This morning, I have a young adult fantasy novel to share in our book review spotlight! Check out Starla, learn about the authors, read my thoughts on the book and enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.
High school is stressful enough without having to save your town from evil incarnate.
But Starla never really had a choice in the matter.
Starla, an aspiring artist, lives an uneasy life with her mom after the sudden loss of her dad. She seeks refuge at the home of her grandmother, Ma Mère, where she feels safe. As a teenager, Starla begins to demonstrate magical abilities. Among them, she discovers her hands glow with purple light and she can understand the squeaks of her pets.
Her new abilities are no surprise to Ma Mère, who reveals a long-hidden family secret of power and magic. Starla's new abilities have been passed down for generations and were awakened by the shift in power when Hel, an ancient evil being, escaped containment.
Hel and those under its power are determined to gain possession and control over the citizens of East Pine and the magical dimensions concealed there. Starla and her friends refuse to let that happen.
If she hopes to thwart Hel's insatiable quest for power and regain control over it before East Pine and all of the dimensions of existence are destroyed, Starla will have to trust her instincts and find the courage to harness the ancestral magic she was born to wield.
The Authors Create a Well-Done Fantasy World for Starla. Blending an exciting world of magic, special powers and good vs. evil with some realistic elements of teen life, the authors create a very engaging world for young Starla's fantasy adventures. While the heroine seeks to prevent evil-doer Hel from carrying out his plans, she has to come of age a bit into her new town, place in life and her family's magical powers.
Book Title: Starla by Terrilynn Moore and Quade B. Smith
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 434 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Laurel Elite Books
Release date: May 2023
Content Rating: PG + M: Mild profanity and the lead character lives in a mental and verbally abusive household. The theme of living in an unhealthy household and getting help is a theme in the book.
Category: YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 434 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Laurel Elite Books
Release date: May 2023
Content Rating: PG + M: Mild profanity and the lead character lives in a mental and verbally abusive household. The theme of living in an unhealthy household and getting help is a theme in the book.
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About the Book
High school is stressful enough without having to save your town from evil incarnate.
But Starla never really had a choice in the matter.
Starla, an aspiring artist, lives an uneasy life with her mom after the sudden loss of her dad. She seeks refuge at the home of her grandmother, Ma Mère, where she feels safe. As a teenager, Starla begins to demonstrate magical abilities. Among them, she discovers her hands glow with purple light and she can understand the squeaks of her pets.
Her new abilities are no surprise to Ma Mère, who reveals a long-hidden family secret of power and magic. Starla's new abilities have been passed down for generations and were awakened by the shift in power when Hel, an ancient evil being, escaped containment.
Hel and those under its power are determined to gain possession and control over the citizens of East Pine and the magical dimensions concealed there. Starla and her friends refuse to let that happen.
If she hopes to thwart Hel's insatiable quest for power and regain control over it before East Pine and all of the dimensions of existence are destroyed, Starla will have to trust her instincts and find the courage to harness the ancestral magic she was born to wield.
My Review
The Authors Create a Well-Done Fantasy World for Starla. Blending an exciting world of magic, special powers and good vs. evil with some realistic elements of teen life, the authors create a very engaging world for young Starla's fantasy adventures. While the heroine seeks to prevent evil-doer Hel from carrying out his plans, she has to come of age a bit into her new town, place in life and her family's magical powers.
Expect a Large Cast of Characters and the Need to Read with Focus. This is a longer young adult book that introduces many characters--some quite necessary, others with little purpose to the growing plot. Sometimes the shifts between characters and scenes were a little confusing and required a re-read or a refresher on a certain character's name or role in the story. Once I had the characters mapped out in my mind, I was able to read the flow of the storyline a little easier.
Would I Recommend Starla by Terrilynn Moore and Quade B. Smith? I enjoyed Starla's character in this adventure. I enjoyed watching her grow into her role and find her place in her magical world. If you enjoy young adult fantasies with female leads and a well-designed fantasy world--this is an engaging story of good vs. evil.
Buy the Book
Meet the Authors
Terrilynn Moore is a retired police officer who now lives as an artist and storyteller. She expresses her passion through her words and art. The book, Starla, was largely written but not completed until after she reconnected with Quade B Smith after a high school reunion. Quade has prior experience as a co-author of a non-fiction book called, The Bark of the Cony.
Connect with the Authors
Enter the Giveaway
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