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DarkStar #1
DarkStar
An ancient obligation...
A reluctant wizard who despises having it forced upon him...
A mystical romance full of passion, mystery and intrique...
A conflicting power struggle haunting two magical brothers...
DARKSTAR...THE EPIC BEGINS
The powerful Warshaw Wizardry threatens extinction when Ayden, its disloyal heir, is banned and his younger brother, seventeen year old, Alec, is expected to resume their grandfather’s position as Grand Wizard of Warwickshire. Alec is reluctantly thrown into an unseen magical world where he detests the painful powers he begins receiving. Disillusioned and in danger, he is sent to live with a trusted uncle and he is baffled by an unusual attraction to acquaintance, sixteen year old Amrie. Intrigued by his British background, Amrie’s life dangerously intertwines with Alec’s as she witnesses his struggles with peculiar powers and as they try to figure out their strange but definite connection. Amrie’s mysterious dreams, a gift from her dying grandfather and Alec’s family crest seem to be the links that bond them together. DARKSTAR will have readers feeling the frustration of an ancient wizard and anticipating a romance between Alec and Amrie as well as the conflicting power struggle haunting two magical brothers. Will Amrie entice Alec to use the powers he despises? Will Alec accept the wizardry … or will the Mysticryss cease to exist? DarkStar is the first novel of a trilogy and it's conclusion will leave readers greatly anticipating the second of the series; Wizard.
A reluctant wizard who despises having it forced upon him...
A mystical romance full of passion, mystery and intrique...
A conflicting power struggle haunting two magical brothers...
DARKSTAR...THE EPIC BEGINS
The powerful Warshaw Wizardry threatens extinction when Ayden, its disloyal heir, is banned and his younger brother, seventeen year old, Alec, is expected to resume their grandfather’s position as Grand Wizard of Warwickshire. Alec is reluctantly thrown into an unseen magical world where he detests the painful powers he begins receiving. Disillusioned and in danger, he is sent to live with a trusted uncle and he is baffled by an unusual attraction to acquaintance, sixteen year old Amrie. Intrigued by his British background, Amrie’s life dangerously intertwines with Alec’s as she witnesses his struggles with peculiar powers and as they try to figure out their strange but definite connection. Amrie’s mysterious dreams, a gift from her dying grandfather and Alec’s family crest seem to be the links that bond them together. DARKSTAR will have readers feeling the frustration of an ancient wizard and anticipating a romance between Alec and Amrie as well as the conflicting power struggle haunting two magical brothers. Will Amrie entice Alec to use the powers he despises? Will Alec accept the wizardry … or will the Mysticryss cease to exist? DarkStar is the first novel of a trilogy and it's conclusion will leave readers greatly anticipating the second of the series; Wizard.
- GenresFantasy
402 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Carol J. Hansen
2 books22 followersCarol J. Hansen’s passion for reading & her intrigue with the mystical aspects of life, whether real or fantasy, are what motivated her to write DarkStar, her first novel. The strength in her story comes from her understanding of what the youth like and how they think. Being active with and observing them for many years gives her an advantage as she has the ability to combine her knowledge with a vivid imagination and come up with a believable fantasy laced with mystery, gripping drama and an unforgettable love story. In her spare time Carol is a salon owner & stylist. The most important aspect of her life is her family and she resides in Utah. DarkStar is the first novel of a trilogy and the epic will continue in the much anticipated; Wizard.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 30, 2011
Wonderful story! If you are looking for something to compare to Twilight (as in a GOOD, CLEAN read) with a story plot what will keep you guessing, then pick this summer read up now! LOVED IT!!!
June 13, 2011
I love Darkstar! My favorite book ever!My favorite author as well.
February 16, 2012
Note: I'm not related to, or friends with, the author. I won a paperback copy through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway.
2.25 stars for Darkstar by Carol J. Hansen. And, normally, I don't review anything under 3 stars but, seeing how Ms. Hansen included a note with the book asking for a review, I felt compelled to offer my thoughts. So this review is provided for the purposes of helping other readers decide if they want to spend their money to buy a copy and showing the author why I rated as I did.
The cover, with its beautiful colors and celestial imagery, evoked feelings of magic and fantasy; the easy-to-read font assured I wouldn't have to squint; the paper felt durable, not thin and flimsy like some self-published wares. There was a tidy table of contents, proper formatting of page headers and footers, and even an "Acknowledgements" section at the end of the book. Ms. Hansen obviously put much thought and planning into the presentation and production of her novel - I only wish she'd done the same with the story itself.
I spent well over two hours drafting a detailed critique of Ms. Hansen's debut novel. But when I started editing my critique it just didn't feel right. Maybe I have too big a soft spot for people following their dreams. (Ms. Hansen's motto is "Dare to dream.") Or, perhaps, I know the novel will likely stay in its current version with no further revisions, so why waste my time making suggestions and giving unsolicited advice? After all, that's what a professional editor is for, and if Ms. Hansen wanted such a critique, she would've had one long before she sent the manuscript to Create Space.
So I decided to stick with my usual review style: a what I liked / didn't like approach that will, hopefully, help other readers make an informed decision.
Synopsis
Alec, who is expected to assume his grandfather's position as Grand Wizard of Warwickshire after his older brother and heir to the family wizardry is banned from magic and their family, leaves England to stay with his uncle in the United States. On Alec's first day of school in the States - he was home schooled for the first seventeen years of his life - he meets Amrie with whom there is an instant attraction. Amrie, a sixteen year old small town "good girl" haunted by mysterious dreams, suspects Alec isn't like all the other boys, especially after she experiences weird and sometimes dangerous happenings whenever he's around. But when Amrie's life - and that of her family and friends - is threatened, Alec must make a decision: accept the Mysticryss and forget about Amrie; or, reject his family duty, thereby dooming their wizardry to extinction, in order to have a normal life with the girl he loves.
Let's start with what I didn't like:
* POV is split between two protagonists who narrate in the first person. Thus, at the beginning of certain chapters, I was forced out of the story in order to identify the head I was in.
* Inconsistent use of, and constant switching between, the present and past tense. Again, this forced me out of the story numerous times.
* Several scenes mirrored the Twilight Saga. Formulaic writing, if it is to go unnoticed by the average reader, must exist within an already tight story.
* Multiple grammar mistakes, such as "...but then he was raised in a whole different world than you and I was, so he's bound to be...(p. 219)" Other pet peeves: its instead of it's; affect instead of effect; in response to a question, people shook their heads to indicate "yes."
* Many plot holes. For instance, in chapter ten, Alec says to his mom, "I experienced my first episode at a football game...(p.100)" But what about the "episode" he experienced upon his arrival in Logan (p. 53)?
What did I like?
I mentioned the book's lovely cover art, right? (Kudos to Liviu G. Peicu, the designer.) The matching bookmark Ms. Hansen included was also high quality.
The underlying themes, while buried under the previously mentioned problems, were strong, universal ones.
The Mysticryss (family wizardry), although under-developed, had potential. I enjoyed how Grandfather's powers were transferred to his soon-to-be apprentices. And, while none of the "powers" were anything new to the fantasy genre, there was potential for something fresh.
Final thoughts
Darkstar had the potential to be WAY better. Additional editing and revisions - to fix blatant errors, to develop characters, to tighten plot, to improve structure - would've given readers a more satisfying experience.
Currently, I have no plans to purchase Wizard, number two in the trilogy.
2.25 stars for Darkstar by Carol J. Hansen. And, normally, I don't review anything under 3 stars but, seeing how Ms. Hansen included a note with the book asking for a review, I felt compelled to offer my thoughts. So this review is provided for the purposes of helping other readers decide if they want to spend their money to buy a copy and showing the author why I rated as I did.
The cover, with its beautiful colors and celestial imagery, evoked feelings of magic and fantasy; the easy-to-read font assured I wouldn't have to squint; the paper felt durable, not thin and flimsy like some self-published wares. There was a tidy table of contents, proper formatting of page headers and footers, and even an "Acknowledgements" section at the end of the book. Ms. Hansen obviously put much thought and planning into the presentation and production of her novel - I only wish she'd done the same with the story itself.
I spent well over two hours drafting a detailed critique of Ms. Hansen's debut novel. But when I started editing my critique it just didn't feel right. Maybe I have too big a soft spot for people following their dreams. (Ms. Hansen's motto is "Dare to dream.") Or, perhaps, I know the novel will likely stay in its current version with no further revisions, so why waste my time making suggestions and giving unsolicited advice? After all, that's what a professional editor is for, and if Ms. Hansen wanted such a critique, she would've had one long before she sent the manuscript to Create Space.
So I decided to stick with my usual review style: a what I liked / didn't like approach that will, hopefully, help other readers make an informed decision.
Synopsis
Alec, who is expected to assume his grandfather's position as Grand Wizard of Warwickshire after his older brother and heir to the family wizardry is banned from magic and their family, leaves England to stay with his uncle in the United States. On Alec's first day of school in the States - he was home schooled for the first seventeen years of his life - he meets Amrie with whom there is an instant attraction. Amrie, a sixteen year old small town "good girl" haunted by mysterious dreams, suspects Alec isn't like all the other boys, especially after she experiences weird and sometimes dangerous happenings whenever he's around. But when Amrie's life - and that of her family and friends - is threatened, Alec must make a decision: accept the Mysticryss and forget about Amrie; or, reject his family duty, thereby dooming their wizardry to extinction, in order to have a normal life with the girl he loves.
Let's start with what I didn't like:
* POV is split between two protagonists who narrate in the first person. Thus, at the beginning of certain chapters, I was forced out of the story in order to identify the head I was in.
* Inconsistent use of, and constant switching between, the present and past tense. Again, this forced me out of the story numerous times.
* Several scenes mirrored the Twilight Saga. Formulaic writing, if it is to go unnoticed by the average reader, must exist within an already tight story.
* Multiple grammar mistakes, such as "...but then he was raised in a whole different world than you and I was, so he's bound to be...(p. 219)" Other pet peeves: its instead of it's; affect instead of effect; in response to a question, people shook their heads to indicate "yes."
* Many plot holes. For instance, in chapter ten, Alec says to his mom, "I experienced my first episode at a football game...(p.100)" But what about the "episode" he experienced upon his arrival in Logan (p. 53)?
What did I like?
I mentioned the book's lovely cover art, right? (Kudos to Liviu G. Peicu, the designer.) The matching bookmark Ms. Hansen included was also high quality.
The underlying themes, while buried under the previously mentioned problems, were strong, universal ones.
The Mysticryss (family wizardry), although under-developed, had potential. I enjoyed how Grandfather's powers were transferred to his soon-to-be apprentices. And, while none of the "powers" were anything new to the fantasy genre, there was potential for something fresh.
Final thoughts
Darkstar had the potential to be WAY better. Additional editing and revisions - to fix blatant errors, to develop characters, to tighten plot, to improve structure - would've given readers a more satisfying experience.
Currently, I have no plans to purchase Wizard, number two in the trilogy.
September 13, 2011
Gonna start off by saying that I won this book through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway and was very excited when it came in the mail. Unfortunately I didn't love the book. To be honest, I haven't finished it although I made it more than halfway through, and don't really expect to.
The story is a somewhat confusing tale of a boy coming into his family's power who comes to America to escape the danger that his outcast older brother is creating. Once there he meets a girl (who's awesome male best friend is of course in love with her) and the two form an instant connection. And this is where it fell apart for me. One, I didn't feel that Alec's character was consistent. In the chapters where you read from his point of view he comes across like a shy, modest, boy who is not used to being around other people. But in his interactions with Amerie when in her head, he comes across very pompous and cocky and totally sure of himself. I just didn't buy it. and two, Rand was just so adorably sweet and Amrie was so horrible to him that I couldn't like her. If your best friend reveals he loves you and you're not sure how you feel about him and are torn, don't get excited to meet a boy just because he has an accent. And then don't lie to him about having feelings for Alec. And then don't be insensitive to how he feels about you. I just didn't like her.
Also, I felt that the mythology of the story was jumbled and hard to follow. I'm still not sure after 238 pages what the mysticriss is or why the Wizardry is so important in the first place. It just didn't reveal enough in the beginning to keep me hooked.
I probably could have overlooked both of these things and kept reading if only the writing style wasn't so difficult for me. I like a conversational style and this was just very proper and stuffy to me. But that's personal opinion and it might appeal to others
Overall, I'd say what I finished was okay, but I have over 200 unread books in my house and after giving this one a whole month I just can't give it anymore time.
The story is a somewhat confusing tale of a boy coming into his family's power who comes to America to escape the danger that his outcast older brother is creating. Once there he meets a girl (who's awesome male best friend is of course in love with her) and the two form an instant connection. And this is where it fell apart for me. One, I didn't feel that Alec's character was consistent. In the chapters where you read from his point of view he comes across like a shy, modest, boy who is not used to being around other people. But in his interactions with Amerie when in her head, he comes across very pompous and cocky and totally sure of himself. I just didn't buy it. and two, Rand was just so adorably sweet and Amrie was so horrible to him that I couldn't like her. If your best friend reveals he loves you and you're not sure how you feel about him and are torn, don't get excited to meet a boy just because he has an accent. And then don't lie to him about having feelings for Alec. And then don't be insensitive to how he feels about you. I just didn't like her.
Also, I felt that the mythology of the story was jumbled and hard to follow. I'm still not sure after 238 pages what the mysticriss is or why the Wizardry is so important in the first place. It just didn't reveal enough in the beginning to keep me hooked.
I probably could have overlooked both of these things and kept reading if only the writing style wasn't so difficult for me. I like a conversational style and this was just very proper and stuffy to me. But that's personal opinion and it might appeal to others
Overall, I'd say what I finished was okay, but I have over 200 unread books in my house and after giving this one a whole month I just can't give it anymore time.
