StarMark

by Katherine Hetzel

After Irvana's grandmother dies in their remote clifftop home, Irvana must travel to Koltarn. Alone in a strange city, Irvana finds employment at the palace, home of Lord Terenz, current overlord and bearer of the StarMark. Suddenly immersed in palace life, Irvana makes a friend in fellow-servant Rosann, and there is a spark between her and the lively Mikal, Terenz's ward. But when Terenz discovers that Irvana has something he wants, her life is suddenly in danger. 

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2016

About the author

Author and volunteer librarian at a local primary school.

Primarily a children's author, but with short stories for adults in various anthologies.

Lover of cold chicken and liquorice (not at the same time), who has a thing about rainbows.

Favourite author - Sir Terry Pratchett.

https://www.katherinehetzel.com/

Reviews

[Kate Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Starmark with the Book Club I run as a School Librarian for girls aged 11-12. All of the girls, including myself loved Starmark, it inspired them to create their own family crests and write poems about the characters in the story.

We all loved Starmark so much that we couldn't wait for Katherine's next book, please keep them coming :)

[Bdcharles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely a cut above its contemporaries. Intelligently written, it evokes relatable characters and a picturesque world through which I thoroughly enjoyed journeying. Two things that particularly stood out for me: one - although the book is broadly aimed at younger readers, not once did I feel Ms. Hetzel was dumbing down - if anything, the language was rich enough to straddle that fine line between creating a visualisable world, and leaving the reader personally uplifted via language; and two - that the world depicted does not stop at the limits of the book; rather there is a sense that outside the three or four key locations visited, one gets the sense that there is alot more unexplored territory, sort of like a paper-based No Man's Sky but with, you know, actual stuff happening. Oh, and there's no infodumping. Readers are expected to buy into the world with no questions asked, a proposition I found perfectly palatable.

[Laura Buckland · Rating 5 out of 5]

StarMark is a story about a young girl finding her identity. Beautifully written, you go on an adventure joining Irvana discovering her past which changes her future. I recommend StarMark to both children and adults.

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fantasy adventure featuring a forthright young female protagonist. Irvana is engaging and tough while still being accessible. It's something Hetzel does especially well - putting young girl MCs in the hot seat and then taking us on an adventure where they find out who they truly are. The result is always spellbinding. The world building is brilliant. The pace is fast but never rushed, leading to a satisfying conclusion but with the sense that there might be more adventures for Irvana to come. Highly recommend.

[Steve Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starmark has the feel of The Prisoner of Zenda or an Eva Ibbotson novel. A ripping yarn that barrels along to a high tempo finale.