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Tales of Goldstone Wood #7.6
Fallen Star
She is a Knight of Farthestshore, a woman of courage ... and secrets. She has faced many perils in her time, but nothing has prepared her for the evil she is about to encounter in the treacherous Wood Between.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Anne Elisabeth Stengl
20 books807 followersAnne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD, which currently includes seven novels and two novellas, with plenty more works due to release over the next few years. Her novels HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, and DRAGONWITCH have each been honored with a Christy Award, and STARFLOWER was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 10, 2017
Edit: Readers seem to be frustrated that little more is discovered about Beana in this story than is already known. I would like to point out that this tale was the result of a very generous contest in which Anne Elisabeth randomly drew a reader's pick for central character--so of course she would not spill the big secrets of later books for a short little story. I think it was rather big of her to even give Beana's real name.
What I LOVED: Old friends! We have more familiar faces than just Beana in this story (though that's all I'll say), and how delicious it is to be traveling on those beautifully written words through the Wood and its terrors (of which the Unicorn has always been a favorite). And baby versions of favorite characters. Yes, we always need those because it creates a lot of "DAAAAAAW" moments. Such a perfect prequel to Veiled Rose!
What I didn't like: The ending was....rather abrupt. Granted, readers know just what happened soon after thanks to Veiled Rose, but nevertheless a tiny bit more closure would have been nice. Also, at the ending, there was the use of a potion as provided and used by the heroes. This of course is often seen in fantasy, just was new to Goldstone.
Of course, every Goldstone Fan needs to read this because its GOLDSTONE. I severely advise anyone who has not to go and begin with Book 1 and at least read to Book 3, because this story relies on knowing what has happened before and what will happen in the future.
In short, regardless of any little thing, I love this story. Because who doesn't love an old friend? :)
What I LOVED: Old friends! We have more familiar faces than just Beana in this story (though that's all I'll say), and how delicious it is to be traveling on those beautifully written words through the Wood and its terrors (of which the Unicorn has always been a favorite). And baby versions of favorite characters. Yes, we always need those because it creates a lot of "DAAAAAAW" moments. Such a perfect prequel to Veiled Rose!
What I didn't like: The ending was....rather abrupt. Granted, readers know just what happened soon after thanks to Veiled Rose, but nevertheless a tiny bit more closure would have been nice. Also, at the ending, there was the use of a potion as provided and used by the heroes. This of course is often seen in fantasy, just was new to Goldstone.
Of course, every Goldstone Fan needs to read this because its GOLDSTONE. I severely advise anyone who has not to go and begin with Book 1 and at least read to Book 3, because this story relies on knowing what has happened before and what will happen in the future.
In short, regardless of any little thing, I love this story. Because who doesn't love an old friend? :)
December 17, 2016
Wee little Rose Red was so adorable, and I loved seeing her and her dad together, since we see them only together in brief scenes in the Tales.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that it read like a fan-fiction. I wonder if I was the only one who thought that?
I felt it was less of a story and more of a... look at the in-betweens of a story.
And, of course, Beana is basically the best at all times.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that it read like a fan-fiction. I wonder if I was the only one who thought that?
I felt it was less of a story and more of a... look at the in-betweens of a story.
And, of course, Beana is basically the best at all times.
December 15, 2017
So good! It was delightful, as always, to slip back into this intriguing fantasy world for a little while! Fallen Star was a great short story, and makes me want to re-read the series! Lovely job, Anne Elisabeth. I hope someday we can read even more about "Beana"! ^_^
December 21, 2016
Soooo, I thought I was only 64% of the way through this when the story ended. Turns out the Kindle app on my phone was counting the prologue and first chapter of Golden Daughter that was inserted at the end of this short story. Sneaksy, tricksy, Kindle. *Adds inability to tell me when the actual story ends to the list of reasons I'm being stubborn about getting a real Kindle* That was a bit of a surprise, but oh well. :)
I, of course, loved “Fallen Star”, the way I’ve loved all the Tales of Goldstone Wood stories. It was great to get some background on Beana, who has been quite a mystery. And much of her past remains a mystery even now, because that’s what Anne Elisabeth does. She gives us little tidbits, slowly revealing things, and yet always leaving us wanting more. Well, I definitely want more! This was the first Goldstone Wood story I’ve read since I read Draven’s Light, literally this time last year. I didn’t realize how much I missed this world (or I guess worlds might be more accurate since we’ve got the Near world, the Far world, and the Between) and these characters after a year-long absence. I think next year will require some re-reading of the books to hold me over until hopefully…eventually…the next book comes out.
