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The Callenlas Chronicles #1
The Dark Star
In Callenlas, dragons carry riders on adventures, and stars are rumoured to live among human beings. Caught up in a war that threatens everything they have ever known, a downtrodden apprentice and a discontented princess find themselves drawn closer and closer to the great King Elior. Will he prove to be Zaphreth's greatest enemy, or the hero of Runa's legends?
307 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Did Not Finish
January 13, 2026soft dnf 😉 will come back to it later
May 13, 2022
A spellbinding adventure in a mysterious land. Star-people, mindpowers, dragonriders, and two strongwilled youngsters in pursuit of their goals. The choices they make at the end may surprise you.
April 17, 2026
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✢✢🏰✢⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 by 𝐇.𝐑. 𝐇𝐞𝐬𝐬
My Rating: 4.5 ★★★★★
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This book wasn't exactly a 4.5 star for me, but I wanted to rate it 4.5 because I just don't think I am the right person for this book ☺️ Also, please bear with me because I waited too long to write a review and now I don't remember much lol.
This was a really adventurous middle grade fantasy story very reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia. While I'm not a middle grade reader, I was very drawn into the story. It was one of those stories that takes a couple pages to get hooked each time you pick it up, but once you're reading it's a page turner! I thought both characters' sides of the story (I can't remember their names 🤦♀️) were equally intriguing and I liked how they realized their flaws and rash behavior and matured because of the adults helping them along the way. I feel that often in middle grade books the adults are wholly left out of the picture, so I was pleased to find them in this story!
I especially enjoyed the boy's redemption story, how he was so discouraged with himself, but the king was able to help him and encourage him.
𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 11+
➸𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭
To be added :)
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬?
Yes! Especially to a middle grade reader. This book is very adventurous and exciting, while still being clean and very appropriate for a middle grade, (or even younger) audience.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝:
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
The Mapmaker Chronicles by A.L. Tait
The Tuesdays at the Castle series by Jessica Day George
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!
Quotes:
“Well, you have been paying attention in your lessons,” Lord Swarlor complemented her, offering a plate of stuffed dates.
“Not really,” Runa said honestly. “Some stuff sticks. I don’t get to decide what.”
“A bit of a fool,” Elior agreed. “But at least you know you have been a fool. There are far too many who live their whole lives in foolishness while thinking themselves very wise. That is far more unfortunate. You have a great opportunity to step out of foolishness into wisdom.”
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 by 𝐇.𝐑. 𝐇𝐞𝐬𝐬
My Rating: 4.5 ★★★★★
𝑴𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
This book wasn't exactly a 4.5 star for me, but I wanted to rate it 4.5 because I just don't think I am the right person for this book ☺️ Also, please bear with me because I waited too long to write a review and now I don't remember much lol.
This was a really adventurous middle grade fantasy story very reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia. While I'm not a middle grade reader, I was very drawn into the story. It was one of those stories that takes a couple pages to get hooked each time you pick it up, but once you're reading it's a page turner! I thought both characters' sides of the story (I can't remember their names 🤦♀️) were equally intriguing and I liked how they realized their flaws and rash behavior and matured because of the adults helping them along the way. I feel that often in middle grade books the adults are wholly left out of the picture, so I was pleased to find them in this story!
I especially enjoyed the boy's redemption story, how he was so discouraged with himself, but the king was able to help him and encourage him.
𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 11+
➸𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭
To be added :)
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬?
Yes! Especially to a middle grade reader. This book is very adventurous and exciting, while still being clean and very appropriate for a middle grade, (or even younger) audience.
𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝:
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
The Mapmaker Chronicles by A.L. Tait
The Tuesdays at the Castle series by Jessica Day George
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤!
Quotes:
“Well, you have been paying attention in your lessons,” Lord Swarlor complemented her, offering a plate of stuffed dates.
“Not really,” Runa said honestly. “Some stuff sticks. I don’t get to decide what.”
“A bit of a fool,” Elior agreed. “But at least you know you have been a fool. There are far too many who live their whole lives in foolishness while thinking themselves very wise. That is far more unfortunate. You have a great opportunity to step out of foolishness into wisdom.”
March 25, 2022
This genre may not be my usual reading, but I really enjoyed escaping into this new world, engaging with the young heroine and hero. The book is ideal for readers aged 8 or 9 and above. Pace is so important to keep all readers engaged, and this one races along, the reader quickly getting drawn in to the adventures of the two main protagonists.
There is plenty of lovely description and intrigue to keep the pages turning. I have a feeling that there will be many of young readers waking up a bit bleary eyed, having read well into the night!
Set in a mystical world of magic, dragons, special powers and powerful god-like stars, who benevolently (mostly) rule over the lands, it is easy to become immersed into the imagined world. There is plenty of historical background to build the picture of this kingdom, its myths and legends.
The dual storyline, following the female and male characters, accompanies them on a journey of intrigue, danger and discovery. When the two stories then collide, overlapping in their quests to serve their people, we see the dilemmas they face, with their loyalties challenged. They have a clear sense of right and wrong, being good role models, brave and willing to serve.
Threading through the story is their determination to do what is right in a corrupt world… or what they thought was right, as their assumptions are challenged when they learn more about each other’s point of view. Their torn loyalties bring doubts and worries, that all young people will associate with, having to grow up in a confusing and contradictory adult world. In that sense, it is a coming-of-age story, with the main characters maturing, growing from childhood to adulthood.
But, kindness conquers hatred...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-dark-...
There is plenty of lovely description and intrigue to keep the pages turning. I have a feeling that there will be many of young readers waking up a bit bleary eyed, having read well into the night!
Set in a mystical world of magic, dragons, special powers and powerful god-like stars, who benevolently (mostly) rule over the lands, it is easy to become immersed into the imagined world. There is plenty of historical background to build the picture of this kingdom, its myths and legends.
The dual storyline, following the female and male characters, accompanies them on a journey of intrigue, danger and discovery. When the two stories then collide, overlapping in their quests to serve their people, we see the dilemmas they face, with their loyalties challenged. They have a clear sense of right and wrong, being good role models, brave and willing to serve.
Threading through the story is their determination to do what is right in a corrupt world… or what they thought was right, as their assumptions are challenged when they learn more about each other’s point of view. Their torn loyalties bring doubts and worries, that all young people will associate with, having to grow up in a confusing and contradictory adult world. In that sense, it is a coming-of-age story, with the main characters maturing, growing from childhood to adulthood.
But, kindness conquers hatred...
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-dark-...
March 24, 2022
“Zaphreth stood alone under the stars, their light caught in his hair like dust.”
So begins this story of adventure, deepest betrayal, and undeserved redemption.
Debut author H. R. Hess invites readers to soar into a world of dragon riders, Sendings, and stars that come down to walk the earth. It is a world locked in war and the timeless battle between good and evil. Here, Zaphreth leaves behind all he knows to embark on a mission to infiltrate his enemy’s inner circle. On the other side of the battle lines, Runa escapes her father’s palace and a life she did not choose. When their paths unexpectedly cross, the adventure truly begins.
As a reader, I’ll confess that fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but I’m so glad I gave this one a try. Hess exhibits a care with words that is too rarely seen—her writing is simply beautiful.
With echoes of the Christ and our own redemption story, The Dark Star is for every boy who feels the pull to be something more, and for every girl who longs to choose a life of adventure and meaning.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
So begins this story of adventure, deepest betrayal, and undeserved redemption.
Debut author H. R. Hess invites readers to soar into a world of dragon riders, Sendings, and stars that come down to walk the earth. It is a world locked in war and the timeless battle between good and evil. Here, Zaphreth leaves behind all he knows to embark on a mission to infiltrate his enemy’s inner circle. On the other side of the battle lines, Runa escapes her father’s palace and a life she did not choose. When their paths unexpectedly cross, the adventure truly begins.
As a reader, I’ll confess that fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but I’m so glad I gave this one a try. Hess exhibits a care with words that is too rarely seen—her writing is simply beautiful.
With echoes of the Christ and our own redemption story, The Dark Star is for every boy who feels the pull to be something more, and for every girl who longs to choose a life of adventure and meaning.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 5, 2023
Many authors can sketch us a distant snow-flecked moutain range, or show us the feathers twitching on an eagle's wing. It is a far rarer writer who can type three sentences of dialogue that leave us with wet cheeks or pumping our fist in the air. These writers make their characters' lives matter so much to us that we miss our bus stop or the call to dinner.
H. R. Hess is one of these. The Dark Star is her remarkable novel.
Buy it for all your young people, both girls and boys. They will love the dragons, the mind reading, the intrigues and the growing relationship between the girl and boy protagnonists. But most importantly, they will emerge from the last page feeling like they have woken from a glorious dream. 5 stars.
H. R. Hess is one of these. The Dark Star is her remarkable novel.
Buy it for all your young people, both girls and boys. They will love the dragons, the mind reading, the intrigues and the growing relationship between the girl and boy protagnonists. But most importantly, they will emerge from the last page feeling like they have woken from a glorious dream. 5 stars.
February 23, 2026
I was intrigued by this series because it was described as Narnia-esque in several ways. Way 1: It's a complete world with origin lore, magic, creatures, and kingdoms that span centuries. The world is called Callenlas. Way 3: Each book in the series drops you off in Callenlas but in a different time with (slightly) different characters and a different storyline. Way 4: The author cultivates the story in Christian moral soil.
Doesn't this sound like something you want to read after finishing Narnia (and wishing it wasn't over)?
This first book, I heard, takes place near the end of Callenlas history. There are two protagonists, Zaphreth and Runa, although I believe that Zaph is the true protagonist, as he changes the most over the course of the book.
They are both young teens, and the story starts with both of them leaving home for different reasons. Runa is a princess who does not want to go to finishing school. She'd rather train as a dragon rider. So, she high-tails it away from home. Zaphreth, on the other hand, has been given a special commission by his General, and he must sneak into enemy territory to complete his mission.
Their paths cross, and they get caught up in politics and maneuverings that have consequences for many.
The plot is fast-paced, and the writing is great!
Doesn't this sound like something you want to read after finishing Narnia (and wishing it wasn't over)?
This first book, I heard, takes place near the end of Callenlas history. There are two protagonists, Zaphreth and Runa, although I believe that Zaph is the true protagonist, as he changes the most over the course of the book.
They are both young teens, and the story starts with both of them leaving home for different reasons. Runa is a princess who does not want to go to finishing school. She'd rather train as a dragon rider. So, she high-tails it away from home. Zaphreth, on the other hand, has been given a special commission by his General, and he must sneak into enemy territory to complete his mission.
Their paths cross, and they get caught up in politics and maneuverings that have consequences for many.
The plot is fast-paced, and the writing is great!
April 27, 2026
Excellent world building and character development. I didn’t want to put it down!
March 27, 2026
Summary: Finishing school? No way! Princess Runa would rather face an angry dragon. Spy for Lord Lur? Sure! Zaphreth is willing to do anything for the tSardian general.
Notes: I certainly like the story, the characters, and the land of Callenlas. My one problem: I don’t know what to make of the stars. Do you recall, how in Narnia, the stars are people? Well, in this book, they are too. The characters (well, the good ones) revere the stars...but I am unsure what to make of it. They’re not exactly worshiping them...except they might for King Elior. He’s the chief star. I can’t tell whether he’s supposed to be a picture of Michael the Archangel or Jesus. That is a problem. Of course, this book isn’t an allegory, and perhaps I’m thinking about it too hard. It’s a good book, except for that one confusing (to me, important, hence three stars) point.
Violence: Battles, kidnaping, dragons. Not super descriptive.
Romance: Yes. Very mild.
Scarry themes: Kidnaping, creepy villain, slave traders, traitors.
Notes: I certainly like the story, the characters, and the land of Callenlas. My one problem: I don’t know what to make of the stars. Do you recall, how in Narnia, the stars are people? Well, in this book, they are too. The characters (well, the good ones) revere the stars...but I am unsure what to make of it. They’re not exactly worshiping them...except they might for King Elior. He’s the chief star. I can’t tell whether he’s supposed to be a picture of Michael the Archangel or Jesus. That is a problem. Of course, this book isn’t an allegory, and perhaps I’m thinking about it too hard. It’s a good book, except for that one confusing (to me, important, hence three stars) point.
Violence: Battles, kidnaping, dragons. Not super descriptive.
Romance: Yes. Very mild.
Scarry themes: Kidnaping, creepy villain, slave traders, traitors.
June 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this tale of two young people adventuring across the land, discovering their strengths and flaws, challenging their beliefs. The story has some great action scenes but also doesn’t shy away from delving deep into the characters. I liked how the characters were set up on opposite sides of the fight and how it challenged them to really think about their beliefs. Towards the end of the story there was a strong allegorical feel to the storytelling. I’m looking forward to reading more in the world of Callenlas.
July 10, 2023
This book is so fun and is so fast paced. I enjoyed piecing the perspectives together of this book of when both characters where gonna meet and I definitely enjoyed reading this and the friendship and relationship between the protagonists. I enjoyed the action and how transgressive Runa is in this book which makes her easy to relate to. I would re read this 100% and will buy the next book in the callenlas chronicles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
This was a really great story that didn't take much work to get into. A map included in the front cover is always a good indicator of something good to follow.
The story ends, leaving the reader wanting more in this universe. The book is clean, no swears or sexual content, and it is a great read for teens and even adults.
The story ends, leaving the reader wanting more in this universe. The book is clean, no swears or sexual content, and it is a great read for teens and even adults.
June 28, 2023
Highly recommended this to Narnia fans
August 27, 2023
Brilliantly beautiful!
January 17, 2024
I loved this book! Another gift from my daughter. She really picked a good one this time. All I can say is read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
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July 16, 2024I loved it! To begin with I thought how could this relate to God at all, but then in the end the King ended up being portrayed to be like Jesus. The antagonist is portrayed to be like the devil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
Totally enrapturing! Brilliant for young people.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews