Nightmares & Stars by Kat Satava

A decade has passed since the Convergence Massacre that took Princess Alora's father and plunged her beloved Noctourne into war with the fire-wielding Soldaynians. Alora being next in line for the throne, her mother, Queen of Noctourne, diligently shielded her from the fighting for years. But Alora refuses to hide quietly in court while Soldaynia continually gains footing in their lands. To complicate matters, Alora’s 25th birthday is rapidly approaching. If her familiar does not present itself by her birthday then her Royal Ascension would inevitably drive her to insanity. It was the stuff of daymares. Her best friend and assigned protector, General Bist Tinshale, has returned from the frontlines to manage her safety during the upcoming birthday festivities. But there is a new awkwardness between them, one that's charged with feelings forbidden between royal Witches and Tinkers. Like a wish on a falling star, Alora hears a rumor of an ancient weapon that could turn back the dawning of the Soldaynian forces. When Alora steals the map to locate it. She forces herself and Bist out of the moonlit safety of Luminae Castle and Noctourne to lands they have only heard about from the memories of the ancients. Alora must risk everything to defend her family’s throne, their people, and their lands. Will she survive long enough to rule?

Adult • Fantasy/Epic and High • Fantasy