Blackstar

De: Lukas Ryan

Narrado por: Eric Michael Summerer

What is the meaning of love and sacrifice in a post-war generation?

The Eastern Isles, an empire of humans, beastkind, and Fae, have recovered from a divisive war caused by an infectious entity. Humans established the Commission as a defense mechanism; however, mistrust of the Fae races has only increased while upholding their duty to protect against dangers.

Beast, Kovuco Blackstar, born of a deviant legend, lives in the shadow of remorse until he meets the enchanting Lady Ameilja Rose Frost, a human seer of the Eastern Isles. Kovuco is unique among his kind, but even more troubling, he harbors an illicit attraction toward Ameilja, whom he’s strictly employed to protect.

Ameilja isn’t your typical noblewoman; she’s an advocate gifted with an unfathomable power, a power that makes her a prominent tool in the Commission’s goal. Unknown to Ameilja, her rare ability is also a fatal instrument in an even darker plot that threatens the fabric of all life.

While dealing with internal struggles, Kovuco finds himself increasingly drawn to his lady, until they’re both compelled to do something that will irrevocably bind their destinies. The fateful event between Kovuco and Ameilja may be the only hope for eradicating an ancient evil that’s risen against the world, all while harboring the most significant obstacle: humans don’t give their hearts to beasts.

©2024 Lukas Ryan (P)2024 Lukas Ryan

Gritty fantasy/romance novel

Glad I stuck with this one! My wife recommended, novels like this usually aren’t my cup of tea. The book really comes in 2 parts, character development in the beginning develops as a romance novel but then shifts into a fantastic gritty political intrigue against a very imaginative steam punk fantasy backdrop.

It sounds like a second book is in production, and I’m very excited to see where it goes.

Absolute knock out performance by the voice talent. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and that can be an immediate turn-off for me, but this dude killed it.

Will definitely read book 2

This book surprised me in all the right ways. The worldbuilding is rich, the writing is confident, and the characters feel fully realized. What stood out most to me was the contrast between two central male characters—one embodies quiet strength, loyalty, and depth, while the other leans more into selfishness and recklessness. I found myself drawn to the former and increasingly frustrated with the latter, which made for a dynamic reading experience. Despite my growing dislike for one of them, I was fully invested from start to finish and can’t wait to see where the next installment goes.

Compelling characters and world building

Wonderful fantasy story with a little something for everyone. The story caters to multiple varieties of fantasy genres. From magic to undead it’s all there. The leads are compelling and the forbidden love makes you wanting more.

The World and Characters Won Me Over!

Weeks after finishing this as my first ever book to complete albeit via Audible. I still think of the world as it was described of the isles to the cities. And the slowburn of getting to know the characters played right for me to even give a damn about them. The chapter breaks are my favorite breaking down where we are and what's about to happen. And it's true to the grit yet whimsical fantasy world that surrounds this romantasy. I enjoyed it very much and I can't wait for the second book now that I've learned the book will pick up from that.

MORE

Finally a fantasy novel that makes you want to keep listening/reading. Lukas Ryan builds each character in a way that makes you want to know more; pulling you into their “lives”, feeling what they feel. The way he leaves you hanging on certain chapters forces you to crave more. I would not hesitate to read this book over and over again to see what I may have missed.

Magical!!

This is my ALC review:
Wow! Hear me out! Let’s world build in the most magical way. Blackstar sets you up to a new world and new land filled with adventure, and action. Be patient because it leads up to something really quite spectacular. This story follows a badass MFC Ameilja and her Völfien. Her close bond to them, and what she sees for herself in the future. Kovuco is one of her Völfien who is a Blackstar (by name) and is somewhat considered an outsider to everyone except Ameilja and her pack of protectors.
This book has some Asian influence which is extremely lovely to read! I can’t wait to see where this story takes us next!

World building

There is so much information in the story that if you blink twice, you’ll miss it all. This story was steampunk meets Horror meets fantasy meets forbidden romance. It was very, very good.

A lot of words for a boring story

Well, you can tell this is a debut novel because the writing is terrible. Writing more and more words without world building just doesn’t do it. Really I have no idea what this story is about except for a wolf is in love with a woman.