A Star of Darkness: A Scented Court Standalone

The Scented Court, Book 5

De: A.L. Knorr

Narrado por: Marina Fess, Eden Gabay

A warrior's honor meets a fae’s secrets.

Vesper lives in the shadows, guarding her secrets with the same care she gives her rare flora magic. In the scented court, where every bloom is power, she plays her part while saving for a future far from her haunted past. But when a threatening message arrives, Vesper realizes she can't run forever. How far will she go to protect herself—and the one creature she holds dear?

Regalis, with his fierce raptor familiar, stands as a pillar of honor among the elite Fahyli soldiers. Yet beneath the warrior’s exterior lies a heart yearning for a true mate. Fate throws them together in a foggy twist of events: a murder, a kidnapping, and a mystery that binds their fates together.

Vesper must decide if she can trust Regalis with the truth she’s buried deep, while Regalis faces the ultimate test—can he forgive the web of lies spun in fear? As past sins collide with present dangers, one question remains: who will make the ultimate sacrifice?

A Star of Darkness is a pulse-pounding romantasy adventure of intrigue and passion, set in the mesmerizing world of the Scented Court series by A.L. Knorr. Dive into this standalone story where love battles against the shadows of the past, and the magic of flora and fauna weaves a fate neither of these star-crossed lovers saw coming. Set in the world of The Scented Court but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Not YA, but suitable for ages 14+.

©2024 A.L. Knorr, Intellectually Promiscuous Press (P)2024 A.L. Knorr, Intellectually Promiscuous Press

Magical book

This book is. Quite a bit different from the other books in the series as it takes place at a little later time. But it has many of the same key characters. It is engaging and a fun read. I read it and then listened to the audio and both were great. But I expected no less from one of my favorite authors. The narrators also did a fabulous job.

great storytelling

I love this world and I'm glad to have a stand alone come along. Vespas story is tragic yet hopeful and filled with love. Happy to see Regallis back as well. This story had me rushing back to it as soon as I had a chance and even shedding some tears.

Amazing

I was intrigued to read this because it was Regalis’ story. As I listened, I grew to really feel for Vespa, she went through so much with what seemed like nowhere to turn for help. My heart broke as the story unfolded, but I loved how Regalis would not give up on Vespa. It was interesting to see Portia and how she took on a new role. This story has a bit of everything and will definitely keep you engaged. I highly recommend you read it.

The narration was very good. It kept me engaged and helped me connect with the characters. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

this book made me cry

I adored this book. I loved being back in this world and this book was SO good. It was very emotional and I was on the edge of my seat quite a bit. Yes, I cried. Yes, it was just after I'd finished my makeup and yes I was getting ready to go out in public and yes my eyes were puffy and red and I had to redo my makeup. I can't get enough of books that make me feel. I loved the characters and their complexity. AL Knorr is such a talented author and I hope to see more stories in this world. The narrator was spectacular and really brought the story to life. Highly recommend you read or listen, AND it's a standalone!

A romantasy with secrets and twists

I enjoyed listening to this romantasy about a flora fae, Vesper, who decided to seek refuge in a far town and live as a calyx after she received a threatening message. Regalis the MMC is a honorable soldier who has fallen for Vesper and sworn to protect the calyx. Will his feelings change once he finds out what Vesper is hiding?

While I did find the twists predictable I did enjoy listening to this cozy murder mystery of a sweet romance. I would have liked more of the plot to be on their romance. The (F) was easy to hear however it was hard to determine the transition from the characters when she was speaking. However when (M) was speaking and then there was duet narration, I enjoyed it more.

A Most Excellent Standalone

A.L. Knorr is a fantastic author. I listened to A Star of Darkness. This standalone ran me through a myriad of emotions. Though I know there are world building aspects that I would get if I read the rest of the Scented Court series, I didn't feel like anything was missing. It is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The narrator's did an amazing job of bringing these characters to life. The rest of The Scented Court series has been bumped to the top of my TBR list.

Amazing Dark Fantasy

This was my first experience with this author's work, and the story was very entertaining. I admired the worldbuilding. My attention was gripped by all the twists and turns. I thought the author created characters who were pleasing and versatile, and I liked how their personalities were slowly revealed by events in the story. I enjoyed the dual narrations by Marina Fess and Eden Gabay, and I thought their performances enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

Wonderful Standalone to the Scented Court

I want to start by expressing my appreciation for the musical score integrated into the story, as well as the use of dual narration. It truly brought the narrative to life. This story, like many others by this author, captivates the reader and is filled with emotion and intrigue. Morpho is definitely a hero! I enjoyed this standalone book and appreciated the references to familiar characters from other books in the series. I hope to see more stories set in this world in the future.

An amazing listen

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. Having the male and female voices did a great job of bringing this tale to life. Love listening to the lives of the Calix.

This one's for Morpho!

A Star of Darkness is an enchanting blend of fantasy, intrigue, and deep emotion. The worldbuilding is immersive, and the characters are compelling, each carrying layers of complexity that kept me engaged. The pacing was a bit slow at times, but the rich descriptions and tension-filled moments made up for it. The emotional depth of the story, especially towards the end, caught me off guard—I wasn’t expecting to get teary-eyed, but here we are. A beautifully written tale with a satisfying conclusion, even if it left me wanting just a little more. Definitely worth the read!