By Anne Elisabeth Stengl

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: This book is a fairytale. Everything from the plot and the characters down to every sentence was exactly how you’d expect a fairytale to be told. I cannot explain this, so I guess you’ll just have to read it. As much as I love Lord of the Rings, Starflower may take its place as #1. Maybe.

Writing

I have never read a book quite like Starflower! I came across Starflower while looking up books to read in the fantasy genre. Usually, I don’t try out new authors unless recommended to me by a friend, but I decided to give Stengl a chance.

So many things about this story blew me away! At the root of them all was the ability to tell a good fairytale, down to the last sentence. The prose was smooth as the petals of a starflower (See what I did there?). There are few authors whose styles imbue their entire work, and Stengl is one of them.

Of course, we can’t go any further without discussing the most important part of a fairytale: the fairy.

It’s as though the fairies in this story were born from a drop of fresh dew off a leaf. It’s not the cliched Lord of the Rings prototype with wings. They’re a mix between fairies and elves, and yet they have a special ability, which I’m afraid I cannot describe in detail. This…special ability makes the story quite exciting. Stengl thought a lot about her race of faeren before writing this book, and it paid off!

Stengl balanced light and dark in a way that kept that fairytale-feel to the story while at the same time dealt with heavier issues. For a fairytale, some snippets in this book are a little darker. She has scenes of oppression and mentions of child sacrifice, but she balanced it out with her unique characters and fairytale style. Eanrin’s personality especially kept the story lighthearted. Which brings me to my next section:

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen characters more distinctive. (The only one who may come close is middle grade author Millie Florence with her book Honey Butter) Lady Gleamdren is quite witty and flirtatious. Eanrin is sly and flatterous. Glomar is grumpy. They’re all so fairy-like, yet so different.

We’ve discussed the fairytale style of Stengl which fills her whole work. Now let’s move on to the theme, because Stengl does some fascinating things that I think are worth noting.

Worldview

This is a Christian book, and it reflects a Christian worldview. Indeed, it is somewhat of an allegory. The main theme of the book is love. As I did with my review on Eragon, I’m going to share a couple of really good quotes from the book that I felt like pulled out the theme. But first, I’d like to mention how the character and the theme were so well connected.

Stengl explored all sides to the theme you must have Love, or you are no better than your enemy.

At the beginning of the story, Eanrin loves himself. He says, “But my heart must always dictate my tongue and my heart said–.” Of course, this is a funny and in-character line for Eanrin, but it reveals what he truly cares about. Similarly, Lady Gleamdren also seems to love herself.

According to the queen, Glomar “does not love at all,” and Starflower loves her sister. And lastly, the Hri Sora and the Beast are representations of hate.

I found it interesting how Stengl used these components to change Eanrin and Starflower’s perspectives throughout the story. Eanrin goes from trusting his own heart for his words and actions to trusting God (The One Who Names Them). Starflower, trying in her own power to protect her sister, learns to trust The One Who Names Them’s plans for her.

At the end of the story, we see the contrast between Eanrin, who has changed to love The One Who Names Them, and Lady Gleamdren, who continues to only love herself. We also see contrast between Starflower and Hri Sora, who both had similar childhood circumstances, but one moved toward love and the other, hate.

I believe the first quote I chose from the book describes the theme in a single sentence:

“Without love, you are no better than the Beast itself.”

After reading the whole story and seeing how evil the Beast was, this one really got me. I was reminded of a verse in 1 Corinthians 13:

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but have not love I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains but have not love I am nothing.”

Another passage that Jesus spoke in Matthew 5 also came to mind:

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”

This brings up my second quote and my second point:

“Only one who truly loves will at last break through [Hri Sora’s] defenses and bring my cousin safely home.”

Since this is a study of theme, I will have to label this section as

SPOILER ALERT!!!

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You see, something else I appreciated is that Stengl didn’t stick with a worldly definition of love. Not even a little bit. While there was romance in this book, she made it very clear by the middle of the story that “true love solves all your problems” was not going to be the message of her book.

The quote above is something that the queen of the faeries says when Eanrin and his rival Glomar (see the blurb at the top of this review) set out to rescue Lady Gleamdren. Ironically, neither man is able to rescue her, because neither man “truly loves.” Eanrin loves himself, and Glomar doesn’t love at all.

It is Starflower who rescues Lady Gleamdren, because she has true love. Not a fluttery feeling. Not an inner lust. She sees past Gleamdren’s selfishness and Hri Sora’s hate to the fact the The One Who Names Them did indeed name them. Both were created by Him, and that in itself is reason to love.

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SPOILERS OVER! WELCOME BACK, EVERYONE!

To sum it all up, Stengl handled the theme of love in a Biblical way and did not for an instant compromise or mix it with the threads of romance. She did both romance and theme very well. If you’re looking for a fairytale with threads of romance and fabric of Biblical love, please look into Starflower!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 6/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 6/5)

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By Lauren Hildebrand

What must I do to be cleansed?

Sir Edric de Pleure is the bravest, noblest, kindest knight in the world—according to his twelve-year-old squire, Taliesin. His view of himself is far different. After an unnerving encounter with God’s holiness, Sir Edric knows the true darkness in his heart and that he cannot defeat it.

When Taliesin is kidnapped by a sinister knight, Edric must fight to win him back. Wounded and weaponless, his quest is doomed to fail. But a slender chance presents itself in a mystic sword, carried by a strange friar. This is no ordinary blade—only the pure may wield it.

As Edric struggles through dangerous forests and his every attempt to gain righteousness fails, he begins to understand that saving Taliesin is impossible if he cannot save himself.

My Thoughts: I resonated so much with Edric in The Weeping Knight. Many of the same doubts Edric struggled with, I struggled with as well on my path to salvation. This is a story for the Christian. It’s a story of encouragement through the difficult battles of life.

I first found this book while asking around for more books to read in my genre. It was recommended to me by some writing friends of mine, so I bought it. This is now one of my favorite stand-alones. Lauren deals with heavy themes in a way that is gentle and respectful, but also brings hope. She weaves a great story that keeps you reading. I loved the poem at the end. It’s a poem every young man (and woman) should commit to memory these days! Lauren could grow in style and uniqueness, but otherwise I have no complaints.

Lauren deals with a lot of heavy themes from a Christian worldview and handles them very well. These include demonic powers and sexual abuse (not graphic, but mentioned throughout). The book overall is heavy, but the ending is worth it!

I closed The Weeping Knight, happy to leave our Sir Edric to any journeys that should follow. He’s been through a lot, but he can finally rest, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

★ ★ ★(Story: 3/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)

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By Josiah DeGraaf

Only Teachers Know What Really Happens at a Magic School…

Chintor Academy is celebrated as the place where the best music mages are forged. But beneath the surface, bullies rule with cruelty, teachers scheme against each other, and the student destined to save their nation is far from ready.

Kalina didn’t know what she was getting into when she agreed to teach at Chintor. Now, as a first-year teacher, she’s tasked with finishing the training of this prophesied violinist. Their nation’s sworn enemies are nearing victory, and she has mere months to prepare him before their country collapses.

When Kalina uncovers the abuse of a vulnerable student, she’s thrust into a dangerous dilemma. Exposing the school’s underbelly means she’ll be fired and unable to prepare their hero. Keeping quiet means her students will suffer.

The fate of the nation—and her soul—hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts: What do you do when faced with a seemingly impossible descision? That’s what this book explores. A Study of Shattered Spells is so worth it! Since Josiah DeGraff is one of my amazing writing instructors, I am so thankful to report that he did not fail to practice the things he taught to his students. 5 stars, all the way!

I almost didn’t get this book. I’m so glad I did. A year ago, I joined Josiah DeGraaf’s email list and was amazed at his ability to tell a good tale in his short story collection, Visions of Grandeur (you can read it for free by signing up for his email list).

I have only good things to say about this book. I’ll list all of them here.

