Notes from the Shelf

This post contains spoilers. This post also contains affiliate links. If you buy through Bookshop.org, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog and indie bookstores!

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst is the first book in the Of Fire and Stars series. It is a 389-page YA fantasy novel, with the main character Princess Dennaleia (Denna) sent off to marry the prince of Mynaria to forge an alliance to protect her homeland from other hostile kingdoms. His kingdom forbids the use of magic, in stark contrast to her kingdom that welcomes it. This is a bit of a problem for Denna as she has an affinity for fire magic, and if her secret were to be revealed she could be exiled or worse.

She must learn of her new home’s customs and politics as well as how to ride a horse, thanks to the teachings of her betrothed’s sister Amaranthine (Mare). In the middle of this is an assassination that is made to look like an accident, showing Denna just how dangerous her new life can be. She must work together with Mare to find the killer, while also trying not to fall in love with her.

There is a lot of political intrigue in this book and also a lot of tension throughout the story because she has to hide her magic. She definitely experiences some culture shock, too. Even with her falling in love with Mare, there is not much focus on romance. Honestly, they seem much more like friends for the majority of the book, which I was a little disappointed by that. However, I’m looking forward to reading the second one to see them be an actual couple together.

Overall, I thought it was a really fun read. I gave Of Fire and Stars 5 stars when I first read it, but thinking about it more critically, I would probably give it 4 stars now.

If you’re interested in buying the book, consider buying through Bookshop.org. Bookshop.org helps indie bookstores thrive, and your purchase also supports my blog—so I can keep reading, reviewing, and recommending great books.

Love what you’re reading here? Support the blog and fuel my next cozy reading session by buying me a coffee.