📖 SYNOPSIS
Nineteen-year-old Ryn Electus never imagined she’d be plucked from hiding and thrust into the glittering, treacherous palace of Per-Siana. Along with three of the kingdom’s fairest maidens, she’s given twelve weeks to win the heart of King Xerxes — a man with a storm behind his eyes and secrets that could shatter the throne.
But Ryn has secrets of her own — ones the Intelligentsia would kill to expose. As false gods wage war behind the scenes, an ancient, silent God calls to her, challenging her to break the chains of deception binding the kingdom.
Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the Biblical story of Queen Esther, The Scarlet Star is a sweeping romantasy filled with gowns, politics, forbidden romance, and divine warfare.
🖋 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Kropf crafts faith-infused fantasy worlds where romance blooms against the odds and hope shines brightest in darkness. Known for her lyrical prose and emotionally resonant characters, Kropf blends fairytale magic with spiritual depth, offering readers adventure with eternal stakes.
💭 DETAILED REVIEW
From the first page, The Scarlet Star swept me into the tension between duty, faith, and the cost of truth. Ryn is a heroine I immediately rooted for — clever, fiercely protective of her secrets, yet deeply human in her fears. Xerxes is the kind of reluctant, tortured ruler that romantasy readers crave — powerful but broken, sharp-edged yet unexpectedly vulnerable.
The romance simmers beneath the surface, never rushed, building through political intrigue, whispered confessions, and moments of unexpected alliance. But what makes this novel truly stand out is its spiritual depth. Kropf doesn’t shy away from weaving in themes of divine warfare, deception, and the challenge of standing firm in your faith when every power around you tries to bend your will.
The palace setting is lush and dangerous — like stepping into a gilded cage where beauty hides the blades. Court politics and the “war of gowns” are just as high-stakes as the supernatural battles behind the scenes. I especially loved how the Biblical inspiration doesn’t feel like an overlay — it’s seamlessly integrated into the worldbuilding, giving the story weight without slowing its pace.
For fans of The Selection and A Curse So Dark and Lonely, The Scarlet Star offers all the pageantry, danger, and romance you love, but with a fresh infusion of faith, hope, and moral complexity.
🔥 SPICE RATING
🌶 Low spice — romantic tension, charged glances, and hand touches that will make you swoon. Perfect for YA & NA readers who love romance without explicit scenes.
📚 BOOKS SIMILAR TO THIS ONE
- The Selection series — Kiera Cass
- A Curse So Dark and Lonely — Brigid Kemmerer
- To Best the Boys — Mary Weber
- Queen of the Conquered — Kacen Callender
- Sky of Seven Colors — Rachelle Nelson
❤️ WHY YOU SHOULD GET A COPY
Because you’ll walk away both entertained and moved. This is the kind of story that leaves you with a lump in your throat, a smile on your face, and a heart aching for the sequel. It’s faith-filled romantasy at its finest — lyrical, captivating, and impossible to put down.
🎯 INTERACTIVE SECTION
Quiz: Which Per-Siana Court Role Would You Play?
Q1: In a tense moment, you…
A) Speak your mind, no matter the cost.
B) Keep silent and watch from the shadows.
C) Charm your way out.
D) Pray for guidance before acting.
Q2: Your weapon of choice:
A) A sharp blade.
B) A sharp mind.
C) A dazzling smile.
D) The truth.
Q3: At the palace ball, you’re…
A) Dancing with rivals to size them up.
B) Gathering secrets in a quiet corner.
C) Owning the spotlight.
D) Offering words of hope to the overlooked.
Mostly A’s: Warrior of the Court
Mostly B’s: Master of Secrets
Mostly C’s: Social Strategist
Mostly D’s: Faithful Advisor
Book Club Discussion Questions
- How does The Scarlet Star balance fairytale romance with faith-driven themes?
- In what ways does Ryn’s secret shape her interactions with Xerxes?
- Which scene best captures the tension between divine will and human choice?
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