Stardust in their Veins: Following the dramatic and deadly events of Castles in Their Bones

By Author / Illustrator

Laura Sebastian

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN

9781529373042

Format

Hardback

Published

07-02-2023

Synopsis

Immerse yourself in the second book the Castles in their Bones series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Princess series. 'A page-turner that brilliantly blends magic, romance, and adventure' Booklist

Seduction. Conquest. The Crown... Princesses Daphne, Beatriz, and Sophronia have trained their entire lives for one purpose: to bring down nations. Their mother, Empress Margaraux of Bessemia, is determined to rule the continent of Vesteria, and her daughters are her weapons. Promised for marriage since birth, they are her ticket across enemy lines. And also her decoys.

Still, not even Empress Margaraux can control the stars. Sent to their new kingdoms, orders in hand, the princesses have found their own paths, changing the course of their mother's plans entirely - and tragically. Sophronia chose love, and for that, she lost her life. Daphne and Beatriz can hardly believe their sister is dead, but both are determined to avenge her. And now, separated by a continent - and their mother's lies - they see more clearly with every passing day that they might not be working toward the same end.

The stars whisper of death, but Daphne and Beatriz are just beginning to understand the true power coursing through their veins. And their mother will do anything to keep them under her thumb - even if it means killing them all.

'Sebastian weaves the story together with a firm handle on pacing and worldbuilding, placing twists and turns throughout as characters leave their assigned countries' School Library Journal, on Stardust in their Veins. '...the worldbuilding is rich, clearly defined, and easy to follow' Kirkus Reviews, on Stardust in their Veins. 'Made for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Sabaa Tahir' Bustle, on Ash Princess.

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Reviews

Stardust in their Veins is the second book in the Castles in Their Bones trilogy, by the wonderful YA author Laura Sebastian. In this book, she once again fills the pages with the same secrets, scheming, politics and lies. It's a fast-paced page turner that I firmly recommend.

The three princesses, Daphne, Beatriz, and Sophronia, were trained for one purpose: to bring down nations and help their mother, Empress Margaraux of Bessemia, to rule the continent of Vesteria. However, they didn't see the full extent of what she was prepared to do to achieve this. Now, after Sophronia's death, they are forging their own paths, standing for the first time against her. What will the cost be this time? Will they survive the power of their mother, the Empress?

Stardust in Their Veins is suitable for the 14+ reader due to the some of the content. Once again the story unfolds in alternative chapters through the two sisters eyes. It's exciting, full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged in this fantasy world. Thank you to the author, for once again giving the book an ending that makes you eager for the next instalment of this thrilling and enchanting story.

576 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian