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Like Courage on a Starless Night
Naya Gavi has no permanent home, no place to claim as her own. After years of searching, she may have found the home she has been desperately longing for– within Mendlewyn, a lush land in the south of Gnareth. As she navigates the nuisances of maintaining the castle's library, she forges friendships and accidentally stumbles across a plot that could potentially destroy all her hard-fought dreams.
Cursed with a fiery temper, Benjamin Lamar, nephew to the king of Mendlewyn, has until his eighteenth birthday to prove he can change for the better and rise above the taint of embarrassment his anger has caused. Amid his lessons, he catches wind of dangerous secrets and gets caught up in a wave of peril.
The capital city is in danger and it's up to a cautious servant girl, an angry nobleman and their allies to stop their enemies before it's too late.
The first installment of The Gnareth Chronicles, an epic trilogy.
Cursed with a fiery temper, Benjamin Lamar, nephew to the king of Mendlewyn, has until his eighteenth birthday to prove he can change for the better and rise above the taint of embarrassment his anger has caused. Amid his lessons, he catches wind of dangerous secrets and gets caught up in a wave of peril.
The capital city is in danger and it's up to a cautious servant girl, an angry nobleman and their allies to stop their enemies before it's too late.
The first installment of The Gnareth Chronicles, an epic trilogy.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2023
9 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 5, 2024
"Evil triumphs when the good people of this world stand down without a word."
My heart is so full at this moment, that I'm not sure I can concisely put this review together, but I'll sure do my best!
I can't describe how amazing this story was. I ventured into it thinking it would be a sweet, castle-servant-teams-up-with-temperamental-young-duke but it was ever so much more!!! It was Betsy and Penny, Creed and Fitzy, and Uncle James and.... so many, many dear people.
I saw pieces of myself in Benjamin's struggles, in Naya's worries and (with a hearty chuckle) Fitsy's cat-obsessed scribbling, book-reading self.
Could hardly put it down. Am an emotional wreck, in a good way.
What are you waiting for, reader? Now's the time to try this story for yourself!
My heart is so full at this moment, that I'm not sure I can concisely put this review together, but I'll sure do my best!
I can't describe how amazing this story was. I ventured into it thinking it would be a sweet, castle-servant-teams-up-with-temperamental-young-duke but it was ever so much more!!! It was Betsy and Penny, Creed and Fitzy, and Uncle James and.... so many, many dear people.
I saw pieces of myself in Benjamin's struggles, in Naya's worries and (with a hearty chuckle) Fitsy's cat-obsessed scribbling, book-reading self.
Could hardly put it down. Am an emotional wreck, in a good way.
What are you waiting for, reader? Now's the time to try this story for yourself!
November 28, 2023
a wonderful read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Don’t you love it when you get a book that you just can’t put down?! That is this book. Humor, excitement, love! Everything wrapped up into one little book. My only complaint is that it ended and that I’m going to have to wait who knows how long for the rest of the story. I feel like I’m leaving good friends in their time of need.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Don’t you love it when you get a book that you just can’t put down?! That is this book. Humor, excitement, love! Everything wrapped up into one little book. My only complaint is that it ended and that I’m going to have to wait who knows how long for the rest of the story. I feel like I’m leaving good friends in their time of need.
December 13, 2023
This book was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the way the author made each chapter from a different characters perspective; it really helped me get a feel on each characters personality and also made me feel like I knew them personally. I also loved how descriptive the author made this book; as I was reading, I could paint a perfect picture in my head of what was happening, like it was right in front of me. I really enjoyed having a clean book to read that kept my attention and always had me guessing what was going to come next. If you love adventure and mystery, this will be a great book for you! I cannot recommend it enough!
February 19, 2024
I really liked this book!! The characters were fun and relatable and I really enjoyed the plot! It was well paced and the descriptions were clear and understandable! It was hard for me to put down! Thank you, Stacy Bair Ogden, for writing this book! :)
February 19, 2024
Great book! Well developed characters. You get just a little bit at a time, but the story moves at a good pace. Not overly flowery or descriptive (something I can't stand). I finished it pretty quickly and am ready for the next! Hooked for sure on the story and characters.
April 27, 2024
What a gem of a debut novel! The author clearly put her heart and soul into this book and you can tell how much her characters mean to her. The two main characters ended up meaning a lot to me too!
I had a hard time getting into this book at first because the pace starts off pretty slowly and ramps up over time, especially at the end. By the last five chapters or so, I couldn't put it down!
The strongest point was the attention to detail in crafting her characters. The two main characters felt very real and three-dimensional with strengths, weaknesses, and even mysterious backstories. I also loved the little bits of budding romantic interest throughout because I'm a sucker for that kind of slow relationship-building. Even some of her side characters felt very real and three-dimensional to me even though they didn't have nearly as much time on-page.
The biggest weakness (other than the pace that wasn't my personal cup of tea) in my opinion was the prose. Sometimes it was very old-timey to match the setting, while other times it seemed a little too modern- but only a phrase here and there. It sometimes took me out of the story.
Overall, it was a very fun read and I'm so excited for book two to come out this year!
I had a hard time getting into this book at first because the pace starts off pretty slowly and ramps up over time, especially at the end. By the last five chapters or so, I couldn't put it down!
The strongest point was the attention to detail in crafting her characters. The two main characters felt very real and three-dimensional with strengths, weaknesses, and even mysterious backstories. I also loved the little bits of budding romantic interest throughout because I'm a sucker for that kind of slow relationship-building. Even some of her side characters felt very real and three-dimensional to me even though they didn't have nearly as much time on-page.
The biggest weakness (other than the pace that wasn't my personal cup of tea) in my opinion was the prose. Sometimes it was very old-timey to match the setting, while other times it seemed a little too modern- but only a phrase here and there. It sometimes took me out of the story.
Overall, it was a very fun read and I'm so excited for book two to come out this year!
February 6, 2024
This novel has everything a good book should have: humor, relatable and endearing characters, action, adventure, friendship, mystery, and even a little romance.
I loved seeing the character growth of Naya and Benjamin. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and to draw the reader in with their personalities that one can see themselves in as a reader.
I anticipate her next book in the series with excitement and commend the author for her poignant tale.
I loved seeing the character growth of Naya and Benjamin. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and to draw the reader in with their personalities that one can see themselves in as a reader.
I anticipate her next book in the series with excitement and commend the author for her poignant tale.
February 1, 2024
Inspiring, engaging, and entertaining
Super good book! I loved the characters and world building. The story is clean and fast paced with relatable characters that have intriguing back stories. I can’t wait for book 2!
Super good book! I loved the characters and world building. The story is clean and fast paced with relatable characters that have intriguing back stories. I can’t wait for book 2!
January 30, 2024
Ogden does a wonderful job of pulling you into the world. The characters are endearing and I genuinely love reading about their growth. I can’t wait for the next book!
January 2, 2025
TLDR: READ THIS BOOK NOW!
I don’t typically read much fiction, but Like Courage on a Starless Night by Stacy Bair Ogden completely won me over! I first picked it up because the storyline intrigued me, and I’d seen a lot of promotions for it online. I’m so glad I gave it a chance, this book blew me away!
Stacy’s ability to craft a compelling, multi-layered narrative is incredible. The multiple points of view added so much depth, and every character brought something unique to the story. It’s rare to find a book that keeps me so hooked that I can’t put it down, but this one had me staying up late to sneak in extra chapters, even after reading it aloud to my baby (he’s only 8 months old, so I’ll definitely be re-reading it with him when he’s older!).
The book is so good I’ve already gifted two copies—one to my 16-year-old niece and another to my 13-year-old nephew. Both of them are loving it and are already asking for the sequel (which I’m currently reading and enjoying just as much).
What I appreciate most is that it’s perfect for young adult readers. As a parent, I’m thrilled to recommend a book with an exciting, age-appropriate story that’s packed with adventure, courage, and heart. You can feel confident giving it to teens or YA fans without worrying about questionable content.
Stacy Bair Ogden is an amazing author, and I couldn’t be happier to support her dream by sharing this book with others. Her storytelling is top-notch, and her passion shines on every page.
If you’re on the fence, trust me: just buy this book! You’ll get lost in its world, and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. If after all this you are still on the fence about it, request it at your local library, or do both so that more people can discover this gem!
TLDR: BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
Key Takeaways:
Compelling Story: The plot is engaging and keeps you guessing.
Multi-faceted Characters: The multiple points of view add depth and complexity.
Well-paced: The story moves at a perfect pace, keeping you hooked.
Suitable for All Ages: While marketed as YA, it's enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Clean Content: No gratuitous content, making it a safe read for kids and teens.
I don’t typically read much fiction, but Like Courage on a Starless Night by Stacy Bair Ogden completely won me over! I first picked it up because the storyline intrigued me, and I’d seen a lot of promotions for it online. I’m so glad I gave it a chance, this book blew me away!
Stacy’s ability to craft a compelling, multi-layered narrative is incredible. The multiple points of view added so much depth, and every character brought something unique to the story. It’s rare to find a book that keeps me so hooked that I can’t put it down, but this one had me staying up late to sneak in extra chapters, even after reading it aloud to my baby (he’s only 8 months old, so I’ll definitely be re-reading it with him when he’s older!).
The book is so good I’ve already gifted two copies—one to my 16-year-old niece and another to my 13-year-old nephew. Both of them are loving it and are already asking for the sequel (which I’m currently reading and enjoying just as much).
What I appreciate most is that it’s perfect for young adult readers. As a parent, I’m thrilled to recommend a book with an exciting, age-appropriate story that’s packed with adventure, courage, and heart. You can feel confident giving it to teens or YA fans without worrying about questionable content.
Stacy Bair Ogden is an amazing author, and I couldn’t be happier to support her dream by sharing this book with others. Her storytelling is top-notch, and her passion shines on every page.
If you’re on the fence, trust me: just buy this book! You’ll get lost in its world, and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. If after all this you are still on the fence about it, request it at your local library, or do both so that more people can discover this gem!
TLDR: BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
Key Takeaways:
Compelling Story: The plot is engaging and keeps you guessing.