Aside from a few authors, DeGraaf has one of the most distinct styles I’ve seen in a debut novel. He’s still getting the hang of it, but if you’ve ever heard him talk, it sounds like him!

The entire book was epic, and the final page, worth it. DeGraaf used several plot twists, his incredible magic system, and high-stakes factors to keep us on the edge of our seats. Most of this tension had to do with the other teachers in the school and with the very student Kalina was supposed to be training.

I loved Kalina’s character throughout the book. She grew in womanly strength, able to stand up for what was right in situations even when it might cost her, and humble enough to apologize for her mistakes. Not the feminist “strength” we see in the world today, but the more difficult-to-achieve character strength.

DeGraff’s Christian worldview comes out in A Study of Shattered Spells in a non-preachy way. He handled tough issues while still upholding goodness. Even in the midst of Kalina’s struggles, there was hope, and that hope shone until the end. All the sensitive topics DeGraff included weren’t just for shock factor. They served their purpose to show us that even in situations of war, abuse, and complicated friendships, we can trust in the happy ending. There is hope. It’s the Christian who truly knows that.

Please keep in mind that this is a new adult fiction, not YA. The book has more mature topics than in other books I recommend. You can read DeGraff’s content note on A Study of Shattered Spells here. Because of the hope DeGraaf leaves us with at the end, I highly recommend it, even if you wait a few years to read it! The ending is joyful, while anticipating the arrival of the second book in the Chintor Legacy series in 2027!

Thank you, Mr. Josiah, for implementing everything you teach in the Young Writer’s Workshop, including the happy ending, handling sensitive topics sensitively, creating strong characters, weaving themes without being preachy, and so, so much more! Another 5 star review for the readers!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 6/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 6/5)

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By Andrew Klavan

High schooler Will Peterson and three friends journeyed to Central America to help rebuild a school. In a poor, secluded mountain village, they won the hearts of the local people with their energy and kindness.

But in one sudden moment, everything went horribly wrong. A revolution swept the country. Now, guns and terror are everywhere–and Americans are being targeted as the first to die.

Will and his friends have got to get out fast. But streets full of killers . . . hills patrolled by armies . . . and a jungle rife with danger stand between them and the border. Their one hope of escape lies with a veteran warrior who has lost his faith and may betray them at any moment. Their one dream is to reach freedom and safety and home.

If they can just survive.

My Thoughts: If We Survive is a suspenseful thriller with action-packed scenes, brave characters, and strong faith in the Lord. The ending was a strange mix of relief and sadness. It was beautiful!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Plot: 5/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)

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By Jill Williamson

Half of Er’Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them.

It’s called bloodvoicing. Some say it’s a gift. One of the newly “gifted” wish it had never come.

Achan had been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave—a stray. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.

Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.

While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell’s true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.

Toward a destination that is by darkness hid.

My Thoughts: I’ve never seen a book handle the theme of romance better than By Darkness Hid. From Achan’s point of view, we explore what it truly means to love. Not a feeling. But a sacrifice. A willingness to put aside selfish desires and stay pure until the alter. No one lives it perfectly, and neither did Achan, but when he messed up, he repented.

This was the first time in a book that a character did something and I didn’t root for him. Instead, I was yelling at him to stop making wrong choices, turn around, and see the light. I am still amazed at how well Jill did this.

Love is a theme desperately needed in YA books today. I’ve seen so many books full of “If this handsome boy loves me, all my problems will be solved.” I believe this view is false. Jill shone a light on the Bible and skillfully wove a story that is the most wholesome romance I’ve ever read!

★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 4/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)

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By J.R.R. Tolkien

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,

Seven for the dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,

Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,

One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne,

In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,

One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

My Thoughts: Best Book of All Time

Fine Print: Please contact your local librarian before ordering these books. A love of Lord of the Rings memes and an intense desire to buy the One Ring on Amazon may occur within seconds of closing the last page. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please email #1LordoftheRingsFangirl at info@jubileeanderson.com and tell us which character you liked best and why. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

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By Rachelle Nelson

In a strange part of the forest, the divide between worlds grows thin.

After the accident, Meg would do anything to wake her best friend from his deadly coma. At least, that’s what she whispered into the woodland shadows. She never imagined her wish would trap her in a gray other-earth, void of any color.

Meg’s vibrant humanity is a priceless artifact in the gray kingdom, coveted by the royal court. All she wants to do is find a way back home. Until she discovers the other-earth contains healing powers that can save her friend. But only if Meg becomes what the gray people need—a human bride for Kalmus, the powerful king of the capital city.

With her heart torn between earths, Meg’s choices may cost more than she knows.

My Thoughts: I’ve never read a fantasy white like Sky of Seven Colors. The beginning was almost contemporary. I loved Andrew and Meg together. I felt Meg’s confusion when she was taken away to a world of strange giants. The ending was so sweet!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Plot: 5/5)

★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 4/5)

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By Sara Watterson

An impulsive mistake.

An impossible task.

Can she summon the will to do what is necessary, or will she risk all to save a human?

Evie grows restless observing mortals from afar. When a friend offers to smuggle her by portal into the human world, she jumps at the opportunity. Secretly, though, she also hopes to observe Adan, the human Dreamer. Only a glimpse, she promises herself.

But trouble awaits after her captivating adventure and delayed return.

Not only did she take an unsanctioned trip to the ground, but now the boy, the Dreamer, is missing, and her director believes she is to blame.

Donning a human body and wielding a golden blade, Evie must return to the human world and find Adan before her way home is sealed. All while wrestling unfamiliar human emotions and a growing suspicion that she’s caught amid a devious plot already in motion.

My Thoughts: This Dreamer is one of the best retellings of Biblical Joseph I’ve read! Joseph is an orphan in a training school for Gifted boys. His brothers are his fellow trainees. And his guardian angel is a girl who watches him from a tech-advanced controll room. The ending was shocking and beautiful!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Plot: 5/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)

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By Kara Swanson

Can Mara survive in a world where the fire in her veins is worth killing for?

In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family from relentless human hunters.

Her sheltered existence is shattered when her family mysteriously vanishes, thrusting Mara into a perilous quest to find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.

When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?

My Thoughts: The ice of Mara’s home is like the hostile environment she grew up in. I truly had no idea at the beginning whether Mara’s father was good or bad. When she met Eli, it was like a warm fireplace. This is a story of healing.

I’d already read two of Kara’s books, Dust and Shadow, by the time my mom got me Ignite as a gift. I was thrilled. I had been on Kara’s street team for Ignite, and I could finally read it!

It took me a minute to become fully invested in the plot, but after the ball got rolling, so to speak, it was good. I was kept in suspense, unsure of who was the good guy and who was the bad guy. I had no idea who to trust until the end. This is a well-written masterpiece!

I have never been in a situation like Mara’s, but even though I didn’t relate, I felt satisfied by the ending. While I look forward to the next book, I didn’t feel like I was left in complete suspense, thankfully! I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to be one of Kara’s Fiery Souls for Ignite. Can’t wait to see where this next book will take the story!

★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 4/5)

★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 4/5)

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By Angie Dickinson

Speaking the truth can be a dangerous thing.

Cressida Hoth is alone in the world. Orphaned and unwanted, she is inflicted with a peculiar curse by her mischievous aunts and banished to a finishing school in the secluded kingdom of Dernmont. Students train in every accomplishment suitable for young ladies: music, dancing, etiquette…and strangely, poison-making, fencing, and lock-picking.

The school is a front for a rebel spy ring, and when her training is complete, Cressida is selected to join a mission to infiltrate the kingdom’s royal court. She has been thrown unceremoniously into a world of ball gowns and espionage, but she is still under a curse, and it threatens to expose them all.

Defending her teammates and her secret, Cressida discovers that the kingdom’s buried history and the truth behind her curse run far deeper than she imagined.

My Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The idea of someone being cursed to tell the truth was incredible. I loved how it tied into the theme. So glad I read this book, its very worth it!

★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 4/5)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)

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