Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for this review copy of Heavenly Bodies! All opinions are my own.
Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu is a fantasy romance novel set in Celestia, a kingdom made up of nations full of magical powers ruled by celestial beings called stars.
Princess Elara, from the kingdom of Asteria devoted to shadows and darkness, finds herself kidnapped by the King of Helios after hearing a prophecy that reveals she is destined to fall for Ariete, the King of Stars, and that their meeting will cause both of them to die. King Idris of Helios and Prince Lorenzo (Enzo) want to overthrow the tyrant stars and train Elara as a weapon to end Ariete once and for all. Away from her home, Elara must hone her powers, find a way to save her kingdom, and desperately keep herself from falling for the enemy prince.
I adored everything about Heavenly Bodies, really enjoyed the world Imani Erriu has built, and loved the characters. However, there are too many plotlines and some pacing issues that made it hard to follow along at times.
Read our full summary, review, and ending explained for Heavenly Bodies in this post.
This post contains spoilers.
Heavenly Bodies
Description
A runaway TikTok sensation, Heavenly Bodies is the first book in a dazzling new romantasy series that blends Greek mythology and shadow magic with a tantalizing enemies-to-lovers romance that will rewrite the stars.
“You know the most dangerous kind of villain? A woman with nothing left to lose.”
In a world ruled by the cruel and merciless Stars, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy promises she will fall for a Star, but that it will kill them both.
So when Ariete, Star of Wrath, War and Chaos, descends to wreak havoc on Elara’s kingdom, she flees her home—the Kingdom of Night—for the neighbouring Helios, Kingdom of Light.
And strides straight into the arms of an enemy prince.
Fearing that Ariete might turn his sights to Helios next, Prince Lorenzo is forced to train Elara as a weapon—one worthy of battling against the tyrannical reign of the Stars. But there are shadows even within the Kingdom of Light—and they threaten to reveal the darkness in Lorenzo’s past and the ancient magic that slumbers in Elara’s veins.
And with it all comes an undeniable, star-crossed pull between Elara and Lorenzo that neither can seem to resist…
Tropes
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Star Crossed Lovers
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Review
Overall Impressions 😊
Overall, I enjoyed Heavenly Bodies and am cautiously optimistic about Fallen Stars, the next installment in the series. I was utterly obsessed with this book at the beginning, enjoying the Greek mythology–inspired world and the lush prose so decadent that it pulled me right in. I am also a sucker for enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, and I thought this book handled that dynamic very well.
Although the atmosphere and the characters were a huge selling point that helped me understand why this is so popular, the plot pacing had some very obvious problems. The events of Heavenly Bodies alone could fill multiple books, with so many interesting plot points presented but resolved too quickly, the stakes never managed to feel high enough, and at times I couldn’t get fully invested.
I am optimistic about Fallen Stars and still invested in the story, believing that with some heavy editing, this series could truly be spectacular.
Perfect For Fans Of… 🌟
This is a pretty good fantasy romance book. It’s got magic, fate, gods, tension, friendship, and enough plot (maybe a little too much) to keep a reader engaged. Do you like strong female characters like Aelin from Throne of Glass or protective but supportive MMCs like Hunt from Crescent City? Then this one is definitely for you.
It also reminded me of a more fantasy-heavy Zodiac Academy or a more adult Shadow and Bone with its mix of magical elements and mythical creatures.
It’s a great read for scratching that romantasy itch with lush worldbuilding and very involved celestial beings.
Characters 👥
Elara is a refreshing protagonist. In a sea of shadow-wielding MMCs, she’s the shadow mommy. She’s strong, capable, and not annoying (a feat for romantasy female leads) or a damsel. She isn’t a kept princess or a poor mortal lost in the woods. She’s strong, beautiful, and she knows it. I’m a fan. She is also the morally grey one which I cannot wait to see her wreak havoc, cause chaos and descend into her dark side.
Enzo is great. I love him so very much. He’s an attractive lead, strong, and dabbed in that usual spice of trauma fantasy authors love to give their main characters to add depth. He’s a bit standard but charming. He’s a warrior with the soul of an artist. There’s a reason this trope works, and Enzo is a great example of it.
The side characters are solid, especially Isra, Merissa, and Leo. I can’t wait for them to be developed more based on how the first book ended.
The stars, which are basically constellations personified, are good “villains.” I do wish they had more mythological depth, but I’m hoping we’ll get more of that in the next book.
I always think of the first book as the character-building stage for the main characters and the second book as the one that fleshes out the side characters and the villain. Heavenly Bodies did a great job making me love and root for Enzo and Elara while introducing merciless gods and side characters I’m dying to know more about.
Plot 🗺️
The plot is my biggest gripe with this book. There are too many plot points. I’m not sure if it’s an editing choice, but I do wish the events were tightened and edited down more. There were times when I heard something mentioned from the beginning of the book and thought, “Oh right, that did happen in this one.”
Some of the earlier conflicts are resolved way too quickly, not just the dynamics between the characters but also the personal struggles they face. I understand that the events were compelling and worth including, but if they couldn’t be condensed, then splitting them into a second book would’ve worked great.
Something happens in the middle of this story (see summary section if you’re curious) that felt like a perfect point to end the book. It could’ve naturally built up to the big reveals at the end of the current version. I found the ending rushed and not deep enough. There were hints of something bigger at play, but it felt surface-level, and I would’ve loved a more intricately woven plot that gave me the opportunity to reach those conclusions myself.
This world is amazing. There are already five books planned, I wish we stretched out some of these plot lines for a bit longer…
My Favorite Quote to Hook You 📣
“I would let the whole world burn if it kept you warm.”
Imani Errui, Heavenly Bodies
Writing Style and Narration ✍️
Despite having been sent a review copy, I was able to borrow the audiobook version of Heavenly Bodies from my library, and I’m so glad I did. The narration is spot on for this magical, lush world. The prose is spectacular, decadent, luxurious, and immersive. I found myself wanting to visit Asteria and Helios, each kingdom having its own distinct character that made the world feel foundationally rich and alive.
This was an absolute dream to listen to (no pun intended) and I think the audio format did it complete justice. I was carried away by the descriptions of food and the cities multiple times, and it made me feel cozy and warm.
This is already a beautifully built world, and I would be more than interested in reading anything Imani Erriu writes. Other than the plot issues I mentioned above, I really have no complaints. With a bit more editing, I’d be a lifelong reader.
Synopsis
Elara Bellereve Finds Herself Kidnapped by the Prince of Helios
Elara Bellereve, the Princess of Asteria, The Kingdom of Shadows is gifted with the three, the power of illusions, dreamwalking and shadowmancing. While their patron Star Piscea slumbers Elara’s family rules over Asteria. When Elara hears a prophecy that she is destined to fall for the King of Stars, Ariete she is devastated.
Her parents and their court has heard the prophecy when Elara was just a girl and hid her from Ariete their entire lives. When Lukas, Elara’s betrothed, finds out about Elara’s prophecy, he summons Ariete by bleeding on his card during Elara’s birthday celebration.
Ariete descends from the heavens and unleashes his wrath on the court for hiding what he perceives as his. Elara’s parents and majority of the court is murdered on the spot by Divinitas.
Lukas and Elara’s best friend Sofia survives. Elara is resistant to Divinitas and cannot be killed by a Star’s power, so she survives as well.
The King of Helios Idris wants to destroy the Stars for the tyranny they’ve been ruling Celestia with. After finding out Elara can resist the Stars’ killing power and is destined to take down Ariete, he kidnaps Elara the night of her birthday and takes her to Helios.
Idris demands Elara trains with his son Prince Lorenzo (Enzo), the notorious Golden Lion of Helios. Elara makes a show of agreeing while beginning to plan her escape from captivity.
When Elara was a young girl, a lightmancer assassin has entered her room and showed light down her throat. Elara, traumatized by the incident, has been unable to wield her shadows since.
Her training with Enzo begins, accompanied by Enzo’s best friend and Helios’s general Leo. Elara and Enzo instantly dislike one another, constantly goading each other. The fact that Helios and Asteria has been enemies for years after Asteria has closed their borders to protect Elara and Idris waged war against them for being cursed wielders of darkness.
The Prince of Light and the Queen of Darkness
Elara and Enzo begin training. Enzo instructs her both on sword-wielding and using her magick. Elara’s illusions become stronger almost physically manifesting on their own. The attraction between the two of them is palpable, both of them resisting as much as they can.
Instructed by Enzo, Elara begins dreamwalking every night. She enters Leo’s dreams to find out that he snuck into the palace as a boy to spare money and the prince spared him.
She also enters Enzo’s dream to find out that Idris has been abusing his son with his light until he became strong enough to fight them off. Finding a common enemy with the prince and understanding his empathy to her trauma from the lightmancer that attacked her, Elara begins trusting the Prince.
Enzo takes Elara to meet Isra, his closest friend who is a Seer and can wield ice. Isra looks into Elara’s future and realizes something she’s not willing to share with the two. She only instructs her to try and trust Enzo.
Elara is assigned Merissa, a beautiful Aphrodean woman who is tasked with helping her get acclimated and glamour her so no one knows the Princess of Asteria is hiding in Helios. Elara and Merissa become friends and Elara spends much of her time helping her in the kitchen’s when she’s not training.
On a night celebrating Leyon, Elara drinks Ambrosia. Leo, Isra and Merissa are with her, while Enzo displays himself as the rake everyone perceives to be with a woman hanging off his shoulder. He can’t however take his eyes off Elara.
Elara Unlocks Her Shadows
After continuously seeing Isra, Elara begins warming up to the seer. Enzo, frustrated by Elara’s lack of trust in him, throws her off a cliff in an attempt to get her shadows to come and save her. When her shadows make no appearance, he jumps off the cliff after her. Seeing Enzo in danger, Elara’s shadows surface in the form of a shadow lion, saving them both.
They return to the palace, Elara exhilarated by the fact that she can access her shadows once more. When Enzo leaves her alone, she makes a run for it. Enzo finds out and catches up. Frustrated by her still not trusting her, he let’s Elara go.
Elara chooses to stay in Helios and work with Enzo. The two become reluctant allies.
King Idris reveals that Lukas is crowning himself as King of Asteria since Elara is “missing”. Ariete is in Asteria and is also keeping Sofia captive. Lukas is throwing a Masquerade ball in the honor of his coronation. He forbid Elara from going.
Elara defies Idris’s orders and decides to go to the ball no matter what. Enzo, knowing Elara would never let her kingdom and her best friend suffer, makes arrangements to go with her.
They sneak into Asteria. During the masquerade ball multiple stars are present. Elara and Enzo enjoy themselves for a short amount of time. Torra, the Star Patron of Aphrodea is present. Under the spell of her charm, Elara and Enzo hook up in a carriage.
While trying to free Sofia in the palace, Elara and Enzo get separated. Elara is caught by Ariete and her identity is revealed.
Ariete bites her, paralyzing her with his venom and keeps her captive. He repeatedly asks Elara who she was with, unaware of Enzo’s identity but Elara doesn’t break. Enzo gets away.
Elara tries to escape a few times. Eli, Ariete’s right hand and the Star of cunning reveals himself to be a Star with alternate motives and gives Elara his blood to combat Ariete’s venom. Elara can’t escape. Eli’s twin Gem tries to break into her mind multiple times, tormenting her with mind games, but Elara doesn’t break, anchoring herself in the memory of Enzo.
Eventually Eli builds a shield in Elara’s mind to protect her.
Ariete and Gem organize a ballet and force Elara to go. Elara is forced to watch a ballet performance of the events of her life from birth to until her birthday. She realizes all performers are controlled by Gem, as her powers gives her the ability to puppetmaster mortals. She also realizes everyone on the stage is someone who hid her identity from Ariete.
Elara goes to the bathroom and finds another Star working with Eli. She gives Elara just enough blood to combat the venom of Ariete, and tells her to not miss her window of escape.
The star ballerina is Sofia, Elara’s best friend. Ariete steps onto the stage, telling Elara to watch how this will all end. She slits Sofia’s throat.
Distraught by seeing the violence her loved ones are subjected to, Elara weaves an illusion around her faking her death. She escapes the ballet, to find Enzo outside the place. Enzo has bought the favor of two stars to get Elara the opportunity of escape. The two reunite.
The Escape and Elara’s Life After Captivity
Enzo is relieved to find Elara back again by his side. Leo, Merissa and Isra are helping Enzo get Elara back to Helios. They plan on taking boats outside of Asteria, but Enzo realizes the bite marks on Elara’s neck. He lives and burns the ballet house down, alongside Ariete. He doesn’t kill him but he hurts him enough for what he did to Elara.
They begin rowing out of Asteria but are surrounded by sirens. Leo and Merissa fall under their thrall but Enzo and Elara are unaffected. The sirens are however able to pull Enzo off the boat. Elara jumps after him.
After seeing Enzo nearly get ripped into pieces, a silver light emanates from Elara. The sirens revere the light and bow their heads letting them go.
They make it back to palace of Helios. Enzo gives Elara a bath and put her to bed. Elara doesn’t want him to leave his side and Enzo has no intentions of doing so.
Weeks pass, Enzo holding vigil on Elara’s bedside. She begins slowly healing but is clearly traumatized by what happened and is in a dark place. She spends time coddled in Enzo’s lap and Enzo taking care of her.
Eventually Enzo’s care and time begins healing Elara’s wounds. The two spend weeks in Enzo’s studio in Helios. Elara reads while Enzo makes marble statues. Their friendship begins blooming once more with their attraction unspoken of. When Elara asks Enzo to teach her to carve marble with her shadows, the way Enzo carves with his light Enzo is ecstatic.
The two of them meld their powers together, an intimate act. Light and shadow merge, and they create duskglass. They take it to Isra who tells them only people who are in love can meld powers and the duskglass is strong enough to kill a Star.
With their blade in hand, Enzo and Elara begin plotting how to take Ariete down.
Heavenly Bodies Ending Explained
At the summer Solstice, Elara, Enzo and the others travel to Aphrodea. As it’s tradition, Enzo is to be “seduced” by the Aphrodean women in an attempt to get him to choose a partner for solstice. Elara, prepared by Merissa, seduces Enzo.
They get a stolen moment in Aprodea before returning to Helios. In Helios, Ariete finally descends from the stars.
The two lion statues awaken and bless Elara and Enzo, and tells them of the Celestes, the heavenly bodies. The statues advise Elara to not give the duskglass to Enzo if she wants to survive.
Ariete descends.
Enzo asks Elara for the duskglass. She pretends to give him the glass, but it is in fact her other dagger Sofia has given her wrapped in an illusion. When they face Ariete, Enzo tells her he played her for good and hands the “duskglass” to Ariete.
Elara is taken to the dungeons.
Elara realizes a few things when she is a captive again. She knows Enzo would never betray her. And she also knows the dark creature she’s inside of her is more than what she thinks it is. When “Enzo” arrives again, she realizes it is in fact Gem pretending to be Enzo.
Elara gets the information about where Enzo and the others are and kills Gem.
Elara finds Enzo, Idris and Leo in a cell. Enzo is relieved to see her. After Elara frees Enzo, he finally confronts Idris and kills him.
They find Ariete and a battle begins. Elara and Enzo use their magick to it’s fullest. Awoken by the introspection she went through in the dungeons, Elara doesn’t tire.
Enzo takes a mortal blow. Elara is devastated. Enzo passes in her arms, but not before he gives her a drop of his light. In agony from losing the one she loves, the binding on Elara’s mortal body breaks, revealing her as the heavenly body she is.
Elara is a Celeste, one of the six: The Moon.
She fights Ariete once more with the power of the Moon behind her and wounds him.
Elara manages to anchor Enzo to the dreamlands. Ariete, wounded and angry, steals Enzo’s tether and runs away. Enzo is at risk of losing his soul to the dreamlands but at least she is alive.
Merissa is revealed to be Torra’s daughter, a demi-star.
It is revealed that Enzo is a Celeste as well, the Sun.
The Sun and The Moon, the two celestial beings fell in love across the darkness an eternity ago, never being able to find one another. Elara and Enzo has died and born again in their mortal bodies searching for one another the entire time.
Remembering who she truly is and awakened as the Queen of The Realm, Elara swears to find the other Celeste’s, hunt the Stars and Ariete down for Enzo’s tether.
Spicy Chapters
How spicy is Heavenly Bodies?
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Heavenly Bodies was a lovely fantasy romance read with great bones and interesting plot twists. I’m excited about Fallen Stars and definitely a big fan of Imani Erriu overall. I’m making my way through Fallen Stars this week thanks to an ARC sent by my publisher, and I’m thrilled about the direction it’s taking.
In case you missed it, Fallen Stars releases on November 25, 2025!
What did you think of Heavenly Bodies? Are you excited about Fallen Stars? Let me know in the comments!
Can love overcome fate?
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