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The Starkin Crown #1
The Starthorn Tree
The kingdom of estelliana is troubled. The young starkin count is trapped in a cursed sleep, and not even the light from the Astonomer's Tower, built from precious glass by the bound hearthkin, can rouse him. Ages 10+ years.
456 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
7 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
About the author
Kate Forsyth
84 books2,551 followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 19, 2021
Everything a fantasy needs is within these pages. Wonderful world-building, quirky characters, a unique magic system and and epic journey. And of course a slew of villains, twists and turns in the plot to keep you guessing.
It was soothing and satisfying to read this children's fantasy and watch the dramas unfold for the cast as they made their way through their perilous journey, learning about their world and themselves along the way. Forsyth has delivered another great story.
It was soothing and satisfying to read this children's fantasy and watch the dramas unfold for the cast as they made their way through their perilous journey, learning about their world and themselves along the way. Forsyth has delivered another great story.
May 18, 2012
4 1/2 Stars.
This book is full of wonderful and surprising characters, intriguingly named fantasy creatures, and Kate Forsyth's familiar themes of finding friends in least-expected places and revealing undiscovered strengths and talents through dangers and challenges faced.
The story races along with suspense, action, emotion, danger and cliff-hanging excitement.
The baddies are satisfyingly bad, a prince needs rescuing by a princess, in a more modern twist on the fable and sacrifices must be made to gain the reward.
I love the names of the creatures - hobhenky, boo-bogey, wildkin, grogoyle, as well as more familiar creatures, such as wood-sprites and river-roans.
I've taken off half a star for:
September 25, 2012
This book has to be my favourite book of all time. It was beautifuly written and the storyline was exquisite! The characters had growth and their own little stories. I loved the adventure's they went on during the main 'adventure'. I loved the quest that the interesting and unique band of friends went on. I liked the tiny pinch of romance. I loved the world it was set in. And I truly long to see a Starthorn Tree!
February 19, 2013
Very cute book. A little below my normal level, more for young adults, but still a charming book that I really enjoyed. Relatable characters, interesting storyline and a few unexpected twists. This together with the adorable cover and horse-character made this book a keeper for my library.
September 6, 2009
The Starthorn Tree by Kate Forsyth, I found, was difficult to get into because of the dialogue of the characters. It slowed the story down and I found it distracting. But once I got used to the way they spoke and the strange names of the creatures, the story picked up and improved from there.
The story is a classic quest. Five children (aged around 12 to 15 years of age) from different backgrounds, ranging from princess to thief, are brought together for a common cause; although some characters are rather reluctant but they don’t have much of a choice. They are joined by an old man, who isn’t all he seems, and their journey takes them across the most dangerous terrain they can imagine. There are soldiers on foot and on flying birds chasing them; gibgoblins, sprites, wildkin and other creatures prepared to kill them as look at them and a woman of the Crafty they must find before time runs out and the princess’s brother dies.
The poor children are faced with horrors that would curl your toes and they must get over differences that we adults can’t seem to do ourselves. There is a lot of action, but there’s always time for a fed after a long day of journeying, fighting, arguing, and just generally running for their lives. There’s some good humour, lots of great scenery, moments of sadness that will bring a lump to your throat and even a touch of romance. As far as I know, The Starthorn Tree is a stand alone book, which means there are no other books with these characters in it. And as all good books should, it left me feeling satisfied with an ending that gave a hint of what would happen in the future for the characters and how their journey had changed their lives.
Apart from the unsettled beginning, I found this book to be a good read – interesting, exciting and it manages to draw you in. I certainly would pick up another book written by the same author.
Recommended.
The story is a classic quest. Five children (aged around 12 to 15 years of age) from different backgrounds, ranging from princess to thief, are brought together for a common cause; although some characters are rather reluctant but they don’t have much of a choice. They are joined by an old man, who isn’t all he seems, and their journey takes them across the most dangerous terrain they can imagine. There are soldiers on foot and on flying birds chasing them; gibgoblins, sprites, wildkin and other creatures prepared to kill them as look at them and a woman of the Crafty they must find before time runs out and the princess’s brother dies.
