The Stars Are Dying

Peñaranda (An Heir Comes to Rise) delivers a disappointing romantasy series launch loosely inspired by the Greek myth of Astraea. Twenty-three-year-old Astraea has no recollection of her life prior to the last five years, which have been spent under the thumb of nefarious businessman Hektor Goldfell, who keeps her captive. Hoping to learn about her past, Astraea escapes her captor and travels to the capital with her friend Cassia, their region’s representative in a dangerous set of trials known as the Libertatem. The winning region gets protection from vampire attacks for the next 100 years. When tragedy strikes, Astraea disguises herself and takes Cassia’s place in the tournament. She has little hope of succeeding—until she makes a bargain with a mysterious, attractive, and possibly untrustworthy vampire, Nyte, who agrees to help her in exchange for a favor. Meanwhile, as the truth of Astraea’s origins and hidden powers is revealed, she comes to question her allegiances. The slapdash worldbuilding and uneven pacing combine with Astraea’s underdeveloped arc and murky motivations to leave readers with more questions than answers. This is a rocky start. (Oct.)