Save, of course, that she is fae, and born of one of the Eight Founding Houses,” Celadon replied irritably. Thalo and Celadon looked eerily alike, despite the fact they were only first cousins. Her mother looked so much younger than her forty-two years, and with the same twilight-glow complexion, willowy height, russet hair, and lovely features as Celadon, it was a fair assumption to make that they were siblings, when in fact it was the High King and Thalo’s mother—the princess Cyanine—who were brother and sister. Writing a multi-POV story can be difficult: It needs to feature distinct voices, with characters that are both distinctly drawn and who have arcs of their own. When done poorly, it’s painful. When done right, it’s propulsive, drawing readers deeper into the story in an attempt to connect the dots between a group of seemingly disparate stories.And thankfully, A Dark and Hollow Stardefinitely falls into that latter category. You’re right. He’s nowhere near fabulous enough. He can be my slightly inferior but equally arrogant son, Legolas.” They would put this hearing off until a later date? They were actually going to humor Celadon’s desperate scramble for Arlo to be granted full fae status and a place in the Viridian line?

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth | Goodreads A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth | Goodreads

For a moment, the fog remained unmoved. It sat around, swirling in place, very clearly listening but showing no sign of offering answers. Then, just as Nausicaä began to contemplate conjuring a few more fireballs, the fog began to thin. Little by little it drained from the air until, finally, all that was left was a vaguely damp, translucent haze. You possess less talent on the cusp of adulthood than what a goblin infant can perform by instinct,” Councillor Siegel—Seelie representative of Autumn—interposed. Her eyes were hard as amber as they fixed on Arlo, her tone eviscerating. “Furthermore, you have reached eighteen years with only minimal grasp on the rudiments of magic, having spent your education thus far under human tutelage. Tell me, Miss Jarsdel, what is there for you to miss should the Council rule against you?” Anyway, these four are all separately dragged into the same mystery and before we know it, we have a budding Scooby gang and the mystery is one that has powerful repercussions through their world and ours.She loved reading stories about people taking off on adventures, discovering they were natural leaders born to make a difference in the world, but a hero? The decision burst from her mouth in the first firm declaration she’d made all day, speaking to a hope she’d long kept boxed away. This boy, whom death loved dearly for his years of worship, for the souls he’d sent like offerings to death’s altar, made him a deal - an offering of his own: immortality for service.”

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No one is questioning your bloodline, Miss Jarsdel,” he continued dismissively. “You are Thalo Viridian-Verdell’s daughter; of that there is no dispute. What we question here today is whether or not it matters.” I’m sure it hasn’t escaped your omniscience that her mother is niece to my father, the High King? Arlo is human. She is also fae.” Beautifully written and deliciously complex, A Dark and Hollow Star is utterly engrossing. The magic is bloody, the humor sharp, and the murder mystery drenched in violence and intrigue. Like a fallen Fury set on vengeance, I couldn’t get enough.”

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Working to conceal her wince, Arlo forced her gaze level with the Council’s collective stare. Her eyes—as bright and hard as jade—were one of the few things about Arlo that made it impossible for anyone to refute her ties to the Viridian family. But in moments like these, she wished she’d inherited her mother’s skill for cutting those green eyes into a glare. It would never be that simple, even if Celadon hadn’t just scolded them all like children. The High King himself could come to Arlo’s aid right now and she doubted it would make a difference. But Celadon reached for her wrist anyway and started pulling her toward the door.

A Dark and Hollow Star” by Ashley Shuttleworth Book Review: “A Dark and Hollow Star” by Ashley Shuttleworth

If the most recent case had indeed occurred right here in Canada—in territory that belonged to UnSeelie Spring—their government could no longer afford to do nothing. The Fae High Council would be forced into searching out possible culprits; they had enough to keep them occupied without grilling Arlo for what was now twice as long as her Weighing should have taken, but throwing their failures in their faces and rushing them along probably wasn’t the best way to force their meeting’s conclusion—certainly not, given the look on most of the Councillors’ faces. A Cruel and Fated Light is the sequel to the f/f, m/m YA Urban Fantasy, A DARK AND HOLLOW STAR. It follows Arlo, Nausicaa, Aurelian, and Vehan as they delve even deeper into the plot of philosopher’s stones and scheming immortals, in the home of a queen with secrets even deadlier than she is. The laws to which we must adhere may seem harsh, but they’re our laws for a reason. Arlo Jarsdel’s case is not simple. An ironborn girl with little to no magic will find our world difficult at its kindest. It’s better, no, to set them on the path that will help them best flourish? To trim away the excess knowledge that would do them no good anyway? We’ve made these laws to keep our people safe, Your Highness. You know this.” Eight proud fae from the Four Courts of Folk made up this panel of judges. One each from the factions of Seelie Winter, Summer, Autumn, and Spring—those folk who drew power from day and most valued the qualities of grace and responsibility in their people. One each from the factions of UnSeelie Winter, Summer, Autumn, and Spring—those folk who drew power from night and were known for their indulgence and their cunning.Nausicaa is a former Fury, with heartbreaking and horrifying reasons behind that “former” designation. An immortal condemned to spend eternity in the Mortal Realm, she’s torn between causing chaos for her own amusement, and figuring out why dangerous creatures are suddenly stalking the streets.

The Hollow Star Saga by Ashley Shuttleworth - Goodreads

She could take the boon of common citizenship and allow her life to get on with itself as originally planned. She wouldn’t hold the glorious rank of fae, or be allowed to study at fae universities, or take a position in the palace any higher than general help. But she’d at least have a place in both her parents’ worlds, and with all her memories intact. What? No! Nausicaä you can’t kill the Seelie Prince of Summer just for ‘wasting your time,’ you…do know that, right?Councillor Larsen nodded. “Save that she is fae, and born of one of the Eight Founding Houses. This the Council will not ignore.” Bye, Arlo! If you don't call me tonight, I'll just assume you've been murdered, shear off all my hair in mourning, and write lengthy poetry immortalizing that one time you beat me at Mario Kart.”