Review: Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Starflower

Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Publication Date: November 1st, 2012

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: YA/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal. But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

My Thoughts: Oh. My. Goodness. How have I not heard of this series yet?! How has it not crossed my path until now? This book was massively overflowing with wondrous magical beauty. I can say without a doubt that this book rivals any Faerie story that I have read to date, easily.

I did not head into this book with high expectations. But before long I was completely blown away. I am at awe at how beautifully this story is written, no, woven sounds like a much better word. Because it's more like a masterpiece than anything else. Can you tell that I loved it?! Seriously though, if you haven't read this book yet, or were completely unaware of this series existence, like myself. You need to get your hands on this right now. All fantasy fans everywhere, read this, pronto, immediately.

This is book #4 in the series, but I read it without feeling like I was missing any details. I am thinking that the stories aren't completely related to each other. But I assure you I that I will be getting out there and reading the previous three installments as soon as I can. I have found a brand new author that I simply adore. Her writing carried me away into this amazing fantastical, and terrifying, stunning world. I was so sad when I closed the last pages because I was just not ready to go.

The characters in the story were all so incredibly developed. I gushed to my husband repeatedly with quotes from the book, and the incredible descriptiveness, immensely vivid imagery, and the characters within that I just could not get enough of. It was also such a fun read because it was like watching this awesome puzzle come together. We were given all these pieces of information and events that were seemingly unrelated. But as the story came together and all the pieces connected, it made the story that much more epic. Anne really has created a story to be loved by all.

I will be looking for more books by her, and definitely be wanting to read the rest of this series. Thank you so much to Anne for sending me her story. It's cast a spell on me and I've completely fallen in love. To all of you, I say again, go read this book. It's a must for any and all readers.