Eden Matthew's world is in shambles. Her grandfather viciously murdered, her twin brother held without magic, and her best friends imprisoned, all at the hands of the one man that was supposed to love her for eternity. She has been betrayed, and now she is being hunted by a king that wants her dead. Eden must pick up the pieces of her life and stand alone against the tyranny that threatens to destroy her world. Alone she must find a way to rebuild the Resistance, locate her missing parents, save her loved ones and take down the monarchy. Everything is against her, including forbidden feelings of a love that she thought was buried. She has declared war and now stands on the precipice of defeat. Losing is not an option however, and Eden must find a way to overcome her emotions, fight through her pain and restore the magic to her kingdom. Fearless Magic is the third installment of The Star-Crossed Series.
Rachel Higginson is the best-selling author of The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us and The Star-Crossed Series.
She was born and raised in Nebraska, and spent her college years traveling the world. She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian Food and the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka, but came back home to marry her high school sweetheart. Now she spends her days writing stories and raising five amazing kids.
I think the only other books I anticipate as much are Rick Riordan's books. After reading both book 1 and 2 in the series in one day, I was checking every day to see if Fearless Magic was released. And now I'm waiting for book 4, although I will start checking every day in January :)
Ok, I have to get a fangirl moment out of the way. OMG I TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! There, I feel better.
Eden is grown considerably since the first book, and I'm glad she had finally made up her mind about being in the Resistance. Granted, it took some drastic events for her to reach that decision, but she got there! I also literally felt like applauding about her dealing with Kiran issue, because it felt so true, so real, and so RIGHT! Can anyone in their right mind expect to find happiness at the cost of everyone in their family and friends being killed? I don't think so, and I didn't think that Eden was that kind of person. Turns out she isn't and I support her in that!
Another thing I really like is Rachel Higginson's character building, especially of the "bad" guys. They are likable! Well, not Lucan, but I don't think that he is supposed to be likable. But the rest of them make me really wonder on what will happen in the last book, and will they still be "bad"?
Overall I highly recommend this book. The writing and action grips from the very first page and doesn't let go until the end. The characters are great and very believable, and their interactions are very real. I loved the handling of the love triangle because it was the answer to all the other books/manga I've read where the heroine always seems to end up with the main smart ass/bad ass/emo guy, who for most part doesn't appear to care for her much or mistreats and insults her at every opportunity. I can't wait to read how their love triangle will get resolved.
ugh. UGH. Eden constantly needs to be assured of everything. She needs to be told how to feel and think. I don't think it is actually possible for someone to suck so much at life. Not only that, her final actions at the end were the dumbest yet, if you can believe that. She accomplished nothing and made everything else worse. Whenever she thinks on her own, things end up much worse. So infuriating! I think her cowardice was the worst part though. nothing like switching places with someone so you don't have to do anything with responsibility. On a positive note her relationship with Jericho was handled well along with recognizing her changed feelings for Kiran. However, she didn't get closure until her aunt told her how to feel.
Even though Eden commented on how it was weird seeing immortals with modern technology. I found it weird that there were no tapped phones. They had to fly all over the world for no reason. Just send a text or an email. The extent of their knowledge on technology stops at booking flights online, driving cars and barely flying planes(if I buy the livingsocial deal for an hour on how to fly a plane, I could join the resistance! I'd still be over qualified though, I have a brain.) They also fail completely at hiding themselves. Hmft some trained resistance.
Dear God- I am really enjoying this series! (obviously as I continue buying them lol)- it's really well done, exciting and fun! This one has been my least favorite so far (if i can even say that phrase accurately), but here's why- :)
Eden, now having to lead the Rebellion is full of piss and vinegar. She's bitter, angry and filled with revenge. I just prefer the non revenge/hateful filled Eden better. Don't get me wrong, I understand completly why she's so pissed off, but it's just sad and I hate that the anger has blinded her.
And then there's Jericho- while I like him, think that he's awesome and stuff- I am a LOYAL person. And well, I want Eden with Kiran! Jericho is safe. And I love how the author tried to explain really rationally why Jericho was a good match for her- pointing out lots of healthy, well accepted reasons for their relationship, BUT SCREW THAT! lol I want Kiran and Eden together!!! I'm a sucker for soulmates and I don't believe that Kiran is bad. (please be right, please be right, please be right)
And AVALON! I didn't realize how much I enjoyed the "twin connection" until it was gone for an entire book! I really missed their interaction and the funny lines of dialogue while other things outside of their minds were going on.
It's a lot of buildup for what's to come in the next book, but not in a slow feeling way. It's still exciting, things still happen, emotions are still pulled from the reader.
Basically, the instant I finished this book I bought the last one. And i'm trying to read it slow because I know how sad I'm going to be when this series is over.
Rachel- I love the dialogue you have written and the characters you've made us love. Who knew that I'd actually like Sebastian after the last book? This is a stunning series that I can absolutely see as movies. You rock! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book could have been a five like the other two if it didn't move so far away from the premise of the book. You read a star-crossed lover series about soul mates because you want to believe that there is such a thing. I routed for Kiran and Eden throughout the first two books and just when I thought it would work, the author made Kiran into someone he never was before which killed things for me. I love Jericho, don't get me wrong but he is the "safe" choice and I didn't read this series to have the safe choice. I want that head over heels, can't get enough without you and will fight to the death for you love. Jericho is sweet and all, but I fell in love with Kiran. That portion of him in India with the kids shows a wonderful person underneath the hard veneer of "Prince" that he has grown to be due to the influence of his retched father. If Eden could just get through that hard shell and show him the error of his ways, like I believe Sebastian learned in this book, then I feel that they could overthrow his father together and make the Immortal kingdom the wonderful place it was meant to be. I truly hope Rachel gives us back what we fell in love with in the first two books in the final book. Kiran and Eden belong together
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fearless Magic is the third installment of the Star-Crossed Series. I feel like I flew through it and now I'm so pumped to start the 4th book tomorrow. Eden kind of reminds me of so many other main characters and that's because her family means absolutely everything. She would rather give up herself than see them being hurt or killed.
She has already lost one family member so far, her grandfather, and that definitely took a toll on her. Once her brother was kidnapped by Kiran's dad, who also happens to be King of the Douches, well shit definitely hit the fan. She didn't take it lightly that this happened - so she kind of went on this little revenger bender. Taking away people's powers which backfired on her. Having that much energy was kind of draining her.
Since I mentioned Kiran, I guess I'll talk more about him. Ugh, I just didn't like him in this book. It was obvious that he wanted to use her for her powers. I completely stopped shipping them no matter what their magical hearts were telling them. Nope, I really fell for her and Jericho. After that ending, well I'm sad because I'm pretty sure there is zero to no chance of that ever freaking happening.
Overall, I really enjoyed this audio. I'm starting to like Eden a bit more with each book but I don't know how I'm going to feel after that little cliffhanger.
Eden is on her own after her brother and friends are captured by the King and her grandfather is murdered. She must find help and her parents. She travels to Peru to pick up their trail and starts to gain allies to help her rescue Avalon. She thinks her love for Kiran has turned to hate after his betrayal, but really her heart is still in turmoil, which becomes evident when Jericho reenters her life and when she has to face Kiran on his deathbed. Eden also struggles to be the leader that the Resistance needs.
Finally, Eden grows up a little! There is still plenty of hormonal drama, but I am either getting desensitized to it or it was better than the previous 2 books. Shockingly, she even THINKS a few times. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 3.5 because the author has managed to hook me. I want to find out what happens to the characters now, even if I have to put up with Eden.
WOW!!! I am absolutely so in love with this series!!! Addicted even!!! Can't get enough!! I love all the characters, both good and eveil because they play off eachother so well they story wouldn't be what it is without them!!! Higginson is a literary genius with the Star-Crossed Series!! Eden is such a strong heroine and her passion for maintaining the rights for her people despite where her heart leads her makes me love her even more!! Although I love Kiran, her star-crossed lover and also the Prince of her arch nemesis who killed her family, I am team Jericho all the way!!!! Avalon is still a hostage and Eden, still fresh from her grandfather Amory's murder by Kiran's father King Lucan, has to travel the world to gather up rogue Resistance members so they can storm the castle and rescue her brother. Kiran still does what he can to convince her to trade herself for her brother and become his bride, but she still refuses and devises plans to kidnap some of Kiran's relatives and members of the Titans to use as a means to trade for some of the Renaissance memebers Kiran and his team have kidnapped. In doing so, Eden acquires Jericho, YUM!!!! God I love him!!!! I wish I could say more but I refuse to offer any spoilers!!! This is probably one of my favorites, although I am not sure if it beats out the second one, Hopeless Magic, or not!! I was literally left feigning more at the end, where are the second one, Hopeless Magic, left me with my jaw hanging open and gasping WHAT?!?!?! Telling you, this series makes me feel like an addict!!! Plus, we finally find out more about Eden and Avery's elusive parent's, get a little bit of Lilly, and get to really know Sebastian, Kiran's cousin. I am telling you, READ THIS!!!!
So, I definitely like Eden as a MC. Something very rare in a paranormal romance. She's so realistic and honest. Also, she never afraid to be like...
i'm still hoping for Kiran. I feel like my heart is going to be broken, but a girl can always hope. Some people are definitely rooting for Jericho, but I just can't turn away from Kiran. Maybe in time.
In this book Eden really stood up (not that she wasn't likable in 1). I wasn't sure about her last decision, but I couldn't think of a really good alternative.Overall, the MC has had a lot of character development thought still staying true to her core.
*spoilers!* No, Eden does not stop whining. I want to like her as a character, I really do. But the constant whining...it might not even be so bad if "whine" wasn't the word used to describe her complaints every single time. I'm not exaggerating that, either. It was seriously used every time she voiced some sort of complaint.
The love-triangle trap Eden's fallen into irks me, too. That's just a pet-peeve of mine, though. I don't like stories that try to draw out the drama by just throwing in more love interest. It is NOT dramatic. It's annoying.
It was good to see some of the other characters being developed. Talbott, Lilly, Sebastian, and the Resistance...they all grew into characters you can connect with, characters you actually cared about. Which makes it a shame that the same can't be said for Eden. I felt sorrier for Kiran than I ever did for her. It's probably not a good thing when the book leaves you sympathizing with the villain.
There were, once again, fewer typos in this book than in the previous one. I only saw two or three. So, that was an improvement!
Well, I'm nearing the final book...let's see how all of this ends.
Where do I begin? Eden is an incredible character. Although she questioned it constantly, she was a great leader in the absence of her brother Avalon. She possessed all of the traits for a "fearless" individual, and the entire book was full of actions that were needed in order to save and protect her remaining family. Honestly, at the beginning of the book I was leaning towards her forgiving Kiran. However, as the book progressed I realized that his ability to sympathize and understand Eden's reasoning's were non-existant. He obviously loved her but not in the way he should have. His love turned to instense hatred because he couldn't grasp the idea of why she did anything that she did. Eden is really a great character and she is the most non-selfish individual in a story that I have seen. This author has an amazing ability to create a world like none other with characters that are truly amazing. Well done, and I look forward to reading the next story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
How is this series rated so high? Book 3 was about an immature, whiney (the author mentions she whines all throughout the book so this isn't me) teenage girl. The whole story boils down to Eden being treated like a princess in a palace "prison" (prison due to her self absorbed attitude) and her chasing another boy than Kiran (I hate fake love triangles). I rated 2* due to the secondary characters which I liked.
Not sure if the editing is worse or if I just notice it more now that Eden is so much more whiny and obnoxious... Still can't stop reading after that ending but kinda hoping she dies. Then maybe Avalon can pick up the story as narrator.
That was awesome, it keeps getting better and better. I don't know what to expect with the next one. Can't wait to read it. Definitely recommend this series to anyone.
Immediately we get a more independent, kick-ass, but still vulnerable Eden. She’s broken but determined to seak vengeance. This makes me happy. Well that is until she starts showing weakness when it comes to Kiran. I get that they shared this great love but he kicked the crap out of your brother & has him locked up in a dungeon. If that isn’t a turn-off I don’t know what is?! I get that it wasn’t in the script to kill him off, there’s clearly more to his story but healing him was just insane behaviour. It made no sense. This weakness does dissipate as the book continues (thank fuck for that) & we’re treated to some more of the feral Eden that we met at the of the last book;
“I am not some weak girl you can woo with charming words and a sweet kiss�
“You cannot have me! I am not something to hold and possess, I am a force to be reckoned with!�
“If he sends Kiran, I will kill him on sight. I will literally rip his head off and send it back to him in a box.�
“Well I certainly could have done worse� BOOM. IN YOUR FACE MO FO.
...& finally she’s starting to realise how awful he was all along;
“Why had I never been disgusted by how spoiled he was?� ... THANK YOU. FINALLY.
Kiran is pretty much mentally unhinged in this book. Constantly flip flopping between trying to woo her back and & then being hateful & evil. I just don’t know what his game is.
So thank the heavens that we got Jericho back. YAY!
“I wanted an all-consuming love that encapsulated complete self-sacrifice and offered only an equal amount of love in return. I wanted to be held without an agenda and without a desperate man's motives. I wanted to be respected and have my opinions heard. I knew that Jericho was a man that would offer me all those things and more.�
“I loved Jericho in the way two people are supposed to love each other, with trust, commitment and honesty.�
I love Jericho.
I’m not sure how I feel about that ending. I feel like she’s made a huge mistake but at the same time I can see how she couldn’t bear to see her brother, parents & Jericho die for her. It was a tough call but at least she outsmarted Lucan & Kiran with their deal. I’m very much looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The second book had so much going on and I expected this one to be even better. But unfortunately I didn't get what I wanted. Indeed there was action and some interesting events but overall the book was pretty boring and predictable compared to the second one. The thing I loved is the ending. It was nice and left a great variety of lines to develop. I also love how the relationship between Jericho and Eden are going. I always wanted it to be as it is in this book and hope it's going to continue that way. But to be honest Eden is a little bit annoying. Reminded me of Clary Fray from The Shadowhunters (not the books as I loved her in the books but the series). Though I'm more interested in secondary characters, Lily, Avalon and Sebastian in particular.
Format : audiobook || free on Audible subscription Rating : 3.8 stars Genre : YA, Magic, Romance No spoilers -
We pick up immediately were we left off from the cliff hanger in the last book. It was guns blazing from the beginning. The fire and conviction that Eden had at the end of the last book continues into this, but we see as time goes by the anger does subside and she does become rational about a lot of things
The distance between Avalon and Eden was heartbreaking. The author built up this relationship wonderfully!
We’re starting to see glimpses of a darker Kieran , feel this could be interesting
This book broke my heart. The battle Eden faces throughout this book is so heart wrenching and intense that you can’t help but to feel a connection. The ending was something that leaves you feeling just as lost as her and I am dying to read the next book!
3.5 🌟 stars! Well well well, Eden finally matured a bit. That alone was refreshing. I missed Armory and Avalon so bad in this book. I’m glad we finally got one back..but this book felt like book two and all that happened was two people switched places ... then the cliffhanger ugh... I really need book 4 to be exciting!!
This is by far my favorite book of this series! I was totally engrossed! I could not put it down!! I am jumping right in to the next one!! Highly recommend this!!
I just dunno where to begin...this book rocked it for me! I read right through to the early hours of the morning and my heart was racing the whole way though. I am ecstatic to have found this series, and even more so that I didn't give up halfway through the second book when I wanted to slap Eden silly!
I usually love my heroines like Rose Hathaway, smart mouthed, vulnerable and extremely kick ass. I compare most to her and a lot fall short. Eden was nothing like Rose but she made the cut in my eyes. Eden picked up the shattered pieces left from her life, pulled up her big girl panties and set off to revive what was left of the Resistance and set out to save Avalon, Jericho, Lilly and her other friends from the Romanian Citadel underground prison. I found Edens vulnerability charming. I found her fear of failure and her leadership in the absence of her brother was refreshing and honest. Eden was so awesome.
A few of my favorite moments were the reunion between her & Jericho and every emotional moment between them since, the moment she met her parents for the first time, the time spent discussing strategy with Sebastian. She struggled with feelings of unworthiness and would have to give herself a little pep talk before each mission to force herself to be courageous and think of all the people relying on her to be successful in her endeavors. Edens dedication to her brother and friends was admirable and her selflessness was beautiful to watch. Eden is kind to the bone and struggles to live with the actions she is forced to take. It's no secret that I have been team Jericho since before there even was a team Jericho and their relationship made me fall further in love with them. Their unwillingness to leave each other even for the shortest times was a reflection of the trials they have each been through and I adored seeing them cling to each other. Eden manages to save her brother but sacrifices everything to do so.
Eden made some extraordinarily difficult decisions throughout and I am so proud of the woman she is becoming. I am going straight onto Endless Magic and I know that this next chapter in Edens life is going to be the toughest yet but also I know she will shine. Woohoo...Here I go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
**If you have not read the first 2 books my review for book 3 could contain spoilers**
What’s that saying about a woman scorned? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...yeah, that’s Eden for you. Lucan has taken away her family through death and abduction. Eden is out for revenge and it will all start with killing Kiran then moving on until Lucan no longer walks the earth. They both will pay for betraying her and bringing harm to her family. So Eden starts off on a journey to find others to join her Resistance and help bring an end to the worthless Kendrick bloodline. And along the way Eden starts to learn a little more about herself and her eyes are opened to others and sees them for who they really are. Some are honest and trustworthy and some are downright selfish and heartless.
I was so excited when Rachel sent me the first 3 books in the Star-Crossed series back in May....that is until I read the first one. Now don't get me wrong, I love these books. They are the absolute best. But there is just one little, teensy problem that has had me leaving a month or 2 in between book reviews of the series: Kiran! I don't think I have been affected by a character so much like I have been with Kiran. Oh. My. Goodness I have never wanted to strangle a guy so much in my life…he is absolutely infuriating. One minute Ms Rachel has us all swooning over Kiran and had me waving the Team Kiran flag...only to have the rug ripped out from under us the very next second. And then we are left fuming wanting to cut his nads off. Oh yes, there will be blood!
But seriously, this book was so great. Heck, the series is so great! I love this world that Rachel has created and the whole idea is freakin magical…literally. Want to know what was a great addition to this story? Jericho! Yeah I know he was in the last one. But he really came through in this one. Yum, Yum give me some! I love how much he loves Eden…it’s a very unselfish kind of love. But does Eden feel the same about him now? Neener, neener! I am not saying. Read it to see for yourself.
In Fearless Magic we get to see Eden grow and become a very welcoming character. She sheds her teenage self and matures into a strong young woman. Of course she had to grow up quick after all the loss she was hit with at the end of Hopeless Magic. But I love this new Eden though; she seemed more in control even when circumstances were out of control.
Those who love a story of love, self-sacrifice, and magic…well this series is made for you. If you haven’t read the first 2 get them today and start them. You will love Rachel’s world and her amazing (and sometimes irritating) characters. *cough* Kiran *cough* And once you read them let me know what you think of them. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Finished with book 3 of this series, and I am really wondering why in the hell I keep holding out hope that things will improve in the next installment. As there's only 1 book left (okay so 2, sort of, but you won't see me reading The Reluctant King anytime soon), I feel some sort of obligation to finish out the series that I've wasted about 8 hours of my life on thus far. Will the last book redeem this series? Not likely. Seemingly an impossible accomplishment, the writing has actually gotten worse. There's just as much eye-rolling as ever, but now foot stomping has been added into regular rotation. FOOT STOMPING! As in, what my 3 year old does when I won't give him a cookie. Eden does the majority of it, solidifying herself as the most immature 17 year-old ever (quite a feat), but even King Lucan - an ancient, all powerful, evil tyrant - takes his turn at it. What?! Eden crosses her arms defensively a lot, too. Seems like Higginson has a serious problem trying to convey emotion beyond using these ridiculous and artificial gestures. And the whining. Oh, the whining. Even Higginson admits it: '"...I keep running into him and forgetting my purpose!" I whined, folding my arms in frustration.' Does the author find Eden as irritating as I do? And we are supposed to believe that SHE is the leader of the rebellion? Eden certainly doesn't believe in herself, so why should anyone else? I am all for characters growing and evolving over the course of a series, but I am just not seeing it here. She has her moments where she faces off against her adversaries with confidence and fearlessness, but then a couple pages later is back to her old ways of whining and complaining about her lack of leadership. I need to see some real growth here, not just fleeting moments that seem so out of place that she might as well be a different character entirely.
As is the case with the other Star-Crossed books, I find the central plot and characters interesting, but the writing is so awful at times that I have to force myself to trudge through, eyes glazed over. My hope is that Higginson takes some of the money she's made and hires herself a kick ass editor. She needs one.
I’m a little mixed on this one. I really like the plot and at times even the characters, but it is so descriptive at times it tends to distract from the story. We’re given a lot of information, not always relevant, and some of the dialog is a little cheesy. Eden started out likable enough, but as the series progresses I tend to like her less. I understand her being overwhelmed with her new situation in life, and it’s not even how she handles things that bother me so much. I think my biggest pet-peeve is the whole love-triangle angle. Which always bothers me in these type stories. It is clear from the beginning who she will eventually end up with, so any time she spends with “the other guy� just bugs me. To me it makes her seem fickle and hard for me to relate to. Now, I know she has been betrayed by Kiran, and I can understand her wanting nothing to do with him. That’s fine. But supposedly falling in love with another guy so quickly, screams rebound and lacks believability. Kiran is kind of a mystery, I’m not sure how the author is going to redeem him. At times I actually like him (even though I think Eden loves him, I’ve never really gotten the impression that she even likes him, if that makes sense). I wish we could hear things from his POV. Jericho is likable enough, but I wish he would manup and find someone else. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think I could ever be happy being someones second choice, especially when it’s clear that the person you love is still madly in love with someone else. Move on! Anyway, the ending was pretty good and I’m glad the last book is out so I can see how everything wraps up.
Where is book four??? I finished this last night at midnight and would have jumped right into book four but I couldn't find it at barnes and noble?? How are people rating that book? I need to find a way to get my hands on that!! ERRR I have much to say but I hate spoilers! I love Kiran I do I'm sorry! I loved their games in book one, I love how their magic finds each other, maybe I just love the whole first love thing? with that being said I get it. I do get why it will never work! It's the total "Romeo Juliet" two different war sides where the other side is bound to hurt the other side. so that could never work! (and obviously what happen in book 2) So obviously I think Jericho is the right choice I just wish Kiran made a different choice in the beginning! But that's life right? I don't know somehow (I know it's a long shot) but I I'm hoping he is a good guy?! SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME HE IS GOOD RIGHT??! In this book I wanted her to blow up a lot off stuff, because I ended book 2 shocked and mad and needed revenge! I felt she did a good job showing her emotions! I didn't get how towards the end the king knows where they are at but doesn't try to kill her still??? I know she is powerful but he thinks he is more powerful so why did he just let them chile at home?? and btw I don't like her parents very much. Why has it taken them so long to step up to the plate?
This series continues to blow me away! Love, love, love it! The descriptions used make it so realistic and come alive! The heroine, Eden, is very much flawed, naive, and at times immature; however, she is is loving, brave, and has a loyal heart. She is an all together well-rounded young woman.
No YA fantasy series would be complete without a love triange. It's always interesting to me to see the main character struggle with feelings for two different guys. Especially when both of them seem to be good people. For this reason, I have a hard time believing it's true love in either case. If you can't completely give your heart to one person, and one person alone, can it really be true love? Anyways, from what I read, most people like Kiran ... but I have been a Jericho fan from day one. Somehow I don't see it ending up that way though.
There were a lot of likeable side characters that were introduced in this book. I would have liked to have read more about them, but maybe that's something that happens in the next one!
Most everything about this author's writing is spot on. Very imaginitive, descriptive, vivid, creative, etc. Just PLEASE INVEST IN AN EDITOR!! Or hire me! Typos still plague this series, and unnecessary commas. It drove me a bit batty! .... I have read much worse though, and it wasn't quite enough to distract from the story entirely, but still...