Rating: 4.5⭐️
Jenny Schwartz is a new author for me but after this book she’s immediately on my must read list. Stars Die, the first book in the Caldryn Parliament series, is a fabulous read.
The world building is layered and intriguing, yet so vivid and large that you can see how she will be exploring it further in the series. And even farther.
The characters themselves are incredibly complex. Each has their own histories that are only partially revealed here, multiple agendas, and completely diverse backgrounds.
This is magic, science fiction and realism all combined into a compelling narrative.
And Schwartz has beautifully crafted even more fascinating storylines that work together to create a fascinating tale of dynastic power, intrigue, galactic politics, mystery and chaos. All with an overlay of magic.
It begins with the incredible character of Vanda Kavanagh, whose powerful grandmother has recalled her from her duty on a frontier planet to become new Warden of Caldryn Parliament.
Such a simple sentence that is so powerful a statement of a woman’s heart and journey to her own path. Vanda is an incredible character. And she is accompanied by a very special companion, Giddy.
Giddy is part of the murder mystery that Vanda sets out to solve, as part of her plan and as part of a larger underlying problem.
There’s an entire excellent cast of equally important and well defined characters. Many of which I expect to develop and expand as the series continues.
This is a complex, emotional, exciting novel. There’s a potential for a romance but it’s not a romance story. It’s a political thriller, albeit one that is a magical science fiction novel.
So highly recommended and I’m extremely excited for the next book to be released.
And can I say how much I love these covers?
Caldryn Parliament:
Stars Die #1
Hexes Fly #2 – July 26, 2025
Rogues Lie #3 – November 29,2025
Buy link
Stars Die (Caldryn Parliament Book 1)
Blurb
Welcome to Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the Realm of science fiction and fantasy.
Recalled from the frontier, the new Warden of Caldryn Parliament is well aware she’s not a popular choice, but she never expected to portal into a murder scene.
Nor did she anticipate acquiring such a unique partner.
Now, Vanda Kavanagh must discover the truth of a politician’s death, unravel the mystery of her sabotaged wards, and survive her family.
***
Stars Die is a magic parliament mystery. If you’ve ever wished that Agatha Christie included magic or that Sherlock Holmes fought space pirates, this is the series for you!
- Publication date: February 27, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 340 pages
- Book 1 of 3: Caldryn Parliament
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 