The Dark Star

The Dark Star #1

by H.R. Hess

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?

Genres: Middle Grade, Christian

307 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2022

Reviews

[Emily ✞ || [fallon's vrs] (writing hiatus)]

soft dnf 😉 will come back to it later

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rob Seabrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

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-...

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Ross Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lindsey Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Bethany Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Katharine Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended this to Narnia fans

[Kylie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly beautiful!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Grant]

I 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.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enrapturing! Brilliant for young people.