Recommended Reading Path
Since Ashley Shuttleworth’s published work currently consists entirely of one continuous narrative, the recommended reading path is simple and linear. You should read the books in order of their publication. The story follows a single overarching plot line with a core cast of four characters, meaning that skipping books or reading them out of order will result in major spoilers and confusion regarding the character development and world-building.
The Hollow Star Saga in Order
1. A Dark and Hollow Star (2021)
The series kicks off with this striking debut set in the hidden magical underbelly of Toronto. The story introduces a world where the Eight Courts of Folk live alongside humans under a strict peace treaty. This fragile balance is shattered when a series of ritualistic murders targets "ironborn"—half-human, half-fae outcasts who possess no magic of their own. Four queer teens, each with their own hidden motives, are forced into an unlikely alliance to catch the alchemist behind the killings before the courts descend into war. It establishes the central characters, the magical systems, and the snappy, modern tone of the saga.
2. A Cruel and Fated Light (2022)
Picking up directly after the events of the first book, the stakes escalate significantly. The investigation into the alchemical murders expands into a deeper conspiracy involving philosopher's stones, ancient secrets, and corrupt immortal beings. As Arlo struggles to understand her emerging power, the political intrigue within the High Courts of the Folk becomes increasingly dangerous. The characters face greater emotional challenges, dealing with the trauma of past events while trying to prevent a war between the mortal and immortal realms.
3. A Grim and Sunken Vow (2023)
In the third installment, the shadow of war looms even closer. The group is pushed to their absolute limits as they face a formidable, god-like adversary who threatens to dismantle the boundaries between worlds. The narrative digs deeper into the lore of the universe, exposing the origins of the fae courts and the gods. The bonds between the main characters are tested as they are forced to make painful sacrifices to protect their found family, setting the stage for the final confrontation.
4. A Wild and Ruined Song (2024)
Released in November 2024, this fourth novel serves as the epic and final chapter of the saga. Arlo must fully embrace her legendary role as the "Hollow Star"—the deity of luck’s chosen instrument—to rewrite fate itself. The conflict between the mortal world, the hidden courts, and the immortal realm reaches a fever pitch. Shuttleworth brings the overarching mystery to a definitive conclusion, resolving the romantic arcs and offering a satisfying, high-stakes ending for the core characters.
Meet the Core Characters
The strength of the saga lies in its focus on four distinct POV characters, all of whom represent different identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum:
- Arlo Jarsdel: A pansexual, half-fae ironborn who has spent her life trying to blend into the human world. Her discovery that she is the "Hollow Star" thrusts her into the center of a cosmic struggle.
- Nausicaä Kraken: A snarky, exiled Fury who was banished to the mortal realm for murdering humans. Behind her rebellious attitude and quest for vengeance lies a deeply loyal heart.
- Vehan Lysterne: A bisexual fae prince who genuinely wants to do good and protect his people, despite being sheltered from the cruel realities of court politics.
- Aurelian Bessel: Vehan’s fiercely protective guardian. He is gay, highly analytical, and harbors deep, unspoken feelings for the prince he is sworn to protect.
Setting & Mythology Rules
Shuttleworth's universe blends traditional European fae folklore with elements of classical Greek and Roman mythology. The hidden magical society of Toronto is divided into different courts, each ruled by powerful fae monarchs. While the fae are forbidden from harming mortals by ancient law, they frequently exploit loopholes. The magical system features alchemical elements, such as philosopher's stones, which can amplify magical powers or create dangerous synthetic monsters. The narrative frequently transitions between the gritty, modern streets of Toronto and the lush, glittering courts of the fae, making the city itself feel like a living character.
Tone and Influences
Readers who enjoy video games like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda, or anime aesthetics, will find many familiar elements in the series. The magical combat, swordplay, and elaborate artifacts are heavily inspired by RPG tropes. Despite the high-stakes fantasy plot, the dialogue remains modern, casual, and filled with pop culture references. The series deals with heavy themes such as trauma, abuse, and self-worth, but balances them with found-family dynamics, witty banter, and romance.