The poor children are faced with horrors that would curl your toes and they must get over differences that we adults can’t seem to do ourselves. There is a lot of action, but there’s always time for a fed after a long day of journeying, fighting, arguing, and just generally running for their lives. There’s some good humour, lots of great scenery, moments of sadness that will bring a lump to your throat and even a touch of romance. As far as I know, The Starthorn Tree is a stand alone book, which means there are no other books with these characters in it. And as all good books should, it left me feeling satisfied with an ending that gave a hint of what would happen in the future for the characters and how their journey had changed their lives.
Apart from the unsettled beginning, I found this book to be a good read – interesting, exciting and it manages to draw you in. I certainly would pick up another book written by the same author.
Recommended.
March 13, 2012
Kate has created an intricate magical world Estelliana where Pedrin a mere goat herder hearthkin, lives with his mother and sister. His best friend Durrik is a cripple with poor health who finds Pedrin a true friend happily, ignoring his frail physical condition, bringing him into the world of fishing, running and climbing. Neither boy has any idea how much of an adventure they are about to undertake.
The starkin rule the world that is in peril. The starkin count is trapped in a cursed sleep, if he dies then Lord Zavion will rule and the heathkin will suffer more greatly. The glass tower that is built with brutality by conscripted manpower, every able bodied male sent to the task. Pedrin and Durrik find the going very tough but make it to see the project end. This is where their journey really begins, Durrik has been dreaming a prophecy he announces on completion of the tower, causing he and Pedrin to flee the wrath of Lord Zavion.
Four friends come together, hearthkin, magical, wildkin, and starkin to join forces to overcome the evil pervading the starkin and restore the prince to the throne. The reader comes to know each of the young adults well and urges them to survive the perilous flight and win the battle over evil. The starthorn tree itself is a magical element in the story.
I loved this book which is the first of a trilogy Chronicles of Estelliana, the second is ‘The Wilkin’s Curse’ followed by ‘The Starkin Crown’ her latest book. Kate is an accomplished and international bestselling author of twenty four books for both adults and children. I met her at Somerset Literary Festival this year and was delighted to be able to add ‘the Starthorn Tree’ and ‘the Wildkin’s Curse’ to my signed keep forever library of books.
The starkin rule the world that is in peril. The starkin count is trapped in a cursed sleep, if he dies then Lord Zavion will rule and the heathkin will suffer more greatly. The glass tower that is built with brutality by conscripted manpower, every able bodied male sent to the task. Pedrin and Durrik find the going very tough but make it to see the project end. This is where their journey really begins, Durrik has been dreaming a prophecy he announces on completion of the tower, causing he and Pedrin to flee the wrath of Lord Zavion.
Four friends come together, hearthkin, magical, wildkin, and starkin to join forces to overcome the evil pervading the starkin and restore the prince to the throne. The reader comes to know each of the young adults well and urges them to survive the perilous flight and win the battle over evil. The starthorn tree itself is a magical element in the story.
I loved this book which is the first of a trilogy Chronicles of Estelliana, the second is ‘The Wilkin’s Curse’ followed by ‘The Starkin Crown’ her latest book. Kate is an accomplished and international bestselling author of twenty four books for both adults and children. I met her at Somerset Literary Festival this year and was delighted to be able to add ‘the Starthorn Tree’ and ‘the Wildkin’s Curse’ to my signed keep forever library of books.
April 24, 2011
This was such a good read.
It had everything a good fantasy book should have : Magic, monsters, adventures, destiny, a prophecy etc...Though it would have been good if there were also sword fighting scenes and stuff <3
The ending was expected but could have been more conclusive rather rather just ending with a quick conversation.
I have read its sequel and cannot wait for book 3: The Starkin Crown
It had everything a good fantasy book should have : Magic, monsters, adventures, destiny, a prophecy etc...Though it would have been good if there were also sword fighting scenes and stuff <3
The ending was expected but could have been more conclusive rather rather just ending with a quick conversation.
I have read its sequel and cannot wait for book 3: The Starkin Crown
August 6, 2011
A spellbinding tale of a magical land in which many and varied kinds of people and creatures live, many in disharmony. Trouble is near and five children and an old man, all from different backgrounds, must solve the riddles and overcome their predjudices against each other to save the kingdom.
The characters, the setting, the plot and the magic all combine to make a fantastic story of understanding, tolerance, courage and friendship.
The characters, the setting, the plot and the magic all combine to make a fantastic story of understanding, tolerance, courage and friendship.
April 29, 2013
Adored this book. It was like stepping into an adventure and being with the characters, up to the very last chapters you are up to your neck in suspense and when you finish you have to take a minute to think it all over. A wonderful plot that was unpredictable and took twists and turns all the time. I hope that HEAPS of people read this wonderful book and enjoy it as much as I did. Well done Kate Forsyth!
February 1, 2015
LOVED this book since I first read it , many christmases ago. Although it is a fairytale full of hobhenkies and grogoyles, the way Forsyth writes is believable! Everytime I read it, even now, I feel like I am discovering the characters and the world of Estelliana all over again. And falling in love again!
I also DID NOT know it was a trilogy! I must now go find the rest of the stories!!!
I also DID NOT know it was a trilogy! I must now go find the rest of the stories!!!
March 29, 2016
I adore this book so incredibly much. I read it first when I was eleven, and it spellbound me. I was totally sucked into Estelliana and got through the story in about a day.
Five years later, it's still one of my favourites. There's something about the characters that is so real and wonderful to me, and the way Forsyth builds their friendships is probably one of my favourite things about this book. It's believable, especially as they come to grips with their own prejudices and learn to accept each other.
The fantasy creatures, too, are great. Many fantasy authors fall down on these, but Forsyth does the opposite, putting originality in a genre that often suffers from an over use of 'Tolkienised' elves and dwarves that often feel formulaic. A great balance between realistic sadness and happiness, the Starthorn Tree left me feeling satisfied and bittersweet at its ending. Definitely recommended!
Five years later, it's still one of my favourites. There's something about the characters that is so real and wonderful to me, and the way Forsyth builds their friendships is probably one of my favourite things about this book. It's believable, especially as they come to grips with their own prejudices and learn to accept each other.
The fantasy creatures, too, are great. Many fantasy authors fall down on these, but Forsyth does the opposite, putting originality in a genre that often suffers from an over use of 'Tolkienised' elves and dwarves that often feel formulaic. A great balance between realistic sadness and happiness, the Starthorn Tree left me feeling satisfied and bittersweet at its ending. Definitely recommended!
April 27, 2014
Once again life is such a distraction so I am excited to have finally finished this book!! Friend and author Kate Forsyth enchants us again!! I found to enjoy this, you really need to concentrate to follow the dialogue between the characters and the detail that went into creating the world of Estelliana, character development and how the misfits come together to embark on a wild adventure to stop an evil prophecy.. Great story!!
September 2, 2008
after reading such long, and heavy fantasy novels this story was a refreshing change. it had new story lines, and real characters and a totally different concept. kate also has a really great way of writing.
October 7, 2016
it was amazing no other words except Kate Forsyth is an amazing writer that once I started reading I couldn't stop reading, overall an amazing book and series I loved the series as much as the firs book.
August 2, 2025
4 (High)
📖
This book was beautiful. So captivating - the setting drew me in completely. Kate Forsyth does atmosphere like a seasoned pro. This one was a bit on the longer side, particularly given it is YA targeted, and at times it maybe became a bit slow. But other than that I loved it - the characters were so loveable and the way they grew to care about each other was beautiful. There was a moment near the end of the book where one of my favourite characters made a truly heroic sacrifice and I would have cried were I not in the middle of a packed plane.
📖
This book was beautiful. So captivating - the setting drew me in completely. Kate Forsyth does atmosphere like a seasoned pro. This one was a bit on the longer side, particularly given it is YA targeted, and at times it maybe became a bit slow. But other than that I loved it - the characters were so loveable and the way they grew to care about each other was beautiful. There was a moment near the end of the book where one of my favourite characters made a truly heroic sacrifice and I would have cried were I not in the middle of a packed plane.
