Celestial Bodies: The Black Arts of Vexora by Blane Bellamy

Celestial Bodies: The Black Arts of Vexora is a unique take on an almost historical sci-fi romance mixed with the paranormal and magic!


From the blurb:

In the kingdom of Lapistra, where the winds are a birthright and power defines worth, Prince Julen Zephyrus is a failure in his father’s eyes. Magic eludes him, and his life is a prison of royal expectations and secret shame. But when his best friend, Souzie, convinces him to visit Cupidor—a sanctuary for rebels and revelers—Julen’s world begins to change.

There, he meets Dacias, a lion shifter cadet from Rugiria, Lapistra's sworn rival. Fierce, loyal, and impossibly handsome, Dacias is drawn to the boy with bright green eyes and dark curls. As their forbidden connection deepens, Julen begins to question everything—his place in the world, the meaning of strength, and the truth of his own heart.

But just as he’s ready to embrace his feelings, Julen uncovers the dark forces his father has unleashed—forces that could destroy everything he holds dear.

Celestial Bodies: The Black Arts of Vexora is a sweeping tale of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the unyielding power of the heart to defy even the darkest fates. It is an MM Romance Fantasy that features a slow burn, hurt/comfort, virgin MCs, found family, shifters, spice, and a HEA.


Angel's review:

Opposites Attract • Forbidden Romance • First Times •

Julen is the prince of a royal family who has always had the weight of the world on his shoulders due to his parents being so controlling. Specifically his awful dad, the King. When Julen doesn't present with his magic when his peers do and his father releases his fury on him, he finally agreed to go with his best friend to another realm... And from there he's in a whole new world, quite literally. Plus he meets the love of his life there.

Dacias is a lion shifter who's also a soldier for his realm's military, he goes to Cupidor to blow off steam and relax. When he bumps into an awkward man from the realm that his country despises, things couldn't be more difficult for them. But overtime they realize the struggles they have to go through is more than worth the risks they have to take to be together.

I'm going to be honest, this story was difficult for me to get into at first. While the writing is heavily detailed, and the characters were full of life and personality the style in which this was written took me a bit to fully get invested in. This story is written with an almost historic tone which I wasn't expecting, but as I kept reading I adjusted to that style and ended up enjoying the story!

There were a lot of twists and turns that occured within this book, there's deceit, betrayal, angst, imaginary mythical creatures come to life, battles, and rescues. I really liked both MC's they had their differences but they fit together like missing puzzles pieces.

I wish Julen was honest with Dacias earlier on but I am glad that these men talked to each other and was able to work out the problems that had arisen.

The romance between those two was a bit of a slow burn which I liked a lot! The actions scenes had great details and were described so well! I loved the plotline, the surprises that occured along the way was handled so beautifully. Whenever something new popped up I was surprised because I just didn't see it coming. Which I really enjoyed! Overall a truly fantastic story!!


Celestial Bodies: The Black Arts of Vexora is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription