The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans. The mystery is fantastic and I loved the different POVs though we are mostly learning things through Arlo’s over the others. As we’re piecing together things it just makes the stakes rise even higher and by the end of the book I had no idea what to do with myself. LIKE HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL?! And now I really want to roadtrip to Canada and take the book with me lol.

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

For all that the High Prince delighted in ruffling the feathers of aristocracy, there wasn’t anyone she knew who could turn more heads.She could take the boon of common citizenship and allow her life to get on with itself as originally planned. She wouldn’t hold the glorious rank of fae, or be allowed to study at fae universities, or take a position in the palace any higher than general help. But she’d at least have a place in both her parents’ worlds, and with all her memories intact. No one is questioning your bloodline, Miss Jarsdel,” he continued dismissively. “You are Thalo Viridian-Verdell’s daughter; of that there is no dispute. What we question here today is whether or not it matters.” 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.” They hadn’t said it outright, but this was the closest they’d come in this entire meeting to announcing their verdict—to condemning Arlo to a fate she’d never choose if her life were actually up to her. A trail of clues tightly intertwines the world’s history with the present conflict between the fae courts, ironborn alchemists, and immortals. The exploration of trauma and recovery is as significant as the overarching fantasy plot. Casual, affirming representation of queerness–as well as the process of questioning sexuality–adds to the high appeal of the fraught, romantic drama. The villain is deliciously ruthless in her charisma and cruelty.

A Cruel and Fated Light by Ashley Shuttleworth | Goodreads A Cruel and Fated Light by Ashley Shuttleworth | Goodreads

She had several other cousins and relations (however removed) who came and went, passing winds who thought nothing of asking rude and prying questions into her life and made very little effort to keep their whispers about her to themselves.” Writing a multi-POV story can be difficult: It needs to feature distinct voices, with characters that are both distinctly drawn and who have arcs of their own. When done poorly, it’s painful. When done right, it’s propulsive, drawing readers deeper into the story in an attempt to connect the dots between a group of seemingly disparate stories.And thankfully, A Dark and Hollow Stardefinitely falls into that latter category. The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans.Ch...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. You’re right. He’s nowhere near fabulous enough. He can be my slightly inferior but equally arrogant son, Legolas.”

Hollow Star Wiki | Fandom Vehan Lysterne | Hollow Star Wiki | Fandom

Celadon Cornelius Fleur-Viridian—Arlo’s first cousin, once removed, and youngest of her great-uncle the High King’s three children—was brilliance and mischief in equal measures. In many ways, he was also the worst role model a freshly turned eighteen-year-old girl could find, but he was the closest thing Arlo had to a brother, and even though he was a couple of years older than her, the molasses rate that fae aged meant there was little difference in their maturity. Working to conceal her wince, Arlo forced her gaze level with the Council’s collective stare. Her eyes—as bright and hard as jade—were one of the few things about Arlo that made it impossible for anyone to refute her ties to the Viridian family. But in moments like these, she wished she’d inherited her mother’s skill for cutting those green eyes into a glare.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? Now is the perfect time to bring this up,” Celadon countered under his breath. “Anything we can use, Arlo. Remember?” All eight of these representatives had been chosen to uphold the High King’s laws. Not one of them was known for displays of compassion. Facing them now for their judgment drove home that this meeting was little better than a formality: all eight minds had already made their unanimous decision on the matter of Arlo’s “suitability” for the magical world long before she’d come to plead her case. Like all fae of royal blood, there was a glow beneath his skin. Even through his glamour, it shone greenish soft as setting twilight, a color that marked him UnSeelie. If Arlo’s inheritance had been stronger, she’d wear that same glow, but as it were, only their eyes marked their relation.

Books – Ashley Shuttleworth Books – Ashley Shuttleworth

While the Seelie Court's base is in Nevada—run by their *only* Queen Riadne, the Unseelie Court are the ones who have true power, living in good ol' Toronto, with their High King Azurean. 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. The Council shifted uncomfortably, both at Celadon’s implication of negligence with the murders and at the reminder that the Assistance wasn’t as easily rooted out as they’d originally hoped when the group first started attracting wider attention. In response, Arlo’s own unease ratcheted higher, fearing what this not-so-subtle accusation would do to her chances of a favorable outcome in this Weighing. When he was young, Vehan met Aurelian Bessel from Seelie Autumn, and they became fast friends, often watching movies on Aurelian's laptop and playing together. This ended in Aurelian being named his steward-in-training, shattering their friendship. I knew right then and there, I'd lay down my life for this girl. it sounds ridiculous BUT SHE LOVES ANIME SO IDC

Should you choose it, the Council will reconvene this hearing on the day that marks the start of your twenty-sixth year. At that time, you will resubmit for Weighing, and if your fae inheritance has manifested as it should, you will be allowed the full privilege and status of the royal blood that runs within your veins. However, if Maturity has not found you by this time, your choices shall revert to what they are now: human, or common magical citizen.” Hero, a twenty-eight-year-old ironborn, was working at NevaLife Pharmaceutical when he was sought out by a Hunter, due to his tendency to do experiments. At first, he was very nervous, but Lethe calmed him, taking him into his employment, and making him remember.