Find your next read here…
Imani Erriu – Heavenly Bodies
“A woman can be both, you know. Soft and fierce. She does not have to choose.”
- Imani Erriu, Heavenly Bodies
For lovers of Caraval, Kingdom of the Wicked and A Court of Thorns and Roses…
Summary
In a world ruled by the Stars, cruel godlike beings who rule over each territory in the lands of Celestia, kings and queens must bow to the will of the power their subjects worship. Subjects themself to the Stars that gift their abilities and culture to their people. When one such star, Ariete the God of War infiltrates the Kingdom of Asteria and murders their king and queen, fearful of a circulating prophecy about their princess, chaos ensues. Through the destruction a neighbouring king, Idris of Helios, Asteria’s enemy kingdom sees the perfect opportunity to hatch and execute a plan, one that will make him more powerful than any Star. The princess Elara, who impossibly survives the Star’s blast, is captivated by Idris’ guards. Now a prisoner in her enemy kingdom, unsure if any of her family and friends are still alive, Elara must become a weapon. A tool for the king to use as he sees fit. Trained by Idris’ son the cruel but charming Prince Enzo, will she become the weapon her enemy seeks her to become? Or will she become something much more dangerous?
Review
Imani Erriu creates a world full of desire, secrets and celestial magic in her fantasy romance Heavenly Bodies. The unique magic system and political structure truly grounds this book as different in a genre so oversaturated in enemies to lovers romance. Despite the heavy romance plotline, the world that Erriu creates is immersive. The conflict between her protagonist’s countries has depth, and the dynamic between monarchs and gods on earth in the form of the stars creates an interesting power dynamic between the monarchs and their people. Who do they really follow, their kings and queens, or their patron god or goddess? Although it is clear from the beginning that it will be an enemies to lovers romance plot-line, the slow burn between Elara and Enzo makes their romance slightly more realistic. It is not something that either of them want in the beginning, but something that blossoms as they see each other grow, mostly through one another. Not only does their romance propel the story forward, but their chemistry and witty banter make their friendship fun to read in light of a sometimes dark overarching plotline.
The imagery in this novel is beautiful, and the kingdoms of Helios and Asteria are so vividly described you feel like you are there. Specifically in scenes of nature, Erriu’s depictions of the setting through vivid descriptions of every detail, down to lighting, sound and smell immerses you in the kingdom of Celestia. Erriu somehow writes in a sense of magic throughout the novel, in such a way that it seems impossible to believe that such a mystical place would be able to exist without magic. Her incorporation of art and architecture makes this novel even more ethereal, and also gives her characters relatable interests and personalities beyond the fearsome warrior prince and righteous princess. Although the book is heavy in worldbuilding, it is so intricately intertwined within the plot and romance that it feels un-noticable.
Despite the possibly evident influences from other novels of the same genre (such as Kingdom of the Wicked) through the arguable similarities in their plot-lines, the characters and beautiful world and magic systems makes these potential flaws inconsequential. From thrilling action scenes and gruelling magic training to mystical ballroom dances and yearning, Heavenly Bodies has something for all romantasy lovers. Full of fantasy-favourite tropes such as forced proximity, found family and fated love, Erriu writes from a clear perspective of love for the genre in all its glory. With its captivating side-characters and unmatched banter this book had me hooked, and I can’t wait to see what she does with the second novel in the series. If you’re a lover of fantasy romance this is certainly one you don’t want to miss!
