Review: Ties of Starlight

Ties of Starlight by Celeste Baxendell is the first ARC I've had the pleasure of reading from the upcoming Tethered Hearts series. This multi-author series features romantasy plots about couples who are brought together through magical bonds. I am fortunate enough to be on the street team for these riveting stories by many of my favorite authors. The first book will be released on March 7th, and the one I am reviewing here will come out the following week on March 14th. This book follows Celeste Baxendell's typical writing style of couples who face terrible obstacles that test their love until they realize how much they need each other to be happy. Although I haven't read the other Tethered Hearts books yet, this will probably be one of the darker ones in the series. It is the first book that Celeste has written about elves, which she plans to expand into other books that take place in this new fantasy setting.

Idonea is a half-elf who was chosen to become part of the Cometa Couple, a special bonded elf couple destined to restore the magic of the elf kingdom and protect their land by following an ancient ritual. She is eager to have a successful marriage with Olaug, who she believes is her true love, but there is one problem. Olaug does not love her. When King Nyrunn learns this heartbreaking news, he decides to take Olaug's place for the sake of the Star Elves and also because he has always secretly loved Idonea. After lifetimes of toxic relationships, Idonea must learn to shed her personal beliefs about herself and her incapacity to be loved to accept Nyrunn, complete the ritual, and break the cycle of abuse she has experienced with Olaug.

The plot of this book follows the modern anime reincarnation trope and is particularly similar to the anime series 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy. Like most modern anime heroines, Idonea has experienced several lifetimes before this one, and all of them ended in heartbreak or death. The key difference between this book and a traditional reborn princess anime is that Ties of Starlight is dedicated to women who are trapped in toxic relationships and contains important symbolic themes of breaking the cycle. Idonea must give up her endless attempts to fix her relationship with Olaug and accept that his endless emotional abuse is not real love. It is this allegory that makes Ties of Starlight truly special.

Although Idonea's problems span much further back than Nyrunn's, he is not without his own struggles. Nyrunn expects Idonea to be a little upset about his last-minute decision to intercept the ritual and take Olaug's place in the Cometa Couple, but what he doesn't expect is that she not only hates him but assumes that he hates her in return. This places a huge barrier in his attempt to provide a happy marriage for her. Much of the book revolves around Nyrunn and Idonea's struggles to communicate with each other. He knows that he can't tell her his true feelings immediately because she does not believe him. To convince her that he loves her, he must show her what love is, and that is where the true magic of this book lies.

Ties of Starlight by Celeste Baxendell is a mesmerizing romantasy that masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and personal growth. With its poignant allegory about breaking free from toxic relationships, this book shines as a powerful tribute to women who have suffered emotional abuse. Idonea's journey, though heart-wrenching at times, is ultimately uplifting and hopeful, thanks to Nyrunn's gentle yet unyielding love. As the first book in the Tethered Hearts series, Ties of Starlight sets a high standard for the rest of the series, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment. If you're a fan of fantasy romance with depth and substance, add Ties of Starlight to your reading list – it's a truly unforgettable tale.