A Requiem for Fallen Stars: Cadence of the Fallen, Book 1

Name: A Requiem for Fallen Stars: Cadence of the Fallen, Book 1
Rating: 4.5 (2200 reviews)
Author: Hazel S. Wilkes

by Hazel S. Wilkes

4.5

About this book

Lyra Izacalli survives by burying her past beneath a veneer of hardened indifference. In a world governed by noble bloodlines and rigid hierarchies, she refuses to let emotion become a weakness that others can exploit. Freedom is her only objective, but securing it requires a treacherous gamble: a blood wager with a capricious king that forces her into the lethal entrance exams of an elite academy.

Surrounded by enemies who view her as an outsider, Lyra must navigate deadly trials where the cost of failure is death. Her resolve is tested further by the arrival of a mentor who threatens the emotional walls she has spent years fortifying. What begins as a strategic alliance quickly unravels into a high-stakes entanglement, as he becomes the one person capable of seeing through her armor.

As Lyra uncovers a forgotten journal and finds herself hunted by dangerous wielders of power, she realizes that the truth of her heritage may be more explosive than her enemies suspect. In a landscape of political intrigue and shifting loyalties, Lyra discovers that while she came to the academy to win, the true danger lies in the unpredictable power of her own fractured heart.

Available Formats

Audiobook: $0.00

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What readers are saying

blueviolet_bb

Completely invested - can't wait for the next book!

"I went into this a little differently than recommended—I read A Composition of Scars first and then Requiem —but honestly, I think it made the experience even richer. Having that prior insight gave me a deeper understanding of why Lyra and Draven are the way they are, and it made every interaction between them hit that much harder. Lyra Izacalli is an absolutely compelling protagonist. Her refusal to feel, to give power to the past, and her relentless drive for freedom create such a sharp, emotionally charged core to the story. Watching those walls begin to crack as truth after truth comes to light was incredibly satisfying. She doesn’t just bend—she erupts (as the author points out), and it’s unforgettable. The emotional impact of this book really surprised me. It gave me the same kind of feeling I had reading Fourth Wing—where you grow so attached not just to the main characters, but to the secondary cast as well. And while I adore them, there are definitely a few where I’m left wondering how they’re still alive after everything! The beginning is a bit slow as the world and stakes are established, but once you hit that 20–25% mark, the story takes off and doesn’t let go. From there, it’s a gripping mix of tension, danger, and emotional payoff. I really enjoyed learning the magic system and lore in this world. I’m completely invested now and cannot wait for the second book. This story lingers—in the best way possible. ["

March 25, 2026 Verified Purchase

Tiana jenelle

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Requiem of Fallen Stars

"This book did not gently ask for my attention. It grabbed me by the collar, whispered “trust me,” and then emotionally drop-kicked me into a universe of fallen stars, bruised hearts, and choices that hurt so good. A Requiem of Fallen Stars is a sweeping, moody fantasy that lives at the intersection of destiny and defiance. We’re thrown into a world where power is dangerous, loyalty is fragile, and the past refuses to stay buried. Hazel S. Wilkes builds a story around characters who are carrying far more than weapons. They’re carrying grief, secrets, guilt, and hope that flickers even when everything else is burning out. The plot unfolds like a slow unraveling of fate itself. Nothing is simple. Every decision has weight. Every victory costs something. I loved how the story balances intimate character moments with high-stakes conflict. One minute you’re holding your breath during a tense confrontation, the next you’re pausing the book to stare into space because a single line just emotionally bodied you. And the characters? Messy, complex, stubborn in the best way. I also need to shout out the audiobook experience, because I listened while reading along and wow. The narrator absolutely understood the assignment. The delivery added so much depth and atmosphere, bringing the tension, vulnerability, and banter to life in a way that made the story hit even harder. It was immersive, emotional, and honestly elevated an already incredible book. If you love rich worldbuilding, emotionally layered characters, and stories that aren’t afraid to break your heart a little before stitching it back together with stardust, A Requiem of Fallen Stars deserves a spot at the top of your TBR. 🌌✨ This is the kind of book that doesn’t beg for your attention, it assumes it has it. And somehow, it’s right. ✨🌑📖 And the ending I did not expect that!! I need book 2 like yesterday I need to know what happens next!!! ["

January 29, 2026 Verified Purchase

Priya

Your next romantasy obsession! Trust me!

"Ahhh, I have just found a new romantasy obsession! I was first drawn to this series by the stunning artwork and gorgeous cover, and I am kicking myself that it took so long for me to sit down and dive in. What an unforgettable and mesmerizing first book in the Cadence of the Fallen series. Hazel's writing is gripping, evocative, and introspective. I had a phenomenal time the entire way through and can't recommend this enough! Lyra Izacalli is a night attendant for the vicious King Alastair and is desperate for her freedom. She has been at the mercy of those in power around her all her life and is scarred from her tragic past. When a surprising opportunity arises for her to partake in the deadly entrance exams at an elite magical academy, Lyra jumps at the chance to forge a new path for herself. Lyra is a resilient, empathetic, and traumatized lead. Her love for those she cares about knows no bounds, and yet, her big heart has also gotten her and those around her into trouble. This has taught her to bury her emotions deep down as a defense mechanism. While at the academy, she has to contend with trying to understand her newly manifested magic, all while trying to survive these hellish entrance exams and elitist system. The trials were so unique and did a wonderful job introducing the reader to the magic system of this world. I also adored the found family aspect in this book and each character we're introduced to plays a crucial part in breaking down Lyra's barriers. Now, enter Draven. While their interest in each other was quite obvious very early on, I ate up every crumb of their interactions. Their dynamic is electric, yet wholesome. They share banter, tender moments, training scenes, and let me tell you that Draven has a WAY with words! He serves up dark warrior, 'burn it all down for her', and 'where you go I follow' vibes...and I am here for it! I appreciated the focus on classism in this society as well as the elements of prophecy and lore. I found this book to be high-stakes, emotional, and fairly fast-paced. The last 10% was a whirlwind and I cannot wait for the next book! Thankfully, there's a novella which I'll be picking up right now! Don't sleep on this series! Tropes: Magical academy Classist society Deadly trials Found family Dark magic daddy Feminine rage Chosen one Prophecy He will burn the world down for her Panic attack rep ["

May 11, 2026 Verified Purchase

Jacob Moline

3.5 overall

"I have mixed feelings about this one. I loved the beginning, then didn’t start enjoying it again until about the 60% mark. There is just so much history to get through that you kind of get overwhelmed with information. And the fmc’s relationships formed so fast with people she barely knew that it felt kind of forced? The MMC is maybe a little too poetic for me… like he was laying it on a little thick and they had only just kissed so that felt a little fast? It was like one moment he was training her and being all broody and the next he was like I will follow you from this life into the next. It was a very sudden flip of the switch Overall the ending definitely saved this story for me. I will continue the series. ["

July 25, 2025 Verified Purchase