Multi-faceted Characters: The multiple points of view add depth and complexity.
Well-paced: The story moves at a perfect pace, keeping you hooked.
Suitable for All Ages: While marketed as YA, it's enjoyable for readers of all ages.
Clean Content: No gratuitous content, making it a safe read for kids and teens.
Read
September 7, 2025I really liked the characters in this book. Naya's anxiety and Benjamin's anger management issues rang very true to me and I really enjoyed their development and growing friendship. I rather wish we'd gotten a better idea of the villains' motivations and the political situation of the kingdom, however. We know that the bad guys are some kind of anti-Monarchist organization that tried and failed to overthrow the monarchy in the past, and that they are willing to resort to, at the very least, murder and blackmail to achieve their aims. But perhaps it is too American of me that I can think of plenty of reasons why someone might want to overthrow the monarchy, I wanted to know why *these* bad guys wanted to overthrow *this* monarchy and, conversely, why the main characters were so certain the monarchy was worth saving. The king seems nice to the main characters and the people directly in the palace with him, but I would have really liked to see more of the general sentiments and well-being of the common folk of the kingdom. Do the king and queen throw constant parties while the people starve? Or is the kingdom prosperous and the villains wish to claim some of the credit for that prosperity themselves? I greatly enjoyed the time spent on the characters and their relationships, but without more information about *why* the two factions are fighting, I'm afraid the main conflict didn't grab me quite as much. Nevertheless I plan to continue reading this series and can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
November 28, 2023
I bought this book at a book signing without knowing anything about it other than it was clean fiction. That was only days ago, and I have since devoured the book. Ms. Ogden's writing is lovely and very easy to read. I loved the development of the characters and descriptions. I was never bored reading this book, and was extremely excited to know that it was clean. I hope this review encourages others to read this, and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
July 3, 2024
What would you do if you knew there was a plot against your king and that the threat was inside the castle you serve in? This debut YA novel is refreshingly clean and fosters your imagination as the story develops in the castle’s library. Even though this story does not end in the way you may hope, it leaves you wanting more as those that survive the castle’s attack fight for their kingdom. I am excited to see how Stacy Bair Ogden develops as an author as she continues this trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2023
Such an amazing book. The journey you go on, the characters, the thrills!!! I’ve read it twice and am now going to read it with my son!! It’s written in such a way that you can easily get submerged in its contents. The characters are relatable and the descriptions of, well, everything are on point. Beautifully written. I can not wait to see what will come next!
February 6, 2024
Highly recommend! A quick read that will suck you in, written from the point of view from three characters this story has a bit of everything. Hints of romance in the making, treason, mystery and a fun group of characters who you are never sure what will do next. A quick read but fun, I can’t wait for the next installment.
July 5, 2024
When is the next book coming out??
I thought this was fantasy, for some reason, but am so glad it turned out to be a purely medieval knights-castle sort of story. After reading this beautiful book, I feel as though I know every twist and turn of the servants stairs, and secret passageways by heart. It was cozy, made me laugh, and touched my heart so that I also cried.
I thought this was fantasy, for some reason, but am so glad it turned out to be a purely medieval knights-castle sort of story. After reading this beautiful book, I feel as though I know every twist and turn of the servants stairs, and secret passageways by heart. It was cozy, made me laugh, and touched my heart so that I also cried.
November 2, 2024
4.5 rounded up! A really impressive debut. The characters are well developed with mental health representation (notably the two main characters have anxiety and anger challenges). The relationships between them drive most of the book, with the plot picking up toward the end. A quick, enjoyable read.
February 11, 2025
The author has created a narrative that draws the reader in as you learn each character and how they interact and grow stronger and develop friendships. I enjoyed the point of view style the author used.
There is intrigue that develops within the plot line that throws a twist.
This is a clean book that has a medieval feel.
I look forward to reading the next book!
There is intrigue that develops within the plot line that throws a twist.
This is a clean book that has a medieval feel.
I look forward to reading the next book!
August 8, 2024
I was the proofreader for this book, so this comes with a bit of bias. But I absolutely enjoyed this story and found it very wholesome and adventurous while also full of good moral lessons, like any true classic fantasy.
September 11, 2024
This is not my favorite genre and yet I was mighty impressed with the quality of writing and story line. Both plot and characters are well formed. I think youth readers would very much enjoy this read. I will definitely buy and read the next book in the series!
August 30, 2025
I loved this book!
- Naya is such a compelling main character (they all are, I just found Naya’s journey particularly compelling).
- Very well developed side characters. Love Creed!
- Beautiful Medieval vibes.
- Great plot twists (while still being a very YA novel)
- Naya is such a compelling main character (they all are, I just found Naya’s journey particularly compelling).
- Very well developed side characters. Love Creed!
- Beautiful Medieval vibes.
- Great plot twists (while still being a very YA novel)
December 29, 2024
Good Fun
If you like slow-developing romance written from POV of both characters, you will enjoy this book and its medieval setting. The FMC being a library nerd is a big plus.
If you like slow-developing romance written from POV of both characters, you will enjoy this book and its medieval setting. The FMC being a library nerd is a big plus.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews