A Requiem for Fallen Stars

Cadence of the Fallen, Book 1

By: Hazel S. Wilkes

Narrated by: Ellen Quay, Brandon Francis

Lyra Izacalli does not clutch onto the jagged remnants of her past—she buries them deep beneath her skin.

To feel is to give power to the past—to let grief and memory carve through her like a blade. But Lyra refuses to let them win. She will not let the sharpened words of men who call themselves nobles and kings cut deeper than they deserve. If they cannot wound her, they cannot control her. And if they cannot control her, then freedom is hers to claim—despite her feeling anything but free. But when an unexpected opportunity arises, Lyra is thrust into the deadly entrance exams of an elite academy, where only nobility thrive. But first, she must strike a blood wager with a capricious king—one that could win Lyra her freedom or cost her life… if the exams don't kill her first.

A world that rejects her. A forgotten journal that will redefine her. A band of dangerous wielders that hunt her. And then there is him—the one who found her, who should have been nothing more than a mentor—the person to unravel her.

But Lyra is not here for love. She is here to win. And as the walls she has spent years fortifying begin to fracture, as truth after daunting truth breaks free.

The world will come to understand…

A girl who refuses to lose does not break.

She erupts.

A Requiem for Fallen Stars is a fast-paced, emotionally charged fantasy romance where power is a game, freedom comes at a price, and love is the most dangerous risk of all. With unique trials, forgotten knowledge, and a heroine who refuses to break, this novel is perfect for fans of high-stakes political intrigue, slow-burning tension, found family, and the kind of sharp-edged romance that lingers long after the final minute.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 Hazel S. Wilkes (P)2026 Podium Audio

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

Just too good honestly. The friendships, the backstory, the real emotions expressed in this story. It is written so beautifully. A milli gazilli stars.

Looking forward to the next one

I really like the story. It was very cute. I wish there was a little bit more character development for certain characters in the middle specially when it comes to wanting to have an emotion towards a certain character when something happens to them, I wasn’t involved in that character as much as I wanted to be. The love story happens kind of quick and sporadic for me but overall it’s a very cute book very well thought out and I’m looking forward to picking up where it leaves off because the last 15 chapters I couldn’t stop listening

Fantastic

A great story that you don’t want to end and immediately has you begging for book 2!

OMG!!!!

This book was so good! I could not stop listening! I am foaming at the mouth for the next book!!

I can see the hype 😏

I heard about this book on social media and was hesitant because I’m not a Boktok or Bookstagram reader. I don’t always follow the hype on books and read based on my mood and reviews.. but when this book was appearing on everyone top 5 of 2025 reads, I had to try it.
After falling in love with the Powerless trilogy, this was also a recommended read based on that.
I’m excited for the next one to see where this goes and I recommend this for all Romantasy lovers!