I, of course, loved “Fallen Star”, the way I’ve loved all the Tales of Goldstone Wood stories. It was great to get some background on Beana, who has been quite a mystery. And much of her past remains a mystery even now, because that’s what Anne Elisabeth does. She gives us little tidbits, slowly revealing things, and yet always leaving us wanting more. Well, I definitely want more! This was the first Goldstone Wood story I’ve read since I read Draven’s Light, literally this time last year. I didn’t realize how much I missed this world (or I guess worlds might be more accurate since we’ve got the Near world, the Far world, and the Between) and these characters after a year-long absence. I think next year will require some re-reading of the books to hold me over until hopefully…eventually…the next book comes out.
February 3, 2017
Okay, I may be a little biased because I'm on the cover. But I really did love this little tale, and especially given that new Tales from Goldstone Wood won't be forthcoming for a while, this is a great story to tide me over. This story elucidates some of the mysteries leftover from Veiled Rose. Definitely read Veiled Rose and Moonblood first before reading this, however, for maximum enjoyment.
February 1, 2017
Cute tale
Well written (which is a great relief considering my sore disappointment with the writing quality/style and pacing of Stengl's last novel)
Clever enough ... left you curious to know more when Stengl deems the time to be right.
Worth the read ... though be warned, there are one or two "errors of reality" that can really throw a reader off, skip them and just enjoy.
Well written (which is a great relief considering my sore disappointment with the writing quality/style and pacing of Stengl's last novel)
Clever enough ... left you curious to know more when Stengl deems the time to be right.
Worth the read ... though be warned, there are one or two "errors of reality" that can really throw a reader off, skip them and just enjoy.
June 8, 2020
The only problems were that it was too short and that we don't learn very much about Beana herself.
December 17, 2016
I enjoyed it. But I must admit I was a little disappointed, you don't really learn much about Beana. It was fun though, and little Rosie is adorable
March 2, 2019
Again, much too short. But another thrilling tale through Goldstone! I love the prelude to Rosie's tale and how Bettina became Lilybean!! Such a nice heart-pounding read with adventure and depth even in its short form.
I cannot get enough of the Tales of Goldstone. Sadly, this is the last one published. I'll be on pins & needles praying and hoping beyond all hope that Anne Elisabeth will eventually get back to this phenomenal series and take me through more tales!
I cannot get enough of the Tales of Goldstone. Sadly, this is the last one published. I'll be on pins & needles praying and hoping beyond all hope that Anne Elisabeth will eventually get back to this phenomenal series and take me through more tales!
June 28, 2017
Too short... But awesome! Who knew Beana's real name?
March 6, 2023
The prequel I didn't know I needed! This short story gives backstory to the characters Rose Red and Beana from Veiled Rose, the second book in The Tales of Goldstone Wood series. A fantastic read! As usual, the writing is perfect and atmospheric.
March 8, 2017
I am so greatly disappointed that there will be no more tales in this series, and that this, the last, was so short. It was everything I have loved in the first books while fixing the minor issues I had with the later books. I will say that the title is misleading (one of the issues I had with Dragon Witch)
March 4, 2017
Anne Elisabeth Stengl pours her heart into the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD. Truly they are some of the deepest, most encouraging, even healing, books that I have read. This book was a generous gift to her fans with the main character, Beana, chosen by the winner of the contest.
In FALLEN STAR I was absolutely delighted to learn more of Beana and Rosie and how they meet...dear, dear Rosie, who we, along with Beana, are blessed to meet as an absolutely adorable and very precocious toddler! What can be better than that? It is a wonderful visit with my friends from Goldstone Wood, and an absolute gift from Ms. Stengl to her fans that I will treasure with the rest of her collection. Thank you, Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
In FALLEN STAR I was absolutely delighted to learn more of Beana and Rosie and how they meet...dear, dear Rosie, who we, along with Beana, are blessed to meet as an absolutely adorable and very precocious toddler! What can be better than that? It is a wonderful visit with my friends from Goldstone Wood, and an absolute gift from Ms. Stengl to her fans that I will treasure with the rest of her collection. Thank you, Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
December 6, 2016
It is a fun 40 page short story. It might be confusing if you have not read any of the rest of the series though and would make most sense if you have read Veiled Rose and Moonblood (which I haven't).
It was a fun quick read though.
It was a fun quick read though.
July 20, 2020
I first discovered Goldstone Wood in 2013 with Dragonwitch. I immediately went back to books 1-4 (Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower) and followed the series in lock-step until Anne Elisabeth Stengl put aside that world (and took on the name Sylvia Mercedes) in 2017. What I did not realize was that there were also two novellas and a short story that Stengl released as well—shorter, less complex stories set in Goldstone that provided readers some story fodder between full length novels.
Fallen Star is a short story (about forty pages) that was borne out of a contest that Stengl ran where the winner could pick a character for Stengl to write a story about. That winner chose Beana, a character central to Veiled Rose, and the result is this quick glimpse into Goldstone. This is strictly a fan-service story. It’s not a good place to enter Stengl’s writing and the story assumes you have full knowledge from Veiled Rose who all the characters are. It’s almost more of an outtake from the main novel or fan fiction.
The story’s only intention is to show the first meeting between two central and fan-favorite characters. As a standalone story, it isn’t much. But, it wasn’t intended to be. It’s one of those things an author does for fun and usually offers for free. At a current price of $0.99 on Kindle, it’s probably not worth that unless you’re already a fan of the series. Your dollar is more of a generous donation to a beloved author and series.
Fallen Star was enjoyable, but it’s not really a story. It’s more of a collection of scenes that resulted from Stengl’s excellent ability to interact with her fans. It’s a unique method of storytelling and, while I’m not sure that Kindle was the best place to do it, I have to give Stengl credit for engaging her audience in new and unique ways.
Fallen Star is a short story (about forty pages) that was borne out of a contest that Stengl ran where the winner could pick a character for Stengl to write a story about. That winner chose Beana, a character central to Veiled Rose, and the result is this quick glimpse into Goldstone. This is strictly a fan-service story. It’s not a good place to enter Stengl’s writing and the story assumes you have full knowledge from Veiled Rose who all the characters are. It’s almost more of an outtake from the main novel or fan fiction.
The story’s only intention is to show the first meeting between two central and fan-favorite characters. As a standalone story, it isn’t much. But, it wasn’t intended to be. It’s one of those things an author does for fun and usually offers for free. At a current price of $0.99 on Kindle, it’s probably not worth that unless you’re already a fan of the series. Your dollar is more of a generous donation to a beloved author and series.
Fallen Star was enjoyable, but it’s not really a story. It’s more of a collection of scenes that resulted from Stengl’s excellent ability to interact with her fans. It’s a unique method of storytelling and, while I’m not sure that Kindle was the best place to do it, I have to give Stengl credit for engaging her audience in new and unique ways.
April 13, 2020
General Review of The Tales of Goldstone Wood
This is a wonderful book series. It's Christian fantasy allegory, so if you liked Narnia, you'll probably like this. However, two caveats:
-Most of the book covers aren't accurate to the content of the books. Just ignore them completely.
-The books are published out of chronological order, to the detriment of the reader's understanding and enjoyment. The author herself has stated that she believes Heartless is the best introduction to the series, but I completely disagree (for reasons outlined in my Goodreads review of that book). Here is the order in which these beautiful novels sit upon my bookshelf.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood Chronological Order
1. Draven's Light (novella, publishing order #9) - My 3-star review.
2. Starflower (publishing order #4) - My 5-star review.
3. Dragonwitch (publishing order #5) - My 2-star review.
4. Golden Daughter (publishing order #8) - My 3-star review.
5. Fallen Star (short story, publishing order #10) - My 2-star review.
6. Veiled Rose (publishing order #2) - My 4-star review.
7. Goddess Tithe (novella, publishing order #7) - My 3-star review.
8. Heartless (publishing order #1) - My 3-star review.
9. Moonblood (publishing order #3) - My 5-star review.
10. Shadow Hand (publishing order #6) - My 5-star review.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood Reading Guide
I recommend everyone to begin with Starflower. It is chronologically the first (and quite possibly the best) full-fledged novel of the series. This book is a fantastic, memorable introduction to the world and some of its key characters, and reading it first will cement a strong foundation in the reader's mind for the rest of the series to be built on. Finally, it can actually stand alone very well if the reader does not have the time or interest to continue with the series.
After reading Starflower, gauge your interest. Are you 100% invested, with all the time in the world and all the dedication you need to get through the whole series? Then I recommend the following reading order, which is the chronological order except for the swap of Starflower and Draven's Light, AND moving the short story "Fallen Star" after Moonblood (imperative because there are major spoilers in the short story).
1. Starflower
2. Draven's Light (novella)
3. Dragonwitch
4. Golden Daughter
5. Veiled Rose
6. Goddess Tithe (novella)
7. Heartless
8. Moonblood
9. Fallen Star (short story)
10. Shadow Hand
HOWEVER, if you enjoyed Starflower but aren't ready to commit to a huge series, I recommend following up Starflower with:
1. Veiled Rose
2. Heartless
3. Moonblood
These three are the first books the author wrote and they stand as a kind of trilogy. Reading these alone would be akin to just reading the Pevensie books in the Narnia series, or only watching the original Star Wars trilogy. The important work of the series is in these books. If you finish these three books and feel that you would like to read more, I recommend Shadow Hand next, as it continues on with the same characters, before going back into the earlier books of the series (which you may consider supplementary material, like the "prequel" Star Wars movies).
Goldstone Wood is unfinished. Is it worth reading?
Stengl announced in Jan 2017 that she is no longer writing Goldstone Wood (she hopes to return in the future, but no promises). How does that affect the series?
Goldstone Wood is many stories interwoven together. All of them do find SOME resolution. The "prequel" set of stories is fully complete. However, the main important plots are not quite resolved. There are no cliffhangers, but the reader can see that Stengl planned a future conclusion that the characters have not yet reached. Is it still a good series? Absolutely. I still loved it. I still lend it out and recommend it. It still reaches (in my opinion) a satisfying enough conclusion.
Yes, I wish it had the ending Stengl planned. Who knows, maybe someday she'll come back to it. She has a lot of fans who are hoping very much that she will. But even if she never does, Goldstone Wood remains a strong entry into Christian fantasy and still worth the read.
Review of "Fallen Star"
This story was okay. It tied up a few loose ends, but it didn't hugely need to be written, and I certainly hope no one reads it before finishing Moonblood, as it spoils certain plot points. There are much bigger holes in the story I would have liked to see filled *cough cough*.
This is a wonderful book series. It's Christian fantasy allegory, so if you liked Narnia, you'll probably like this. However, two caveats:
-Most of the book covers aren't accurate to the content of the books. Just ignore them completely.
-The books are published out of chronological order, to the detriment of the reader's understanding and enjoyment. The author herself has stated that she believes Heartless is the best introduction to the series, but I completely disagree (for reasons outlined in my Goodreads review of that book). Here is the order in which these beautiful novels sit upon my bookshelf.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood Chronological Order
1. Draven's Light (novella, publishing order #9) - My 3-star review.
2. Starflower (publishing order #4) - My 5-star review.
3. Dragonwitch (publishing order #5) - My 2-star review.
4. Golden Daughter (publishing order #8) - My 3-star review.
5. Fallen Star (short story, publishing order #10) - My 2-star review.
6. Veiled Rose (publishing order #2) - My 4-star review.
7. Goddess Tithe (novella, publishing order #7) - My 3-star review.
8. Heartless (publishing order #1) - My 3-star review.
9. Moonblood (publishing order #3) - My 5-star review.
10. Shadow Hand (publishing order #6) - My 5-star review.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood Reading Guide
I recommend everyone to begin with Starflower. It is chronologically the first (and quite possibly the best) full-fledged novel of the series. This book is a fantastic, memorable introduction to the world and some of its key characters, and reading it first will cement a strong foundation in the reader's mind for the rest of the series to be built on. Finally, it can actually stand alone very well if the reader does not have the time or interest to continue with the series.
After reading Starflower, gauge your interest. Are you 100% invested, with all the time in the world and all the dedication you need to get through the whole series? Then I recommend the following reading order, which is the chronological order except for the swap of Starflower and Draven's Light, AND moving the short story "Fallen Star" after Moonblood (imperative because there are major spoilers in the short story).
1. Starflower
2. Draven's Light (novella)
3. Dragonwitch
4. Golden Daughter
5. Veiled Rose
6. Goddess Tithe (novella)
7. Heartless
8. Moonblood
9. Fallen Star (short story)
10. Shadow Hand
HOWEVER, if you enjoyed Starflower but aren't ready to commit to a huge series, I recommend following up Starflower with:
1. Veiled Rose
2. Heartless
3. Moonblood
These three are the first books the author wrote and they stand as a kind of trilogy. Reading these alone would be akin to just reading the Pevensie books in the Narnia series, or only watching the original Star Wars trilogy. The important work of the series is in these books. If you finish these three books and feel that you would like to read more, I recommend Shadow Hand next, as it continues on with the same characters, before going back into the earlier books of the series (which you may consider supplementary material, like the "prequel" Star Wars movies).
Goldstone Wood is unfinished. Is it worth reading?
Stengl announced in Jan 2017 that she is no longer writing Goldstone Wood (she hopes to return in the future, but no promises). How does that affect the series?
Goldstone Wood is many stories interwoven together. All of them do find SOME resolution. The "prequel" set of stories is fully complete. However, the main important plots are not quite resolved. There are no cliffhangers, but the reader can see that Stengl planned a future conclusion that the characters have not yet reached. Is it still a good series? Absolutely. I still loved it. I still lend it out and recommend it. It still reaches (in my opinion) a satisfying enough conclusion.
Yes, I wish it had the ending Stengl planned. Who knows, maybe someday she'll come back to it. She has a lot of fans who are hoping very much that she will. But even if she never does, Goldstone Wood remains a strong entry into Christian fantasy and still worth the read.
Review of "Fallen Star"
This story was okay. It tied up a few loose ends, but it didn't hugely need to be written, and I certainly hope no one reads it before finishing Moonblood, as it spoils certain plot points. There are much bigger holes in the story I would have liked to see filled *cough cough*.
May 23, 2017
She's Done it Again!
Anne Elisabeth Stengl is a true very tale genius! Once more I was sucked into the Goldstone Wood and didn't want to leave it. This story is a perfect explanation for many questions asked, and a beautiful edition to the heart-touching series. The Tales of Goldstone Wood Series is one of my favorites! Its hard to choose which one is my favorite book!
Anne Elisabeth Stengl is a true very tale genius! Once more I was sucked into the Goldstone Wood and didn't want to leave it. This story is a perfect explanation for many questions asked, and a beautiful edition to the heart-touching series. The Tales of Goldstone Wood Series is one of my favorites! Its hard to choose which one is my favorite book!
November 7, 2019
Prequel story
Having read the books of Tales of Goldstone Wood was interested in what this book held that would lead to the start of the series. In my opinion I was not disappointed because the events described filled you in what happened before to set up it's continuation and conclusion to happen in the series.
Having read the books of Tales of Goldstone Wood was interested in what this book held that would lead to the start of the series. In my opinion I was not disappointed because the events described filled you in what happened before to set up it's continuation and conclusion to happen in the series.
September 6, 2024
Great side story to the Goldstone Wood series! I loved the details of this backstory and the drops of humor woven through out!
Scoresheet:
Category: YA Fantasy
Spice/Romance: Clean read
Violence: No excessive gore
Morals/Worldview: Christian worldview. Good morals.
Recommended reading age: 15+
Scoresheet:
Category: YA Fantasy
Spice/Romance: Clean read
Violence: No excessive gore
Morals/Worldview: Christian worldview. Good morals.
Recommended reading age: 15+
October 1, 2024
Book 7.6 in Tales of Goldstone Wood series
A whimsical, allegorical tale. Beauty and love flow across the pages of this book.
"Rest led to thought, and thought led to impatience, and impatience to despair. She refused to let herself despair."
A whimsical, allegorical tale. Beauty and love flow across the pages of this book.
"Rest led to thought, and thought led to impatience, and impatience to despair. She refused to let herself despair."
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this ' Tales of Goldstone Wood ' short story. I would recommend reading this before reading ' Veiled Rose,' as it would help with context.
November 1, 2019
This was an interesting read! I think it's really cool that the author was willing to write a story based on the votes of the readers; that couldn't have been easy. I love her characters!
January 4, 2021
Great series!
This series is amazing. The author makes you feel like you are there. The symbolism is subtle and enjoyable. All in all, I want to read all her books!
This series is amazing. The author makes you feel like you are there. The symbolism is subtle and enjoyable. All in all, I want to read all her books!
January 8, 2017
I have not read the other books this one goes with yet, so it was in intriguing beginning. Of course I really want to read Veiled Rose now! It was not quite what I was expecting, but it was still good, and left me with so many questions. But it certainly felt like a Goldstone Wood book, with the same style and magic, and I slipped easily back into that world through it.
January 13, 2017
2.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews