guess what? most of them are the good guys. The king is the bad guy. Sound familiar?
-The prince has had a bad past and must "find release" somehow. and according to his bestie... "he has plenty of release"- his words not mine. Prince is the soulmate of the FMC btw... why do authors do this? Make men man-whores and even till 26% in, he was seen (for whatever reason) flirting with OW. While she was propositioned by someone who's position is higher than the prince (the star of their country/state)- and not only does she immediately deny him (the star) but she "feels the need to clarify to him that she said no. She doesn't know why" 🙄 when he (the prince) asks pouting about whether she will take him up on his offer.
- my eyes are rolling so hard they can now move 360*.
-I HATE OW drama/man-whores in a fantasy book WITH SOULMATES!
-did I mention that when they first speak to each other he has SOMEONE ELSE ON HIS LAP and he was stroking her back and whispering in her ear while speaking to his bestie. of course since we are in HS (sarcasm), as soon as the FMC sits down beside him, he pushes off the brunette from him.
- he treats her badly but when she treats him just as badly she feels bad and has to go apologize. God forbid should her trauma get in the way of her princess-sensibilities.
-She is like a snarky Mary Sue. That's it... that's exactly how she is.
-And of course there is the "who hurt you trope" but reversed. See our MMC is sooooo misunderstood that when she lashes out at him for his bad behaviour, he says "have you seen my scars?". Mind you, they were NOT talking about childhoods, battles, school or SCARS. He says this sooo out of the blue, not only it is inorganic but laughable. It lit made se giggle.
-Then she says "of course you don't have any scars" and he says "you know nothing about me". Very next chapter he has a nightmare and she conveniently (never done before) walks into his nightmare and pulls out Tris (from Divergent) like abilities to talk to him and say: this is not real. See... just a nightmare.
-They have a heart-to-heart. Why? Not only do they not have ANY chemistry but also whatever vulnerabilities they have are soooooo forced, I can't even.
-When two characters who have these god/star-like super-powers and are super-duper ultra special people than others in the story and have a destiny to fulfill, I like to think myself safe (if I were in the book) in the hands of people who are at least somewhat mature. These two not only danced so long around their chemistry but also the OW drama thrown in made me not root for them.
-It was not slow burn, it was NO CHEMISTRY. They go through a separation (of sorts) in the end. I didn't finish, simply skipped ahead. yea I do that, life is short, why waste time reading a book you might not like when you could be reading a great one. But that's just my opinion.
The cringe is strong with this one.
She escapes from her kingdom and seeks a super secret refuge in a neighbouring kingdom. She’s met 5 main characters till now and ALL of them already know who she is? Lol some well-kept secret she is.
This book reminds me of target knockoff of TOG. Except she ends up with prince Dorian and…… Here is a major spoiler for the ending… I skipped ahead and checked. Even the arc of the king (her soulmates dad) being the villain is the same from TOG.
26% in. Officially DNF-ing
Ok I've calmed down a bit and will clean up my review now and write a more articulate review about why I didn't like this book.
-The world is intriguing but is not built. What I know about her world is what I've learnt from the premise and some odd mentions here and there.
-As I previously mentioned, she meets 5 people: the king, the prince (playboy), the bff of the prince (captain of the guard), the seer, the ladies-maid (idk what she is called, I don't read a lot of court fantasies) and guess what? most of them are the good guys. The king is the bad guy. Sound familiar?
-The prince has had a bad past and must "find release" somehow. and according to his bestie... "he has plenty of release"- his words not mine. Prince is the soulmate of the FMC btw... why do authors do this? Make men man-whores and even till 26% in, he was seen (for whatever reason) flirting with OW. While she was propositioned by someone who's position is higher than the prince (the star of their country/state)- and not only does she immediately deny him (the star) but she "feels the need to clarify to him that she said no. She doesn't know why" 🙄 when he (the prince) asks pouting about whether she will take him up on his offer.
- my eyes are rolling so hard they can now move 360*.
-I HATE OW drama/man-whores in a fantasy book WITH SOULMATES!
-did I mention that when they first speak to each other he has SOMEONE ELSE ON HIS LAP and he was stroking her back and whispering in her ear while speaking to his bestie. of course since we are in HS (sarcasm), as soon as the FMC sits down beside him, he pushes off the brunette from him.
- he treats her badly but when she treats him just as badly she feels bad and has to go apologize. God forbid should her trauma get in the way of her princess-sensibilities.
-She is like a snarky Mary Sue. That's it... that's exactly how she is.
-And of course there is the "who hurt you trope" but reversed. See our MMC is sooooo misunderstood that when she lashes out at him for his bad behaviour, he says "have you seen my scars?". Mind you, they were NOT talking about childhoods, battles, school or SCARS. He says this sooo out of the blue, not only it is inorganic but laughable. It lit made se giggle.
-Then she says "of course you don't have any scars" and he says "you know nothing about me". Very next chapter he has a nightmare and she conveniently (never done before) walks into his nightmare and pulls out Tris (from Divergent) like abilities to talk to him and say: this is not real. See... just a nightmare.
-They have a heart-to-heart. Why? Not only do they not have ANY chemistry but also whatever vulnerabilities they have are soooooo forced, I can't even.
-When two characters who have these god/star-like super-powers and are super-duper ultra special people than others in the story and have a destiny to fulfill, I like to think myself safe (if I were in the book) in the hands of people who are at least somewhat mature. These two not only danced so long around their chemistry but also the OW drama thrown in made me not root for them.
-It was not slow burn, it was NO CHEMISTRY. They go through a separation (of sorts) in the end. I didn't finish, simply skipped ahead. yea I do that, life is short, why waste time reading a book you might not like when you could be reading a great one. But that's just my opinion.
The cringe is strong with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
UPDATE: just finished rereading this book and oh. my. god. the pure GENIUS that is this book. Imani has countless tiny hints and times of immense foreshadowing that made this reread one of the best i’ve ever experienced.
if you’re missing celestia, PLEASE reread this book. it added so much to the mythology and lore of the story, and made me fall even deeper in love.
p.s. if you see the tear stains on page 568, no you don’t.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
official review to come but for now, HOLY. SHIT.
never have i been so bamboozled (hi zodiac academy, you have competition) by a book. I was screaming, I threw my kindle, jaw was on the floor. what I would GIVEEE to read this again for the first time.
this book deserves so much hype. god tier.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
OFFICIAL REVIEW INCOMING☁️💫🌌
the single most underrated fantasy romance book
EVERRR.
Y'all- i can't believe bookstagram is sleeping on this series! @authorimanierriu weaves together a captivating world full of mischievous gods, warring kingdoms, and a love story unlike any that i've read (wait til you get to the end…)
if you're looking for a fast paced fantasy with a strong fmc (hi shadow moon princess ⚔️🖤), celestial lore & magic ✨, slow burn x pining x training scenes × spice , deceit and HOLY PLOT TWISTS, then you simply must read this book (sorry i don't make the rules)
lovers of acotar, zodiac academy, fourth wing (HI YOU, YES YOU), and throne of glass will be hooked on this series. and bonus points... you'll add another book boyfriend to your ever growing list🖤😌
if you’re missing celestia, PLEASE reread this book. it added so much to the mythology and lore of the story, and made me fall even deeper in love.
p.s. if you see the tear stains on page 568, no you don’t.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
official review to come but for now, HOLY. SHIT.
never have i been so bamboozled (hi zodiac academy, you have competition) by a book. I was screaming, I threw my kindle, jaw was on the floor. what I would GIVEEE to read this again for the first time.
this book deserves so much hype. god tier.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
OFFICIAL REVIEW INCOMING☁️💫🌌
the single most underrated fantasy romance book
EVERRR.
Y'all- i can't believe bookstagram is sleeping on this series! @authorimanierriu weaves together a captivating world full of mischievous gods, warring kingdoms, and a love story unlike any that i've read (wait til you get to the end…)
if you're looking for a fast paced fantasy with a strong fmc (hi shadow moon princess ⚔️🖤), celestial lore & magic ✨, slow burn x pining x training scenes × spice , deceit and HOLY PLOT TWISTS, then you simply must read this book (sorry i don't make the rules)
lovers of acotar, zodiac academy, fourth wing (HI YOU, YES YOU), and throne of glass will be hooked on this series. and bonus points... you'll add another book boyfriend to your ever growing list🖤😌
February 16, 2023
This book! I absolutely loved it. It gave me Caraval/Once Upon a Broken Heart vibes, except written for the adult romantasy genre and not YA. Mysterious and powerful Stars ruling over the world, a lost heir at the mercy of her enemy kingdom, a very very morally grey love interest…👀 if you love enemies to lovers, love a good chosen one trope, and definitely love some angsty banter coupled with an undeniable attraction to each other, you will LOVE this book! And the good news? Book 2 is already out and available on KU!
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 15, 2022
I don’t get why people rate books if they’ve never read them. This book was good, but it entirely revolved around the unfolding of the MCs love relationship. There’s a “plot” but it gets maybe 10 chapters out of the 50+. And the ending was a bit absurd in my eyes. But enough negative here’s the good stuff! It’s a great enemies to lover book. The author was not afraid to make decisions and I really appreciate that. Something else I loved was skipping over some of the tediousness of travel… do we need to spend a chapter in a carriage? No. So, thankful for that.
September 18, 2023
A knew favorite fantasy romance! This is the perfect blend of fantasy and romance. Literally the perfect blend and it was perfect.
December 25, 2023
I CANNOT PROCESS LIFE AFTER ALL THE TWISTS AND TURNS AT THE END OF THIS BOOK!!! Imani Erriu rlly said never let them know your next move!!🧎♀️🌌💫
I absolutely loved this story from the celestial aesthetic to the incredible magic / powers to the badass FMC and MMC!!! The found family also got me so good. My fave trope ever. Speaking of tropes…I’m a sucker for the “foreign princess trying to win back her kingdom with help from her enemy” trope. Elara was literally everything and more. There were so many good quotes and empowering moments and the romance had me FEELING THINGS. HELP ME!!!!!!
I have heard that the sequel is even BETTER than the first book so catch me starting it ASAP!!!!!! Such an amazing debut novel from an absolute QUEEN.
I absolutely loved this story from the celestial aesthetic to the incredible magic / powers to the badass FMC and MMC!!! The found family also got me so good. My fave trope ever. Speaking of tropes…I’m a sucker for the “foreign princess trying to win back her kingdom with help from her enemy” trope. Elara was literally everything and more. There were so many good quotes and empowering moments and the romance had me FEELING THINGS. HELP ME!!!!!!
I have heard that the sequel is even BETTER than the first book so catch me starting it ASAP!!!!!! Such an amazing debut novel from an absolute QUEEN.
February 2, 2024
Loved the worldbuilding and the plot, this was so much fun to read! (reading it after HoFaS was WILD though) but loved the storyline!!
November 26, 2023
I ASSURE you the fact that it took me a month to read this has nothing to do with the book!!! And everything to do with my lack of free time and a certain book (cough cough Iron Flame) coming out in the middle of me reading it!!
4.5 rounded up 💫
If you’re looking for a new romantasy - ITS RIGHT FREAKEN HERE 👏 The BANTER and sexual tension in this is SO FREAKEN STRONG!! 😮💨
It is PEAK “touch her and I’ll kill you”, take care of when grieving, he’s got a soft spot for only her, found family, starcrossed lovers!!! I just don’t have words for it right now!!
But that ending 😳😰 I need to start book 2 ASAP!!
4.5 rounded up 💫
If you’re looking for a new romantasy - ITS RIGHT FREAKEN HERE 👏 The BANTER and sexual tension in this is SO FREAKEN STRONG!! 😮💨
It is PEAK “touch her and I’ll kill you”, take care of when grieving, he’s got a soft spot for only her, found family, starcrossed lovers!!! I just don’t have words for it right now!!
But that ending 😳😰 I need to start book 2 ASAP!!
September 10, 2021
I was asked to beta-read this book before it was published and below is my honest review. I wish Imani all the success with its publication:
The first novel in a captivating new series, Heavenly Bodies intricately weaves astrology and mythology in this slow-burn enemies to lovers fantasy. Treacherous and lovely, Imani’s writing melds a badass heroine, an alluring enemy Prince, and a wealth of dark magic in a world you won’t want to leave. This book is definitely worth the hype!
The first novel in a captivating new series, Heavenly Bodies intricately weaves astrology and mythology in this slow-burn enemies to lovers fantasy. Treacherous and lovely, Imani’s writing melds a badass heroine, an alluring enemy Prince, and a wealth of dark magic in a world you won’t want to leave. This book is definitely worth the hype!
September 22, 2022
4.5⭐️
You better read this book if you love fantasy, I'm going to star at my wall for the rest of day, TRYING to grasp what just happened and how the book ended! I literally can’t wait for the second book omg
You better read this book if you love fantasy, I'm going to star at my wall for the rest of day, TRYING to grasp what just happened and how the book ended! I literally can’t wait for the second book omg
October 10, 2021
End of December is my art corse work final due date🧍♀️ MS GURL IM COUNTING ON U TO GET ME THRU😭
F*#% that they changed it it’s now due in like July but still-
F*#% that they changed it it’s now due in like July but still-
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