June 16, 2012
Many times I have sat in Carol's hair salon chair getting my hair done. As Carol weaves my hair into a masterpiece, we have discussed bits and pieces of her first novel, "DarkStar". We have discussed not just the book but also the interesting world of becoming an author. I must say I have a whole new respect for authors. Carol shares with us her time, her talent, her passion, her dedication, her research, and then creates a magical experience for us all to step into. I appreciate her attention to detail. I can sense the anxieties of being a teenager, I can see the beauty of the butterflies in flight, and I can feel the extreme cold at the Wind Caves as Carol creates those feelings for us. There are many other expereinces in the book that drew me in and took me places that I could see in my own mind and become a part of. Those places or situations then sparked my curiosity, which kept me reading and eager to find out what was going to happen next. I think that the experience we have while reading "DarkStar" or any other book, depends on us as the reader. I want to experience the story not become critical of it. If I can see it in my mind, I can experience it in my heart and Carol does this for me in her novel "DarkStar". Thanks for the journey so far Carol and thanks for sharing your dream! Tammy
January 21, 2012
I won this on Goodreads. Amrie is a typical sixteen year old girl. She has close friends and finds out that one in particular, Rand, wants more than just friendship. Very soon, a new guy joins her school, a cousin of her friend Nigel, and Amrie finds herself torn between the two very attractive guys. Alec, the new guy, isn't what he seems though. He goes to Utah to get away from trouble happening at home in London. Alec's older brother, Ayden, is a wizard who has turned evil, and because of that, his powers are being stripped and transferred to Alec, who doesn't want the powers at all. He's struggling to maintain control of his life without being governed by the rules of the Mysticryss. While he's being pulled by attraction to Amrie, he's finding it hard to stay away from her as his being close seems to be dangerous for her and her family's safety. It's a sweet, innocent novel great for teens about two young people who struggle with their emotions and the events around them. Great read!
July 17, 2011
I honestly have not read a book in 10 years since I was in high school, I had to quit working and was put on bedrest cause of pregnancy complications. A close friend suggested Darkstar and I could not put it down. I loved it and so did my husband. We cannot wait till the 2nd one comes out. I recomend this book to everyone.
January 29, 2012
I love this book.. Didn't want it to end.., totally worth the read if you love Harry Potter and Twilight books.. I love the romance on it... Highly recommend it xoxo
August 4, 2012
To everyone who enjoys stories about wizards, magic and anything Tolkien-esque, LISTEN UP:
Sooo, I just finished reading "DarkStar" (while listening to the EP) and I will honestly say that I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was told about it and knew a lot about it, but the concept was so different I wasn't sure what I would find between its covers.
What I found was a beautifully written novel, with realistic characters and a fantastical setting and an ending I did NOT expect. Carol J. Hansen wrote something that is worth every penny you shall spend, and if you read the novel while listening to Matt Lande's EP (also titled "DarkStar") you will open yourselves to a whole new world of love, hurt and adventure. Give this a chance, and I know for a fact you shall NOT regret it!
Truly remarkable work!
Sooo, I just finished reading "DarkStar" (while listening to the EP) and I will honestly say that I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was told about it and knew a lot about it, but the concept was so different I wasn't sure what I would find between its covers.
What I found was a beautifully written novel, with realistic characters and a fantastical setting and an ending I did NOT expect. Carol J. Hansen wrote something that is worth every penny you shall spend, and if you read the novel while listening to Matt Lande's EP (also titled "DarkStar") you will open yourselves to a whole new world of love, hurt and adventure. Give this a chance, and I know for a fact you shall NOT regret it!
Truly remarkable work!
May 2, 2012
This was a good read and I am awaiting the next one to see how all of the pieces fit together. I would have liked more of a historical background on the magical side and at times it was a little hard to follow (such as who was talking) but that just kept me reading to figure it out.
This is a good coming of age, love story with a little mysticism and adventure wrapped up in one.
This is a good coming of age, love story with a little mysticism and adventure wrapped up in one.
February 16, 2012
I recieved this book as a Give-away here on Goodreads. The author, Carol Hansen, was kind enough to sign the book before sending it. Great free read!
Harry Potter meets Twilight. Loved it. Magic, love triangle, evil enemies, unwavering love, etc. I'm ready for book 2.
Harry Potter meets Twilight. Loved it. Magic, love triangle, evil enemies, unwavering love, etc. I'm ready for book 2.
May 25, 2012
A valiant effort for a first-time author.
June 2, 2012
Good job for following your dreams Carol! What an example for us all. I thought the characters were fun and the story was very interesting. A nice, easy, clean read with a little romance.
March 5, 2012
I really enjoyed it & am excited to read the next book! I love an exciting story with a bit of romance and a clean story too. This book meet all requirements.
Want to read
March 31, 2012For some reason, has a Seven Realms feeling to it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews