Charm Breaker

Star Friends #13

by Linda Chapman, Kim Barnes (illustrator)

In the 13th installment of the Star Friends series, Mia, Lexi, Sita, Violet, and new Star Friend Maddie suspect dark magic when they noticed that the adults in town are at first very energetic and spontaneous but then become reckless. Can the girls figure out what's going on?

The town of Westport is sponsoring a charity run, and everyone participates. But after the run, Mia, Lexi, Sita, Violet, and the newest Star Friend, Maddie, notice that many of the adults in town are at first very energetic and spontaneous but then gradually become reckless. Maddie observes that her mom hasn't been affected, and she wonders why. And as the adults' actions intensify, the girls suspect dark magic. Where is it coming from? With black-and-white illustrations throughout.

In the Star Friends chapter book series, Mia and her friends Lexi, Sita, and Violet all discover that they are Star Friends -- they can communicate with the animals that have traveled from the Star World. The animals show the girls how to use their unique magic abilities to do good. A whole world of magical adventures awaits!

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Linda Chapman was born in Liverpool in 1969. She had many different jobs before becoming a full-time writer in 1999 including working as a theatre stage manager, a dog trainer, a bookseller, a nanny, a teacher and a research assistant. She has written over 300 books for children, some under her own name, others under different names and she often collaborates with other authors. She is currently writing books with Julie Sykes and they are co-authors on the NYT bestselling Unicorn Academy series as well as Mermaid Academy, Forever Homes and Pocket Unicorns. Linda lives in Leicestershire with her husband, three children, two horses and three dogs. She has written many different series including: My Secret Unicorn, Star Friends, Best Friends Bakery, Stardust, Skating School and, most recently, Magic Keepers and Moonlight Riders.

Reviews

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/charm-brea...

CHARM BREAKER is an engaging chapter book about friendship and magic. The Star Friends have another magical mystery to solve in this latest story, where their parents and other townsfolk are under the influence of a charm that makes them extra-energetic and soon reckless. They will need to work together to figure out what is behind it and resolve it.

What I loved: This is an engaging story with a hefty dose of mystery - and friendship. The Star Friends are a unique group that work together and use their strengths to solve magical mysteries and keep their town safe. This chapter book is a nice step up from the early chapter books with some complex words and more density, though with illustrations every other page spread or so. The illustrations capture the characters and story well, adding some extra fun to the reading and helping to give independent readers some context and breaks.

What left me wanting more: This story wasn't quite as gripping as others in the series, with the pace feeling a bit slower and the resolution feeling a bit abrupt. While it was still a fun read, it didn't hold attention in the same way as some of the earlier stories, perhaps in part due to how many characters we are now following.

Final verdict: CHARM BREAKER is an overall engaging chapter book with magical mystery and a focus on friendship.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Cute Rabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWWWW such an amazing book.I really enjoyed this.I was actually sooo shocked with the ending like WHATTTTTTT like I need to know who it was and I just really need book 14 already!😭😭
But yhhh loved this book and love this series too!

[Cassandra Ebeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo Good