5 Farther and Farther Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️/5 (though there is a lot of steam)

You are doing yourself an absolute disservice if you sit around and don't pick up this book. Which I almost want to kick myself for doing, since I have been in a tiny book slump BUT WHOA... Now that I have finished this... I am in awe!

Prepare for an utterly emotional rollercoaster within Heir of Sun and Moon. This is a beautifully written fantasy that feels like a classic fairytale but infuses it with raw, deep emotions that resonate long after you've turned the last page.

The Tropes within this are:
▶ Rapunzel Retelling
▶ Who Did This To You?
▶ Friends to Lovers
▶ King's Guard X Princess
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ He Falls First
▶ Dual POV
▶ Amazing Debut
▶ Intricate World Building and Magic System

Jenessa's writing is easy to read, but unique and creative. You can feel how much care and dedication she has put into this story and her craft, as what is presented is an intricate character-driven narrative. This Dual POV story follows two princesses, Rhea a girl locked in a tower by her power-hungry uncle and Bahira, the first mage ever born without magic.

Rhea and Flynn
I must admit, Rhea's POV was the one that kept me hooked and she was the one I was rooting for the most. Her tale is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Battling her physical loneliness, self-doubt, self-worth, anxiety and depression; you would think she would have given up ages ago. And while some days are hard and it's truly difficult to read about her pain on page, she keeps her spirit up and is determined to eventually escape her prison. I cried for her, my heart broke for her and all I wanted to do was hold her in my arms and let her know that someone cares about her.

I was sceptical of Flynn when he was first introduced but over time his flirty personality and compassion won my heart over, just like he eventually does with Rhea. I really appreciated that while this was a "first" romance for Rhea, the couple's interactions and her fears of the relationship are addressed so that the dreaded "miscommunication" trope MAKES NO MENTION IN THIS TALE! (thank god for that!). Their evolving friendship was tender, cute and sweet and makes me adore the two of them as this relationship is how you write a slow-burn fairytale.

Bahira
I understand why Bahira's story has been included as her chapters do provide the most information to the reader on the world-building and court dynamics of the Realms. However, I didn't like her and the book ended too soon when that feeling was finally taking a turn for the better. Her tale feels almost like the foundation of her story, like it hasn't truly begun and the events of Book 2 are really where we will see her grow and become who she is truly meant to be. Overall she is almost Rhea's opposite. She is resilient, bold and persistent. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't want and won't let anyone sway her opinion on the matter. Having studied chemistry myself, I appreciated her steadfast pursuit of answers through scientific experiments and it was refreshing to see the combination of science with magic.

I did see most of the twists and "shocking" reveals coming, but that didn't stop me from utter enjoyment of reading this...

Except for one part... I DID NOT ENJOY ONE PART... BELLA... HOW COULD YOU BE SO DAMN EVIL!!!!!

I was still captivated by everything this book gave me.

So please, please, please...do yourself a favour and pick up this book! You do not want to miss the utterly fantastic characters, the richly woven plot, and the unique blend of fairy tale elements that resonate on a deep and emotional level.

Essentially it is a must-read for anyone who seeks a stunning story navigating the intricacies of love, loss, and self-discovery.

So many thanks to Jenessa Ren for the gifted ARC! I AM SO SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TO READ THIS!
All thoughts and feelings in this review are my own