Unfortunately, when I requested this book, I didn't know it was the fourth book in a series. A better review will be forthcoming once I read the whole series. This book is definitely right up my alley.

I have lost interest in this book. I will not be reading and reviewing it at this time but may do so in the future.

If you are a fan of allegorical fantasy books like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, you will love Starflower. This is the fourth book in the Dragonwood Series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I was asked to be part of this blog tour for this book and though I hadn't read any of the other books in this series, I agreed. I read the synopsis and thought it sounded like a wonderful story. It is! Though it is the fourth in the series, it is the prequel to the other three. I did not feel like I was missing anything crucial and thoroughly enjoyed this book on its own.

Starflower takes place part in the world of Fae and part in the world of humans. The story begins in the world of the faeries. It is a place of peace and a place of enjoyment. A faerie party would be nothing without its bard singing tales of love to the fair maiden, so this story has the bard and the maiden. The maiden is taken by a fallen dragon who must find what her father desires so he will return her wings to her. Two of the maidens admirers begin on the perilous journey to rescue her.

On the way, Eanrin, part-time cat, comes upon a mortal who is unconscious by the river's edge. He believes she must be a princess, for who else would succumb to the river's waters. He rescues her by taking her to a place where princes are toads. He is owed a favor, so the one who has turned the princes to toads allows a toad to kiss the mortal woman and she wakes up. (This is one of the best scenes. It is hilarious. All of the toads are croaking, "Kiss me." )

The book takes you on an unbelievable journey through worlds unknown to humans. It is fully of humor, excitement, and heart. It has such depth. I could see the influence of the poem, The Hound of Heaven, even before I got to the end where Mrs. Stengl says it was influential in this book. The Hound chases you and you run from him believing he wants to harm you. The Beast promises you immortality and promises to make you a god, only to lead you to death. But once the Hound finds you, He gives you more than you could ever imagine.

I know I cannot do this book justice in a review without giving away too much of the story. I want you to find out on your own how amazing it is. I usually do not read this type of fantasy, but I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series!

I didn't get a chance to read this before it expired on my nook. I'm sorry! I do hope to one day buy and read this!