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Star Dancer Quartet #1
Star Dancer
Through signs and divinations, the Goddess has warned the druids of evil to come. But she has promised that an untimely comet will announce the birth of one who shall stem the tide. Now the druids watch the skies and wait for the boy who will protect them. One brilliant night a shower of stars dances across the sky. The promised child is bornbut not the boy the druids expect. Raven-haired and green-eyed, her name is Tegenand she is the Star Dancer. Throughout her childhood, Tegen is denied by the oldest and most honored of the druids, but as his own life fades he finally accepts the truth. Now Tegen must leave her old life and learn the ways of the druidswhile a ruthless enemy plots to destroy the Star Dancer and let evil out.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
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270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 12, 2012
I'd have loved Star Dancer if I'd read it a few years ago. A strong main female character, an interesting portrayal of disability (Downs syndrome) in an Iron Age society, druids, magic, and a pragmatic view of stuff like childbirth and menstruation -- it happens, so let's not pretend it doesn't.
I still liked it a lot now, but it'd have come at the right time for me a few years ago. I'd say a teenager is likely to get the most out of it -- the plot is fairly straightforward and easily followed, and the main character is concerned with the sort of thing teenage girls are concerned with. It's well-paced and kept me turning pages, despite maybe feeling a bit too cynical and cranky to really go along with a Chosen One type of plot.
I still liked it a lot now, but it'd have come at the right time for me a few years ago. I'd say a teenager is likely to get the most out of it -- the plot is fairly straightforward and easily followed, and the main character is concerned with the sort of thing teenage girls are concerned with. It's well-paced and kept me turning pages, despite maybe feeling a bit too cynical and cranky to really go along with a Chosen One type of plot.
February 19, 2022
I've decided to do a quick review of this, another book from the school library of my youth, because I'm currently reading a similar but more adult book, Jean M. Auel's 'The Clan of the Cave Bear', and it brought back memories.
I remember enjoying 'Star Dancer', despite having quite a lot of reservations with its content. Its heart lies in the protagonist, Tegen (I love that name), who is a free-spirited and outspoken young girl for her time - in an age when villages were governed by druids who divined from signs and spirits (the story is set in Britain during the Iron Age, presumably). Tradition and superstition are the only ways of life.
Despite being hated by her village for being a girl apparently prophesised to save them all from evil, Tegen is a likeable and charismatic main lead who loves to dance and cast spells using her "magic" green shawl.
There are few likeable supporting characters, and they end up dead at some point. To think that there were so many judgemental and narrowminded people in small communities past, and the child cruelty and misogyny are shocking. Also, even as a child reading 'Star Dancer', I was put off by the problematic portrayal of a mentally-disabled character; most especially when I read what happens to him in the end. Even though the book is set in a time when mental illness was highly stigmatised, and rare, since most babies not born "perfect" were abandoned and left to die.
Fair warning, 'Star Dancer' is raw in its presentation of a cruel and backward society. YA or not, it doesn't hold back.
But what made a positive impression on me, besides Tegen, was the writing and prose. 'Star Dancer' is very intense and frightening for a book for younger readers; but, like with the opposed villagers versus Tegen, it is simultaneously magical and euphoric in its descriptions of the cold, harsh highlands and the practices of the druids. The author clearly did her research.
I felt for Tegen. I was holding my breath with her throughout her external and internal struggles and battles with her family, the adult village people, and her Star Dancer tasks: the overall burden of her destiny. Boy or girl, she is special, she is a fighter. There is enough humour and self-awareness in 'Star Dancer' to balance out the mostly meanspirited mood projected by the customs, dialogue and actions of the majority of the characters.
So despite a lot of uncomfortable moments backed up by a few unfortunate implications, 'Star Dancer' is a good emotionally-and-ethically-challenging read. A stimulating and captivating rollercoaster ride with an icy but still beating heart. It will keep you guessing what is going to happen next, and you'll want the heroine to succeed in confronting her numerous and diverse obstacles.
Look to the stars, and inside yourself, to envision the path of your destiny.
Final Score: 3/5
I remember enjoying 'Star Dancer', despite having quite a lot of reservations with its content. Its heart lies in the protagonist, Tegen (I love that name), who is a free-spirited and outspoken young girl for her time - in an age when villages were governed by druids who divined from signs and spirits (the story is set in Britain during the Iron Age, presumably). Tradition and superstition are the only ways of life.
Despite being hated by her village for being a girl apparently prophesised to save them all from evil, Tegen is a likeable and charismatic main lead who loves to dance and cast spells using her "magic" green shawl.
There are few likeable supporting characters, and they end up dead at some point. To think that there were so many judgemental and narrowminded people in small communities past, and the child cruelty and misogyny are shocking. Also, even as a child reading 'Star Dancer', I was put off by the problematic portrayal of a mentally-disabled character; most especially when I read what happens to him in the end. Even though the book is set in a time when mental illness was highly stigmatised, and rare, since most babies not born "perfect" were abandoned and left to die.
Fair warning, 'Star Dancer' is raw in its presentation of a cruel and backward society. YA or not, it doesn't hold back.
But what made a positive impression on me, besides Tegen, was the writing and prose. 'Star Dancer' is very intense and frightening for a book for younger readers; but, like with the opposed villagers versus Tegen, it is simultaneously magical and euphoric in its descriptions of the cold, harsh highlands and the practices of the druids. The author clearly did her research.
I felt for Tegen. I was holding my breath with her throughout her external and internal struggles and battles with her family, the adult village people, and her Star Dancer tasks: the overall burden of her destiny. Boy or girl, she is special, she is a fighter. There is enough humour and self-awareness in 'Star Dancer' to balance out the mostly meanspirited mood projected by the customs, dialogue and actions of the majority of the characters.
So despite a lot of uncomfortable moments backed up by a few unfortunate implications, 'Star Dancer' is a good emotionally-and-ethically-challenging read. A stimulating and captivating rollercoaster ride with an icy but still beating heart. It will keep you guessing what is going to happen next, and you'll want the heroine to succeed in confronting her numerous and diverse obstacles.
Look to the stars, and inside yourself, to envision the path of your destiny.
Final Score: 3/5
August 27, 2022
A quick read. I liked the prehistoric setting of the mendips. Tegen was a very intriguing character , born under the shower of the stars . Tegen is under threat from an elder Druid who is determined to ruin her & this worked well as a storyline especially with the ending.
The druids powers and rituals were very interesting to read about and gave so much to the story .
The druids powers and rituals were very interesting to read about and gave so much to the story .
February 16, 2009
Tegen was born the night the Watching Woman, (stars) was dancing. She should be the Star Dancer, but she is a girl, no girl has ever even been a druid. The druids search for a boy who was born the night the Watching Woman danced, but they couldn't find anyone. After thirteen years of searching, nothing. Tegen gets a green shawl, whenever she dances with it she makes magic. Nobody but Witton knows that she is the Star Dancer, but afraid to admit it. Tegen has to find out if she is or is not the Star Dancer, and defend herself for the people who want her gone. I really liked this book. It was a book that you could imagine yourself in. This book has very descriptive language, and really explains how the characters are feeling at all times. I really liked the plot, it was so original and so exciting. I didn't really like the ending, it was so random. You didn't expect it at all, it was incomplete, something was missing. Star Dancer has a sequel, Fire Dreamer, I hope that Fire Dreamer helps me understand the ending better.
February 10, 2013
First thing that I have to say about this book is that I pretty much read it in one day, or rather, it would have been one day but ended up being two because I was reading another and passed out a couple of hours after midnight.
Regardless, this book was everything I expected that it would be. The writing was good and flowed nicely, I didn't predict where the story was going but it wasn't complicated and could easily be seen. The main character is a strong young girl whose like any other young girl, afraid of the things that she does not know, but by the end of the book she takes that fear and acts on it.
Griff is a sweet young boy, and he doesn't overly expect anything from Tegen, just what he believes that he should get. Its definitely a lovely relationship between the two of them, he's very protective of her and she loves him.
All in all, I want to get the second book.
Regardless, this book was everything I expected that it would be. The writing was good and flowed nicely, I didn't predict where the story was going but it wasn't complicated and could easily be seen. The main character is a strong young girl whose like any other young girl, afraid of the things that she does not know, but by the end of the book she takes that fear and acts on it.
Griff is a sweet young boy, and he doesn't overly expect anything from Tegen, just what he believes that he should get. Its definitely a lovely relationship between the two of them, he's very protective of her and she loves him.
All in all, I want to get the second book.
July 17, 2024
This was the book that got me into mythology
June 3, 2021
This book was… fine. Bit of a slow start, but it got very engrossing as it went on. It doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel fantasy-wise – chosen one, girls can’t be chosen ones, and so on.
The main issue is that the characters were far too passive for my taste. “Oh, they’re saying a bunch of lies that might get me killed? I’ll let them say their piece, and hope the Goddess keeps me from being stoned to death.” “Huh, this evil woman is poisoning me to death? Well, I’ll let her get on with her day then, and hope it all works out.” There’s only so much divine providence I can put up with before getting exasperated.
As for the ending, I didn’t quite get it.
All in all, a fairly harmless fantasy book, but not quite interesting enough for me to continue with the series.
The main issue is that the characters were far too passive for my taste. “Oh, they’re saying a bunch of lies that might get me killed? I’ll let them say their piece, and hope the Goddess keeps me from being stoned to death.” “Huh, this evil woman is poisoning me to death? Well, I’ll let her get on with her day then, and hope it all works out.” There’s only so much divine providence I can put up with before getting exasperated.
As for the ending, I didn’t quite get it.
All in all, a fairly harmless fantasy book, but not quite interesting enough for me to continue with the series.
May 4, 2020
Un libro mágico, lleno de aventuras y leyendas de la naturaleza muy recomendable para niños y adolescentes en sus primeras edades. La única pega que le pongo es que a veces el vocabulario se puede hacer un poco difícil, pero la historia engancha y tiene un misterio que acompaña hasta el final.
June 23, 2020
Wonderful storytelling and descriptions.
Makes you feel like you are really there and experiencing all the highs and lows of this fantastical world.
Makes you feel like you are really there and experiencing all the highs and lows of this fantastical world.
May 24, 2022
High 2, low 3 star.
Very slow paced, most of the action is in the last third.
Very slow paced, most of the action is in the last third.
Read
March 11, 2024Personal favorite and is what drew me to read more of her books, this is definitely by far an outstanding piece of writing
December 10, 2015
Star Dancer, by Beth Webb, is the first book in a historical fantasy series written for young adults and set in Iron Age Britain. It is populated by villagers whose lives revolve around the seasons and whose beliefs are based on pagan ritual and magic. The druids who oversee the traditional ceremonies retain their power by operating a closed shop system. In return for providing intercessions with the Mother Goddess, regarded as essential for health and prosperity, the druids’ physical needs are met by the communities they serve.
The story opens with a birth, and a meeting of the local druids on a tor. It is Imbolg which is a festival marking the beginning of spring. A prophesy has warned that a great evil is coming that will be defeated by a child born at this time of year and for whom the stars will dance.
In the midnight skies above, a shower of sparkling lights can be clearly seen. Witton, the oldest and most honoured of the druids, vows to find the promised child in order to train him in their ways. The druids believe that this will ensure that he has the knowledge and skill to fight the unknown evil when it arrives.
The problems start when it is discovered that the only child born under the dancing stars is a girl, Tegen. A boy was born several hours later but he is a halfhead, found abandoned due to his obvious disability but given a home by Tegen’s parents who were disappointed at their own baby’s gender. Although both these children display a precocity for foresight as they grow, neither is deemed a suitable future leader of the druids.
The Mother Goddess is not swayed by the sensitivities of men’s egos. Nevertheless, the power struggle that ensues in this vacuum threatens the community’s well-being. Magic can be invoked for evil as well as good; power is an addictive and damaging drug.
As Tegen reaches her teens she starts to display her magical potential, thus putting herself in danger from those who have plans for their own advancement. Neither her mother’s fears nor the local witches and druids’ scheming can thwart destiny, but their attempts wreak a terrible cost.
The plot is fast moving, the foreboding relentless, the vivid descriptions bring to life this ancient world. The challenges of inclement weather alongside the superstitions and fears conjure up an atmosphere that is all but overwhelming.
The denouement is terrifying; this entire story would make fantastic television. On the page it powers the imagination with the stuff of nightmares as Tegen battles her enemies’ attempts to harness the supernatural in order to engineer her defeat.
An engrossing and colourful tale stuffed full of period detail, the reader is taken into a world of fantasy that has many familiar facets. The demons our politicians summon may be less obvious, but they also create havoc and cost lives.
The story opens with a birth, and a meeting of the local druids on a tor. It is Imbolg which is a festival marking the beginning of spring. A prophesy has warned that a great evil is coming that will be defeated by a child born at this time of year and for whom the stars will dance.
In the midnight skies above, a shower of sparkling lights can be clearly seen. Witton, the oldest and most honoured of the druids, vows to find the promised child in order to train him in their ways. The druids believe that this will ensure that he has the knowledge and skill to fight the unknown evil when it arrives.
The problems start when it is discovered that the only child born under the dancing stars is a girl, Tegen. A boy was born several hours later but he is a halfhead, found abandoned due to his obvious disability but given a home by Tegen’s parents who were disappointed at their own baby’s gender. Although both these children display a precocity for foresight as they grow, neither is deemed a suitable future leader of the druids.
The Mother Goddess is not swayed by the sensitivities of men’s egos. Nevertheless, the power struggle that ensues in this vacuum threatens the community’s well-being. Magic can be invoked for evil as well as good; power is an addictive and damaging drug.
As Tegen reaches her teens she starts to display her magical potential, thus putting herself in danger from those who have plans for their own advancement. Neither her mother’s fears nor the local witches and druids’ scheming can thwart destiny, but their attempts wreak a terrible cost.
The plot is fast moving, the foreboding relentless, the vivid descriptions bring to life this ancient world. The challenges of inclement weather alongside the superstitions and fears conjure up an atmosphere that is all but overwhelming.
The denouement is terrifying; this entire story would make fantastic television. On the page it powers the imagination with the stuff of nightmares as Tegen battles her enemies’ attempts to harness the supernatural in order to engineer her defeat.
An engrossing and colourful tale stuffed full of period detail, the reader is taken into a world of fantasy that has many familiar facets. The demons our politicians summon may be less obvious, but they also create havoc and cost lives.
January 11, 2017
Tegen is born the night the stars dance. At the end of the Iron Age, the age of Roman invasion, of druids and of magic, her birth is auspicious. A prophecy has foretold that a 'star dancer' will be born who will be able to save the people in the face of the troubles to come. But, from everything the people know, their traditions, prejudices, knowledge, the star dancer just can't be a girl... can it?
The first in the Star Dancer quartet - we are introduced to our wonderful heroine, Tegen. She is young, but wise beyond her years: Webb has managed a good balance between this wisdom and youth - she deals with death and powerful magic, but she still weeps in her mother's arms. A realistic heroine, in comparison to many of the oh-too-strong heroines that YA books have. She and her step brother, Griff, learn to navigate the world of spirits and druidic life, whilst battling against those who would have them overthrown within their own village. Building to a thrilling climax, Star Dancer leaves you desperate for the next book.
It is nice to read a YA series that isn't dystopian. Don't get me wrong - I love my dystopias! - but it is so refreshing to read something original, and wholly unique. As a reader, you can tell the thoughtful and thorough research that has gone into the writing of this - from the food they eat and the clothes they wear, to their beliefs and superstitions. A fascinating insight to Iron Age Britain - not an age that gets much written about it for younger readers.
The story is entirely absorbing and you really warm to the characters. I have a special place in my heart for "half head" Griff. He has Down's Syndrome and it was interesting to see how someone with a disability may have been treated; Webb deals with this subject very sensitively. I enjoyed the variety of characters as well: different ages, professions, beliefs, backgrounds... Just so much to explore! It's like being placed in an Iron Age village and being given a personal tour! Every character is carefully crafted, and realistic - at times, painfully so. It is hard to see the failings of human nature presented so clearly, because it feels real.
It may feel like a younger child's read at the start, but as the novel continues it definitely moves into teenage territory! The themes explored are complex, and the story becomes darker as the story progresses. I won't give anything more away - but the ending is pretty terrifying!
Overall, a brilliantly unique story, perfect for YA readers - particularly for people who want something a little different.
The first in the Star Dancer quartet - we are introduced to our wonderful heroine, Tegen. She is young, but wise beyond her years: Webb has managed a good balance between this wisdom and youth - she deals with death and powerful magic, but she still weeps in her mother's arms. A realistic heroine, in comparison to many of the oh-too-strong heroines that YA books have. She and her step brother, Griff, learn to navigate the world of spirits and druidic life, whilst battling against those who would have them overthrown within their own village. Building to a thrilling climax, Star Dancer leaves you desperate for the next book.
It is nice to read a YA series that isn't dystopian. Don't get me wrong - I love my dystopias! - but it is so refreshing to read something original, and wholly unique. As a reader, you can tell the thoughtful and thorough research that has gone into the writing of this - from the food they eat and the clothes they wear, to their beliefs and superstitions. A fascinating insight to Iron Age Britain - not an age that gets much written about it for younger readers.
The story is entirely absorbing and you really warm to the characters. I have a special place in my heart for "half head" Griff. He has Down's Syndrome and it was interesting to see how someone with a disability may have been treated; Webb deals with this subject very sensitively. I enjoyed the variety of characters as well: different ages, professions, beliefs, backgrounds... Just so much to explore! It's like being placed in an Iron Age village and being given a personal tour! Every character is carefully crafted, and realistic - at times, painfully so. It is hard to see the failings of human nature presented so clearly, because it feels real.
It may feel like a younger child's read at the start, but as the novel continues it definitely moves into teenage territory! The themes explored are complex, and the story becomes darker as the story progresses. I won't give anything more away - but the ending is pretty terrifying!
Overall, a brilliantly unique story, perfect for YA readers - particularly for people who want something a little different.
February 9, 2011
A great and terrible evil threatens the druids' future. Their only hope is the Star Dancer: a child who will be born under an untimely comet and who is destined to protect them.
As the fated star-shower lights up the sky, the druids are watching. They believe the prophesied boy has arrived. But down in the village, the midwife has just delivered a perfect little girl. Her name is Tegen--and she is the Star Dancer.
Tegen is rejected by Witton, the Chief Druid--but when a visitor gives her a green silk shawl, she begins to work real magic. Near death, Witton acknowledges Tegen, forcing her to abandon her family and learn the spells and rituals of the white-robes. But there are those, close by, who secretly plot to destroy her and take power.
Expect some rawness from the narrative, because young Tegen lives in a harsh, patriarchal society that has none of the equal-opportunities sensibilities of today. This is demonstrated by the routine cruelty dished out to her adopted brother Griff, a kindly but mentally-impaired foundling who is unsympathetically described by the villagers as a "half-head".
I wanted to like this book because of the original plot however the pacing leaves something to be desired. I have to convince myself to finish reading it mainly because I need to give it back to the one who recommended it to me. Also, there were some scenes that did not sit well with me, such as Tegen being 14 years of age and married to her step-brother, Griff, and he expecting them to make a baby at the soonest possible time. I also cringe every time Griff delivered his dialogues since it seems like it's an exaggerated interpretation of how a mentally-impaired person would talk--as if the author's making fun of him.
I felt as though the story was dragged out through the entire book (it really should've been a shorter book), and the ending was caught of nowhere. By the end of it, I just found myself not caring whether or not Tegen's destiny as the Star Dancer unfolds and of what other plodding adventures she'll undertake in the sequel.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Star Dancer
Author Beth Webb
Reviewed By Purplycookie
As the fated star-shower lights up the sky, the druids are watching. They believe the prophesied boy has arrived. But down in the village, the midwife has just delivered a perfect little girl. Her name is Tegen--and she is the Star Dancer.
Tegen is rejected by Witton, the Chief Druid--but when a visitor gives her a green silk shawl, she begins to work real magic. Near death, Witton acknowledges Tegen, forcing her to abandon her family and learn the spells and rituals of the white-robes. But there are those, close by, who secretly plot to destroy her and take power.
Expect some rawness from the narrative, because young Tegen lives in a harsh, patriarchal society that has none of the equal-opportunities sensibilities of today. This is demonstrated by the routine cruelty dished out to her adopted brother Griff, a kindly but mentally-impaired foundling who is unsympathetically described by the villagers as a "half-head".
I wanted to like this book because of the original plot however the pacing leaves something to be desired. I have to convince myself to finish reading it mainly because I need to give it back to the one who recommended it to me. Also, there were some scenes that did not sit well with me, such as Tegen being 14 years of age and married to her step-brother, Griff, and he expecting them to make a baby at the soonest possible time. I also cringe every time Griff delivered his dialogues since it seems like it's an exaggerated interpretation of how a mentally-impaired person would talk--as if the author's making fun of him.
I felt as though the story was dragged out through the entire book (it really should've been a shorter book), and the ending was caught of nowhere. By the end of it, I just found myself not caring whether or not Tegen's destiny as the Star Dancer unfolds and of what other plodding adventures she'll undertake in the sequel.
More of Purplycookie’s Reviews @: http://www.goodreads.com/purplycookie
Book Details:
Title Star Dancer
Author Beth Webb
Reviewed By Purplycookie
October 30, 2023
We witness the birth of Tegan, the chosen one, the Star Dancer and how her journey leads to the realisation of this. Her half brother Griff helps her at her time of need, her father, Clesek realises before he passes that she is indeed the chosen one even when other druids such as Gorgans fail to believe this even with proof.
⚠️TW: child birth, sexism, child death, child abandonment, arranged marriage, death, blood, violence
Set in a British folklore setting we uncover the world of the Star Dancer.
I fell in love with quite a few of the characters which kept me hooked. I think based on the blurb I was expecting Tegan to run away sooner in this book but the storyline itself was about Tegan's childhood, her discovery into being the Star Dancer, first with her shawl and then without it with Griff, Huval, Nessa and others helping her along the way.
The end was very action packed with a few surprise deaths and finishing with Tegan going off into the distance which leads to the next book in the series. I really enjoyed this and would recommend this to everyone.
⚠️TW: child birth, sexism, child death, child abandonment, arranged marriage, death, blood, violence
Set in a British folklore setting we uncover the world of the Star Dancer.
I fell in love with quite a few of the characters which kept me hooked. I think based on the blurb I was expecting Tegan to run away sooner in this book but the storyline itself was about Tegan's childhood, her discovery into being the Star Dancer, first with her shawl and then without it with Griff, Huval, Nessa and others helping her along the way.
The end was very action packed with a few surprise deaths and finishing with Tegan going off into the distance which leads to the next book in the series. I really enjoyed this and would recommend this to everyone.
July 20, 2015
Born under the dancing stars one fateful night, Tegen has a destiny that has been written for her, one she must follow. However there are people out there who will stop at nothing to keep her from the path that was created for her...
Star Dancer is great, in my opinion. I found the book at a local second hand store I frequent and, taken in by the beautiful hardback cover, the map drawn inside the cover and the idea of magic and spirits, I decided to buy it for myself to see what it was all about, and honestly, I fell in love.
I am a lover of all things mystical and magical, so this book was right up my alley. It was fun, the characters made feel all sorts of emotions (ranging from angry to happy to disgusted, depending on what character we are talking about) and I thought that it was genuinely well-written, though a little straight forward. That said, this is aimed at a younger, teenage audience, however it was still engrossing and kept me up at night, wanting to know more until I had finally finished the book.
I really enjoyed Star Dancer, and found it to be a promising start to what I hope is a good series. It's not the best book I have read in a while, but honestly, it's a good read and it's fun! It left me in awe, and I like what it provided for me as a reader.
Great characters, great dialogue, a beautiful use of magic, and whilst the great evil that came around at the end was rather anti-climactic, the book still held on its own. I recommend this for those who love magic and good characters, and it is worth a read.
A lengthier review can be viewed on my blog http://queen-of-rambles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/read-reviewed-star-dancer-by-beth-webb.html
Star Dancer is great, in my opinion. I found the book at a local second hand store I frequent and, taken in by the beautiful hardback cover, the map drawn inside the cover and the idea of magic and spirits, I decided to buy it for myself to see what it was all about, and honestly, I fell in love.
I am a lover of all things mystical and magical, so this book was right up my alley. It was fun, the characters made feel all sorts of emotions (ranging from angry to happy to disgusted, depending on what character we are talking about) and I thought that it was genuinely well-written, though a little straight forward. That said, this is aimed at a younger, teenage audience, however it was still engrossing and kept me up at night, wanting to know more until I had finally finished the book.
I really enjoyed Star Dancer, and found it to be a promising start to what I hope is a good series. It's not the best book I have read in a while, but honestly, it's a good read and it's fun! It left me in awe, and I like what it provided for me as a reader.
Great characters, great dialogue, a beautiful use of magic, and whilst the great evil that came around at the end was rather anti-climactic, the book still held on its own. I recommend this for those who love magic and good characters, and it is worth a read.
A lengthier review can be viewed on my blog http://queen-of-rambles.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/read-reviewed-star-dancer-by-beth-webb.html
December 24, 2008
Tegen was born the same night the Watching Woman (stars) danced. Because she was born on this night she was supposed to be the Star Dancer, but she is a girl, no girl has ever even been a druid. The druids searched for a boy that was born on that night, but they were unsuccessful. After 13 years of searching they found no one. At a carnival Tegen was given a green shawl, which she liked to dance with. She then found out that every time she danced with that shawl she made magic! No one but Witton, the druid leader, believes that she is the Star Dancer. However, he is afraid to admit it, hoping that he is wrong and there is a BOY out there. Tegen has to find out if she is or if she is not that Star Dancer in order to be able to protect herself from the people who want her dead and protect the village with whatever problems the confront. I really like this book a lot. Beth Webb uses descriptive vocabulary, which makes you feel as if you are in the book. She describes how the feelings of all the characters so thoroughly it is like magical! She does this to emphasize the feelings that characters are feeling. The plot is also a one of a kind. It is very unique and exciting. I didn't really like the ending. It felt like the story was incomplete. There was so many questions I had. Star Dancer does have a sequel, Fire Dreamer. I hope that after reading it I will answer my questions.
November 21, 2010
Si vous comptez lire le livre, sachez que les tomes suivants ne seront pas publiés.
Je pensais que ce ne serait pas très banal avec la présence des étoiles (l'idée doit me venir du Livre des Etoiles d'Erik l'Homme) puis avec le nom de Tir na nog, les druides et le fait que les druidesses étaient peu appréciées... Mais pour moi, si on avait accentué le côté féministe par exemple en traduisant le star dancer par danseuse des étoiles tout au long du texte quand on parle de Tegen, j'aurais vraiment préféré – et adhéré.
Rien n'était bien surprenant, j'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur la mythologie, sur « l'Homme Blanc, » l'albinos sensé venir de Tir na nog, sur la Déesse qui est présente au travers des étoiles, et que la fin ne soit pas aussi rapide. L'arrivée de la menace et la victoire de Tegen tout ça, ça ne prend que quoi, 10 pages !
Enfin, ce livre m'a vraiment mise mal à l'aise quand Tegen se retrouve mariée à son frère de lait, trisomique, alors qu'elle a dans les 13/14 ans et qu'on lui dit qu'il va falloir le faire patienter le temps qu'elle devienne suffisamment forte pour porter un enfant... D'accord, c'est de la fantasy, c'est une autre époque, mais franchement...
Je pensais que ce ne serait pas très banal avec la présence des étoiles (l'idée doit me venir du Livre des Etoiles d'Erik l'Homme) puis avec le nom de Tir na nog, les druides et le fait que les druidesses étaient peu appréciées... Mais pour moi, si on avait accentué le côté féministe par exemple en traduisant le star dancer par danseuse des étoiles tout au long du texte quand on parle de Tegen, j'aurais vraiment préféré – et adhéré.
Rien n'était bien surprenant, j'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur la mythologie, sur « l'Homme Blanc, » l'albinos sensé venir de Tir na nog, sur la Déesse qui est présente au travers des étoiles, et que la fin ne soit pas aussi rapide. L'arrivée de la menace et la victoire de Tegen tout ça, ça ne prend que quoi, 10 pages !
Enfin, ce livre m'a vraiment mise mal à l'aise quand Tegen se retrouve mariée à son frère de lait, trisomique, alors qu'elle a dans les 13/14 ans et qu'on lui dit qu'il va falloir le faire patienter le temps qu'elle devienne suffisamment forte pour porter un enfant... D'accord, c'est de la fantasy, c'est une autre époque, mais franchement...
June 2, 2014
Star Dancer is an all-round brilliant story. It encompasses growing up, being yourself, finding the truth, the differences in love, and being the odd-one-out, while beautifully painting the picture of what it was like to live in Britain in the Iron Age and into the Roman invasion.
This is the first of four books, and each one takes you deeper into life and customs from the time, including the common man, the druid community, the roman nobility, the roman army, and how they interacted.
Drawn from evidently extensive personal research, Beth Webb has created an inticing story with a very memorable heroine, who you are able to relate to. It keeps you going all the way to the dramatic end, drawing you through real history in a dance to a lesser-known tune, that non-the-less keeps ringing in your head long after you have closed the book.
I would recommend this to all readers (yes, boys and girls) aged 13 upwards, including the adults.
This is the first of four books, and each one takes you deeper into life and customs from the time, including the common man, the druid community, the roman nobility, the roman army, and how they interacted.
Drawn from evidently extensive personal research, Beth Webb has created an inticing story with a very memorable heroine, who you are able to relate to. It keeps you going all the way to the dramatic end, drawing you through real history in a dance to a lesser-known tune, that non-the-less keeps ringing in your head long after you have closed the book.
I would recommend this to all readers (yes, boys and girls) aged 13 upwards, including the adults.
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September 7, 2011This is definitely more New Age than historical fiction although the setting seems to be first-century Britain, with talk of the invading Romans (who don't actually appear). The intended readership must be YA, as the narrative skips quickly from the birth of the protagonist to her early teen years. The plot is partly resolved but also left open for the sequel. Since the subtitle of this one is "The Book of Air" and the next one is "The Book of Fire," that suggests we're heading for four in all, but I'm not sure my interest will last that long.
September 7, 2015
I am a bit torn on this one. On one hand It is unbelievably refreshing to read a young adult fantasy book set in the iron age. The descriptions are rich and the characters raw and realistic but the pace was perhaps a little slow for me in the middle. Perhaps I am a little to old and male for this one! A must read for those left a little jaded by more conventional fantasy novels but just not quite right for me. I will settle for a slightly lower star rating but the assurance that if you are actually a young adult then you should read this.
August 28, 2010
This was an okay book. I wouldn't classify it as Young Adult, more like pre-teen.
It was one of those filler books, or a book to get kids into reading maturer books. The characters were realistic, the plot was original, it was exciting and very accurate historically.
The second one is even better, and jumps up the age-line slightly. All in all, a good book, great for kids but that I still enjoyed. :)
It was one of those filler books, or a book to get kids into reading maturer books. The characters were realistic, the plot was original, it was exciting and very accurate historically.
The second one is even better, and jumps up the age-line slightly. All in all, a good book, great for kids but that I still enjoyed. :)
February 7, 2015
Star Dancer would have been just my thing around 15 years ago. Even now at age 27, it’s an enjoyable read with interesting ideas, including a depiction of disability in the Iron Age. Griff has Downs Syndrome and although the writing makes it easy to read about his condition, sometimes the portrayal felt too simplistic. The plot wobbled but it is still a fun read.
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March 6, 2014I liked this book, I read it quite a long time ago and I can't quite remember everything about it. I think I enjoyed it but it isn't one of the best books I've ever read, I think I will have to re-read it and do a more detailed review.
September 16, 2015
More young adult fantasy but an interesting story...I think I would enjoy the other 2 books in this series as the setting is a time when druids (an interest of mine) were the spiritual leaders of the land.
September 26, 2008
poorly written, very simplistic. could have been so much better, is very deceptive but written for a yuonger audience
December 9, 2010
a good read. strangely moving and magical. i read throught it slowly tho xD
may look to find the next books in the series, if im not caught up in anything else
may look to find the next books in the series, if im not caught up in anything else
June 14, 2012
Loved this book! It was amazing!
May 19, 2011
an interesting story.
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