‘You, Leilani Stellarion, last of the Starborn Seers, are fated to purge the Sickening and save the realms. You are Arcelia’s last chance.’
Leilani Stellarion is Starborn—branded by a dark and powerful magic that is said to slowly corrupt and curse all it touches, one that has blighted the world of Arcelia and torn its four realms apart. She’s also the heir to the Crystal Throne and betrothed to Lord Astrophel, an ambitious and dutiful man she loathes.
In order to prove she’s not a pariah and save herself from a miserable future, Leilani must embark on a journey to fulfil an ancient prophecy that will save the land and those she loves. On her quest, she is forced to combat both her own magic and sinister spectral forces, while dancing a dangerous path between Astrophel and a compelling new rival.
The Last Starborn Seer sets up a sprawling and elaborate world filled with darkness and treachery, taking its time to establish the depth of the stakes. The prose is evocative and lyrical, fully embracing its high fantasy scope, particularly in its approach to the world’s magic. Told from Leilani’s and Astrophel’s alternating perspectives, we’re given layers of insight into the difficult and often opposing choices they must make.
‘I’m heir to a magic I don’t understand, but perhaps I’m not cursed at all. Not a monster. Perhaps, I never have been.’
The relationships and bonds forged between Leilani, Astrophel, and the motley crew they assemble on their quest develop naturally, grounded by real, tangible emotions. There’s also a love triangle that raises the tension and adds a dash of romance to break up all the political machinations. However, the characters are often difficult to root for—whether due to constant indecision or unlikable actions—especially in a story that has so little hope fueling it. At times, it’s hard to keep going through the amount of dread and despair while the plot barely moves forward.
The novel’s slow pacing and heavy amount of initial worldbuilding often feel more overwhelming than helpful. While the descriptions are aesthetically bold, the emotional pull isn’t always there to hold your attention. Although with that said, the characters do begin to experience growth in the second half of the novel, so perhaps the sequels will be more compelling from the beginning. So if you’re looking for a dark high fantasy with lofty aspirations, give The Lastborn Seer a little patience, and you might just find yourself swept up on a grand adventure.
