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Starfell #4
The Curse of the Warlock
After the battle on the shore of the Bottomless Sea, Fable is determined to connect to the prize she won from Endora—the Blood Star. But her fractured magic is still not working right. And with her firehawk friend still in Endora’s clutches, the Tanagers’ store missing, and Thorn’s sister wandering in the Lichwood, nothing seems to be going well for Fable and her friends.
When a strange messenger arrives at the Thistle Plum Inn, the residents are sent on a mysterious quest to Stonebarrow. They soon find out that Starfell is facing an even bigger threat than Endora—a furious dragon bent on revenge. Along the way, Fable finds an enchanted amulet that may be the answer to all of her problems. Or is it?
Can Fable and her friends thwart the dragon and her wicked plans? Or will Fable’s magic spin out of control again, dooming Starfell in the process?
When a strange messenger arrives at the Thistle Plum Inn, the residents are sent on a mysterious quest to Stonebarrow. They soon find out that Starfell is facing an even bigger threat than Endora—a furious dragon bent on revenge. Along the way, Fable finds an enchanted amulet that may be the answer to all of her problems. Or is it?
Can Fable and her friends thwart the dragon and her wicked plans? Or will Fable’s magic spin out of control again, dooming Starfell in the process?
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
30 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Renwick
10 books88 followersJessica Renwick is the author of the award winning The Book of Chaos, the first book in the fantasy series, Starfell, for middle grade children (and adults who love fantasy, magic, and adventure!).
She enjoys a hot cup of tea, gardening, her pets, consuming an entire novel in one sitting, and outdoor adventures. She resides in Alberta, Canada on a cozy urban homestead with her partner, tiny monster dog, four chickens, and an enchanted garden.
She enjoys a hot cup of tea, gardening, her pets, consuming an entire novel in one sitting, and outdoor adventures. She resides in Alberta, Canada on a cozy urban homestead with her partner, tiny monster dog, four chickens, and an enchanted garden.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 2, 2022
This fourth book in the Starfell series is another fun and engaging tale following Fable and friends! This time, we get to learn more about the magic complexities of this rich world and see a few new locations. Lively characters fill the pages, along with some nifty creatures, pulling you in and keeping you there. Plus a dragon. We all want a dragon, right? A seamless installment from the previous stories with a great ending that leads well into the next adventure. I highly recommend this series for lovers of magic and middle grade, and any who just like it when characters feel real. I was so grateful to receive an ARC and it did not disappoint.
August 21, 2022
Maybe it's just me, but every book in this series keeps getting better. I loved every page of this novel and can't wait for the next one to come out later this year.
Alright, so Fable finally got her hands on the Blood Star at the end of the last book, and she's still having a hard time trying to connect with it. However, when a strange messenger sends them to Stonebarrow, Fable & Co. learn of a threat that threatens all of Starfell. Can they beat the insurmountable odds and find a way to triumph, or will they be forced to leave Starfell to its fate?
Okay, so first and foremost, I absolutely loved how much more worldbuilding we got in this novel. The Oakrath Thicket is a mysterious place, and it added so much depth to the struggles that Fable and her allies are going through. The rules and how things work made sense, and I just loved how magical it was. I hope we haven't seen the last of this place!
Renwick upped the stakes by a huge notch, so that really kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Fable continues to grow in this book. She's still having problems trusting her powers and her own emotions, and I think she really tackled the issue head on this time around. I'm hoping to see a more confident, optimistic Fable in the next book!
Timothy was a surprising new favorite side character of mine. I like how he is developing, and Thorn's journey had some smaller conclusions as well.
I can't wait for the next book to come out. This series is so great!
Alright, so Fable finally got her hands on the Blood Star at the end of the last book, and she's still having a hard time trying to connect with it. However, when a strange messenger sends them to Stonebarrow, Fable & Co. learn of a threat that threatens all of Starfell. Can they beat the insurmountable odds and find a way to triumph, or will they be forced to leave Starfell to its fate?
Okay, so first and foremost, I absolutely loved how much more worldbuilding we got in this novel. The Oakrath Thicket is a mysterious place, and it added so much depth to the struggles that Fable and her allies are going through. The rules and how things work made sense, and I just loved how magical it was. I hope we haven't seen the last of this place!
Renwick upped the stakes by a huge notch, so that really kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Fable continues to grow in this book. She's still having problems trusting her powers and her own emotions, and I think she really tackled the issue head on this time around. I'm hoping to see a more confident, optimistic Fable in the next book!
Timothy was a surprising new favorite side character of mine. I like how he is developing, and Thorn's journey had some smaller conclusions as well.
I can't wait for the next book to come out. This series is so great!
March 30, 2022
As with every book in this series, we are taken to fascinating new places, faced with brand new perils, and meet new characters who will definitely become beloved (Roarke! I don't want to spoil anything, but Roarke is my firm favorite). By this time in a series I trust the author to deliver on the promised adventure built in the first few books and Jessica Renwick never disappoints. Again, I was ready to go wherever Fable and her friends would take me and delighted to run smack into new plot twists. Enough questions are answered to satisfy, but enough new obstacles are introduced to keep me invested in this world and that's a tricky balance to maintain!
Recommend this book for: fantasy readers, fans of quirky middle grade magical mayhem, unique magic systems, and readers who love immense worldbuilding surrounding laser-focused characters. I've mentioned the Diana Wynne Jones 'flavor' of this series before, and that comparison stands, but this installment reminded me of another favorite, The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes. The emotional, found family element of both books is so lovely, interspersed with bits of humor and silliness.
I was provided a free e-ARC copy of this book by the author. All opinions and reviews are my own.
Recommend this book for: fantasy readers, fans of quirky middle grade magical mayhem, unique magic systems, and readers who love immense worldbuilding surrounding laser-focused characters. I've mentioned the Diana Wynne Jones 'flavor' of this series before, and that comparison stands, but this installment reminded me of another favorite, The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes. The emotional, found family element of both books is so lovely, interspersed with bits of humor and silliness.
I was provided a free e-ARC copy of this book by the author. All opinions and reviews are my own.
March 22, 2022
I received an e-arc of The Curse of the Warlock for an honest review.
This series continues to be an utter delight to read!
The unique world of Starfell continues to be explored through Fable and her friends, including a new memorable friend that I cannot wait for you to meet, Roarke! Each character grows as they struggle with desires and fears while trying to stop Endora and a new threat that emerges intent on destroying all that they hold dear.
Renwick’s ability to weave such an intricate world full of magic and fantastical creatures while keeping it modern, is superb. The story evolves, and just when you think that you know everything, a new tidbit of information is added, and the layers of the story continue to build.
With this being the fourth book in the series, there are so many things that I want to say; however, I can’t as I don’t want to release any spoilers! If you have yet to read this series, I encourage you to do! For fellow fans, I can’t wait for you to sit down with our beloved group from Starfell and dive into their newest adventure!
This series continues to be an utter delight to read!
The unique world of Starfell continues to be explored through Fable and her friends, including a new memorable friend that I cannot wait for you to meet, Roarke! Each character grows as they struggle with desires and fears while trying to stop Endora and a new threat that emerges intent on destroying all that they hold dear.
Renwick’s ability to weave such an intricate world full of magic and fantastical creatures while keeping it modern, is superb. The story evolves, and just when you think that you know everything, a new tidbit of information is added, and the layers of the story continue to build.
With this being the fourth book in the series, there are so many things that I want to say; however, I can’t as I don’t want to release any spoilers! If you have yet to read this series, I encourage you to do! For fellow fans, I can’t wait for you to sit down with our beloved group from Starfell and dive into their newest adventure!
March 16, 2022
As we follow the progression of our group of friends trying to avoid evil relatives, or reunite with beloved ones, we get to see each of these characters grow into their own interests. While still supporting each other, they each have their own goals emerging that they’re looking to work towards, while struggling with the fear of change.
The introduction of an array of enjoyable new characters, as well as getting to know some we’d only heard referenced before (as with Halite), not to mention easily envisioned new locations, and the speed of the story all make it one that could be appreciated by many readers of all ages. I particularly enjoy the delightful Roarke, and the quite complex Halite.
All told, it is a fast paced tale that manages to be heartwarming, funny, and at times just the right amount of frightening. With lots of adventure remaining for this group, and the hint of much more to learn, the next book will be eagerly anticipated!
The introduction of an array of enjoyable new characters, as well as getting to know some we’d only heard referenced before (as with Halite), not to mention easily envisioned new locations, and the speed of the story all make it one that could be appreciated by many readers of all ages. I particularly enjoy the delightful Roarke, and the quite complex Halite.
All told, it is a fast paced tale that manages to be heartwarming, funny, and at times just the right amount of frightening. With lots of adventure remaining for this group, and the hint of much more to learn, the next book will be eagerly anticipated!
April 3, 2022
A series that started with a well-built world and expanding plot line expands into a more dynamic, complex, and enrapturing tale with Renwick's The Curse of the Warlock.
In this next part of their journey, Fable and her friends turn their experiences into wisdom and independence as they face yet more competition vying to steal the blood star. I appreciate that the fantastical villains are gray and the dangerous quests wrapped into the messier challenges of relationships, goals, and self-discovery as one grows up. Fable must wrestle with her own magic and morality in her choices along the way.
Highly recommend this series for middle grade readers; a beautifully interwoven plot line filled with fantastical challenges as well as those inherent in growth and the decisions of one's path.
In this next part of their journey, Fable and her friends turn their experiences into wisdom and independence as they face yet more competition vying to steal the blood star. I appreciate that the fantastical villains are gray and the dangerous quests wrapped into the messier challenges of relationships, goals, and self-discovery as one grows up. Fable must wrestle with her own magic and morality in her choices along the way.
Highly recommend this series for middle grade readers; a beautifully interwoven plot line filled with fantastical challenges as well as those inherent in growth and the decisions of one's path.
September 5, 2022
I am enjoying the series. It's hard to be depended upon and misunderstood at the same time. It's hard to move forward when it hurts... but that's what we do when those on the other side matter.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews