Star Wielder: Realms of Zoria, Book One

by Annah Wyatt

A fallen star. A fallen guardian. And a crazy princess... What could go wrong?

For thirty-three years, mortals have been on their own, abandoned by the guardian soulmates sworn to protect them. But when a village girl gains the powers of a star, a celestial invasion disrupts the delicate balance of the realms.

Jemma is the village outcast with a fainting illness. She doesn’t know how to fight and finds the idea of protecting the very people who don’t accept her from a sky demon assault to be… unpleasant. And Malokai, her soulbound guardian, is tasked to return to the surface to find and kill her, claiming the star’s power for darkness.

Jemma and Malokai join the crazy princess Breezelda and friends to form a fiercely loyal found family using the power of humility, elemental magic, and ancient martial arts to face the greatest evil the realms have ever seen.

This young adult romantic fantasy debuts the untold beauty of Zoria and delivers emotional discoveries, adorable creatures, swoon-worthy tropes, and the story of salvation perfect for fans of Graceling, Shadow and Bone, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Last Airbender.

Genres: Fantasy

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2024

About the author

Annah Wyatt writes spice-free fantasy for explorers and anime lovers—swoony tropes, classic themes, and green flag characters. If you loved Shadow and Bone or Yona of the Dawn, or ever wished Avatar: The Last Airbender had more romance, STAR WIELDER is for you.

She lives in the Austin, TX area with her husband Mason and house leopard, Bronco. She loves binging anime, trying new hobbies, painting, stargazing, snorkeling, and journaling.

C.S. Lewis is a huge inspiration of hers: "The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature."

Thank you so much for following along! 💫

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Reviews

[Taylor L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this epic fantasy adventure from start to finish. Can’t go wrong when a village outcast, fallen Angel, and mysterious princess must join forces to meet their goals and save the realm!

This book has it all! Epic adventure, magic, romance, betrayal, and found family. Always a plus when the world building and Magic system are beautifully described and never boring!

The characters are so charming and witty you will fall in love with them and hurt with them! Lucky to have received and ARC for this beautiful story and can’t wait to see what is in store next for Jemma, Kai, Breeze and the rest of the gang!

[Autumn Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Jemma’s journey made me absolutely bawl, especially the ending. I enjoyed the world building and getting know more about the animals. At first, I hated how the story was going, especially Kai’s butt (he made me angry, upset, etc.) I can’t wait to see what is in store for Jemma and Kai!!

[Renée Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is stunning, and it has "star" in the title, two plus points for me!

The world-building is incredible. With a focus on starlight and ocean powers, Annah created a stunning fantasy world with unique plants, a native language, and lots of luminescence.

I enjoyed the many references to Biblical themes as well as well-loved stories like Narnia and Inception.

There is love, betrayal, spirituality, epic battles, evil villains, a swoony hero, and plot twists that kept me riveted!

About the book:

Jemma is a mortal girl with a fainting illness, a Wishing stone that doesn't work, and a community that disregards her ideas and discoveries. But she finds she's been given star power beyond her ability. In this story, Jemma learns how to put others above herself, how to trust in the Zorian Lord for power, and about the virtue of humility.

Molokai is a guardian whose innate desire to bond with his mortal guardee has been threatened and beat out him. He has been given the job to kill the mortal with the star powers, but when he meets Jemma, everything changes. How can he kill the one he's supposed to be bonded with?

[M.E. Allquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I just want to say I enjoyed this read! liked the world building, and the descriptions of flora and fauna. The FMC was just okay to me, she was very whiny and had a defeatist attitude, but I think that was the intent of the author, given the premise of the book. The MMC I liked a little more, he had his reasons for doing things the way he did.

This story loses points for me not because it is Christian fiction — although worth noting I generally do not seek it out as a genre — but because of how *overtly* Christian it is. Not just in theme, which would be fine, but the Bible is so close to copy and pasted here it’s not really enjoyable at those parts. Those parts made me roll my eyes, and I wish it had been more subtle. Changed up more. I tried to look past it, but as a person who grew up catholic and prefers not to have references in the things I’m reading, to see the Lord’s Prayer essentially written in plain text, hardly changed to be the author’s own and to better fit the context of the story, just didn’t make me feel great.

I am not however, going to fault this book for being Christian fiction, just that I don’t think it was accomplished in the best way.

That being said, if Christian fiction is your thing, you’ll enjoy this thoroughly!

[Beth DeLong · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy stories of unlikely heroes, good vs evil, soul bonds, and an epic final battle, you'll probably enjoy this book.

Jemma is an intelligent, fiesty, strong-willed FMC. And I loved her guardian and the MMC, Malokai! He's swoony, protective, and comforting in several ways and I loved the scenes that included him. 😄

Annah does a great job building a beautiful, magical world, and I appreciate the diverse and lovable cast of characters. Even better was the meaning behind their names and how this related to their roles in the story. 😉

Overall, I really enjoyed the story! There was love (no-spice), betrayal, drama, and action.

My only hangup was that I got a bit confused about some of the timelines, which I found distracting, but didn't prevent me from following the overall story.

Congrats, Annah, on your debut!


🙊 A few curse words
🌶 One kiss
🩸 War, but minimal gore


Thanks to the author for an early copy of the book! I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Jeremiah Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person of faith and a fantasy book lover, this book definitely hit the mark. The beginning made me feel like I was reading The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time again. One of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in a very long time.

Get lost in a magical world in the midst of a battle between good and evil. I love the integration of faith within the story and the character development. There was clearly a lot of time spent conceptualizing this magical world.

I have already recommended this book to everyone that will listen. I truly enjoyed this adventure.

[Mimi.reads.24.7 Karen Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything you want in a fantasy book: Romance, magic, war, lovable characters and my favorite, found family.

The writing was beautiful. I loved the world building and the magic system, both were very easy to understand.

Jemma and Kai's relationship was sweet. I didn't know this was a Christian themed fantasy but it wasn't overly done. There was no spice, but there was romance and yearning.

[Elle Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not generally a fan of Christian fantasy or books with Christian themes but don’t let this deter you from reading this book! It is one of my top reads for the year so far. If you are a fan of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or The Last Airbender you need to read this.

I loved this book so so much, especially for a debut fantasy book, Annah this is incredible.

The world building was incredible, it was spread out and easy to understand as you make your way through the book, from Kai’s origin to Jemma’s powers and where she comes from. The author has created a stunning world with plenty of lore throughout that explains the fauna and flora around Jemma’s village, a unique language in the book and themes pertaining to angels and mortals.

The characters are all so much fun, with their character growth together and finding family in one another. You’ll grow with them and come to love them all!

Thankyou for an ARC in return for an honest review. I can’t wait for more in the series.

Book themes: Good v Evil, Found Family, Magic, War, Love (Non-Spicy!!)

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! The writing and story was so good, and the magic system was so cool! I loved all the characters especially Jemma and Raspy. 🫶🏽 I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Aliesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The world building was beautiful. I loved the size changing animals, and want my own tiny elephant. Raspy was by far my favorite! This was a wonderful good vs evil story. I enjoyed the character growth and development. I am still slightly confused by the ending, but overall a great book.

[H.L. Charlesworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just don't think I was the target audience for this and honestly, that's okay! It was okay, there were some parts I did really enjoy and for its audience it will be the perfect book!

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was an amazing read! It had amazing characters. It made me feel as though I was in the story with them! Amazing writer!

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I thought this debut adventure fantasy was absolutely a joy to read! I was completely immersed in the story. The world building, plot, characters....all incredible! I can't wait to read more!

[Jenny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ ARC Review

If you’re a fan of fantasy stories such as Narnia or Lord of the Rings, Star Wielder is the book for you!

The fantasy world of Zoria is full of magical characters and animals, and in particular I think the guardian angel concept was done very well. The book is within the genre of young adult fantasy and it does have a sprinkling of romantic elements in the later sections.

Initially I struggled to relate to the main character in the same way that her fellow villagers did, but as the story developed she grew on me. I enjoyed how her chronic fainting did not hold her back from achieving her goals, and in a way, made her stronger and more relatable to the reader. It was a refreshing take on the ‘chosen one’ archetype, to not have the main character be ‘perfect’ in every way.

I enjoyed the character of Malokai, and the young adult style romance between him and MC Jemma was sweet. Malokai’s motivations being surrounding his family was one of my favourite plot elements of the entire book, and I found him as a character easy to understand.

I am not a religious person, so I did struggle to relate to the way that religion, which was a fantastic version of Christianity, was used to develop characters within the novel. At times it did feel like some of the characters underwent big changes that were due to them finding faith; which is something that felt quite extreme to me, especially within the character of the Princess. I think I would compare the use of religion to the Christian allegories that C.S.Lewis created within Narnia, but in a more obvious manner. I think if you were of any faith, I imagine that you would be able to relate more so to these elements and character developments, than I could.

[crystal poultney · Rating 5 out of 5]

took me a little bit to get into this book but when I did I really enjoyed it cannot wait for book 2

[Molly Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received and advanced readers copy*

This was a really good book! The authors writing was so amazing and the world building was so well done and explained. The story really immerses you into it and doesn’t let go. It is full of action, drama and twist and turns. I loved Jenna as the FMC because she was everything I like in a main character. She was strong, intelligent, feisty and never gave up. The MMC was also a total book boyfriend and I loved how protective he was. I really liked the good vs evil aspect of the plot since it is one of my favorite things in fantasy books. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the ending did confuse me and sometimes the timeline was off but overall a very good debut book!

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Michael Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Star Wielder" by Annah Wyatt is a delightful gem in the fantasy genre, offering a story that is both wholesome and family-friendly. This book takes readers on a journey filled with magic and adventure, making it a perfect read for all ages. It's a refreshing escape into a world where bravery, friendship, and the quest for knowledge take center stage.

At the heart of the story is Jemma, a young and curious protagonist whose determination and courage drive the narrative. Her quest to uncover the secrets of the Orange Star is both compelling and inspiring. Wyatt skillfully develops Jemma’s character, making her a relatable and engaging guide through this fantastical world. The relationships Jemma forms, especially with characters like Kai and the guardians, add depth and warmth to the story, highlighting themes of friendship and mutual support.

The world-building in "Star Wielder" is truly impressive. Wyatt has created a richly detailed and imaginative setting that captivates from the very first page. The magical elements, such as starlight and glowing creatures, are described with vivid detail, transporting readers into a realm where every corner holds a new wonder. The lore of the Orange Star and the floating isles adds a layer of intrigue and mystery that keeps readers hooked.

Creativity abounds in this book. Wyatt’s ability to weave unique magical concepts with a coherent plot is remarkable. The idea of starlight magic is original and fascinating, providing a fresh take on the fantasy adventure narrative. Each chapter brings new surprises and imaginative scenarios that spark the reader’s curiosity and keep the story engaging.

What stands out most about "Star Wielder" is its wholesome and family-friendly nature. This is a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, offering positive messages and a sense of wonder that is both rare and refreshing. It's the kind of story that can be shared between generations, making it a perfect choice for family reading time.

To summarize, "Star Wielder" by Annah Wyatt is a beautifully crafted fantasy adventure that combines wholesome storytelling, creative world-building, and imaginative magic. It's a journey that readers will cherish, filled with memorable characters and enchanting settings. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a family-friendly escape into a magical world.

[Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and honestly really enjoyed it. I'm not sure if I knew it was a YA story going in, but it was really, really well done. It didn’t feel juvenile at all and pulled me in right from the start.

One of the things I loved most was how faith was woven into the story. It’s not a straight-up Christian book, but you can definitely see little threads of God and faith throughout. I thought it added a lot without ever feeling forced.

There were a couple parts that confused me, but I think that was more on me than the book itself. After talking with the author, it was definitely just me! What really stood out were the themes of hope, perseverance, trust, and faith. Those hit me at just the right time and made the story even more meaningful.

Overall, I loved the world and the characters and I’m excited to read more from this author. If you like fantasy and enjoy seeing elements of Christianity woven into the story without it being a “Christian book,” this one’s a great pick.

[Dana Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I’m a cover snob and yes, this one is a Beauty! The water, the stars, the illumination it is all such a perfect representation of the book.

Annah Wyatt has done such an incredible job with her vivid imagery. My goodness, I wanted it so desperately to be in the realm she has created. I also love how she has weaved faith into a fantasy book. This one is a clean and incredibly wholesome book, that I proudly passed along to my fantasy, loving teenage daughter.

Jemma, she’s curious, strong and spunky. Malokai, he’s her guardian,he’s protective and completely relatable. The two of them are absolutely swoony together. Annah did a fantastic job with their story. I also loved all the animals within the story…. They can totally change sizes by the way!

If you are a fan of fantasy, epic world building, good versus evil, adventure, Christian, faith, found family, sweet romance, and unique magic, you definitely need to check this one out.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good fantasy read and this one was so, so good! With incredible and beautiful world building, the author does a fantastic job of luring us in with a diverse and intriguing set of characters and an exciting and gripping storyline. A strong and resilient fmc, Jenna is witty, intelligent and more then a little feisty, Malokai is strong, super hot and every protective and their adventure is full of drama, action, betrayal and love. It’s a wonderful YA fantasy read, told with a few surprises, magic and so much more and I look forward to more from this world.

[Haley Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Wielder @annahwyatt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑 Kisses only

This YA fantasy is a magical debut! The world building is beautiful and easy to follow. It’s packed with adventure and magic and was just all around fun!
I was invested in Jemma and Malokai’s journey from the very begging and rooting for them every step of the way!
This Romantasy also includes faith elements, good vs evil, and would be perfect for Narnia lovers!

You can get a copy directly from @annahwyatt !!

[Stephanie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story by a great author!

I just love reading in general, and I am so grateful that I had the chance to receive an arc of Star Wielder! First of all - some of my favorite verses were included in the story! Even better was the reference to Greek mythology with Hades in place of Hell. If you are one who has never laid a hand on a Bible, you won't see the story with a similar sense as I did, and that is alright because it is like reading some of the New Testament in real terms.

I honestly wish that I had read the "about the author" before the book because so many different parts brought things to mind that she mentions - literally, C.S. Lewis?! As soon as Lord Zoria was described, I sent her a message about Aslan, and I was like a girl, you are writing what I enjoy reading! Then, to see that she also includes Sarra Cannon in the acknowledgments made so much sense of the thoughts of some of the characters in the Shadow Demons, which I reread every time a new one is published to be up to date.

Excited to see what happens next to Jemma and Kai!

[Alicia Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I really loved the world building and the magic system in this universe. It was very creative.

I'm not sure I am the target audience but if you love fantasy and heavy Christian themes, I think you would enjoy this book.

Thanks to the author for my early copy of this book.