The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
I didn’t enjoy this. I found it overwrought and almost a pastiche of various other romantasy tropes that are popular these days. The competition that will seal the fate of the world (which is disappointing and entirely without peril). The amazingly gorgeous pick-me protagonist, and the dark, dangerous but oh-so-alluring anti-hero romantic interest. Just nothing new, nothing interesting, nothing realistic.
I understand that I’m not a reader of romance, and this isn’t meant for me. So assuming my biases against it are irrelevant, I guess it is… fine? I’m sure there is better out there, so maybe read this last, after you’ve used up the good stuff? ★★☆☆☆