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Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
Starlight Jewel by E.L. Lyons introduces Axly, a.k.a. “Miss Someone”, as she struggles to maintain her cover as a maid and protect her human brother. All too soon, pursuers overtake her, and Jory insists on taking Axly back to Minalav. Axly is required to use her talents in service to Tarley, the leader of the hybrid community. General Grim, the next man she is assigned to seduce and rob, also offers a lifeline. Axly forges a deal the man is destined to forget, binding him as her brother’s protector. Honorable to a fault, Grim adopts “Greg” as his nephew. When Axly next escapes Minalav, Tarley is even more enraged and determined to regain his valuable asset.
Starlight Jewel by E.L. Lyons is a character-driven fantasy with intricate world-building. I started reading this book because I was fascinated by the somewhat intriguing premise and continued reading because I wanted to discover the plot's secrets. Axly was special and every page made her seem more significant. I wondered what her true name was, and what her ultimate nature might be. I wondered whether Axly and her brother were destined to fulfill some prophecy. The narrative revealed clues so subtly that I was still in suspense at the end of the story, and completely committed to reading the next volume in the series. I also liked the relationship twists, which gave Axly several options, and cleverly switched their viability around. I was also surprised certain people betrayed Axly, and pleased when others proved loyal. Starlight Jewel by E.L. Lyons is a thoroughly addictive and original dark fairy tale.