March 27, 2019
A book from my childhood which I’ve never been able to forget. I’ve reread this multiple times and I absolutely love the characters (even the stuck-up, annoying ones) and the storyline. Was quite shocked to discover that this is part of a trilogy, since the story ended so well in The Starthorn Tree. However, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for Book 2 and 3!
September 30, 2018
Kid's fantasy adventure that assumes that kids appreciate a touch of realism and grit amongst the requisite whimsy. Bog-standard fantasyland and quest made appealing by a real sense of history and culture and well-drawn characters. Great fun, although a little predictable and heavy on exposition.
January 4, 2018
My favourite book of all time
October 25, 2020
An enjoyable read 😊 filled with mystical creatures and magics.
November 24, 2020
Adventure aplenty. Thankfully the next generation will not only have Enid Brighton.
October 9, 2021
I read this book as a kid and honestly still holds up pretty well as an adult.
October 29, 2024
A childhood favorite but you can definitely tell it was a product of its time in some aspects.
March 16, 2025
i ate this up as a teen
September 2, 2011
I'm the kind of person who doesn't knock it till I've tried it and honestly I didn't think I would like this book at all. Even though it was by one of my best friends favorite authors (when we met her my friend went all fan girl on us and the author recommended I read this book if I was interested in trying the genre). Tell the truth, fantasy writing is not my thing and I'm not a huge sci-fi fan either they always seemed a little lame and nerdy is I dare say it. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I've never seen (and enjoyed) sci-fi films or read fantasy books (if Harry Potter counts, if not then this was my first attempt).
Having said all that it took me a while to get into the book, nothing I haven't experience before my favorite crime writer makes me feel the same. It may have had something to do with me picturing orange skies and purple fields but that disappeared when I started getting a more earthy colour pallet in my mind's eye. One annoyance that really bugged me and still does is the obsession the author had with the letter Z (don't worry no spoilers here) one race of people were known as the Ziv from the Zarissa and spoke Ziverian fair enough Spaniards are from Spain and speak Spanish but did every man from the bloody race have to have names that start with Z too? The King was Zoltan his son Zygmunt "Ziggy" and there was a Lord named Zavion it took me ages to figure who was dead, who was asleep and who was the bad guy!
But once I worked that out it was quite enjoyable to my skeptical surprise. I found myself concerned with the characters and secretly match-making them, though it didn't work out neither of my wanted matches were meant to be, but that’s ok I was still happy in the end ... though I hope someone marries Briony she’s my favorite. Though I guess I'll know in the next book, since it is about their kids ... I think, the author said something about the next generation being in one of the three books. Doesn't matter. Anyway, so if your a bit antsy about reading this genre start with this book it is good don't get me wrong, unless your really not a huge fan of alliteration then that first few chapters and the last few will really piss you off Z this and Z that and what not.
I guess I enjoyed it cause there were other elements in the books plot that appealed to me; murder mystery, conspiracy theories. Not to mention the not so subtle reference to the colonization of Australia .. or any country the English "explored"/invaded (that really depends on your view). Also characters seem real no fake personalities there and the author is funny, really funny my favorite line in the books is "this rather lame attempt at a joke fell falter than a pancake." Mainly because I cracked up laughing in the middle of my lab. And yes sometimes the characters will annoy you but that because they are being annoying! See she’s spot on! So needless to say I will be reading the next two because I want to see who marries who and what they will do next. And (spoiler here) I'm dying to find out what the witch wants with a first born baby ... and how she reacts when she finds out the goat died.
Having said all that it took me a while to get into the book, nothing I haven't experience before my favorite crime writer makes me feel the same. It may have had something to do with me picturing orange skies and purple fields but that disappeared when I started getting a more earthy colour pallet in my mind's eye. One annoyance that really bugged me and still does is the obsession the author had with the letter Z (don't worry no spoilers here) one race of people were known as the Ziv from the Zarissa and spoke Ziverian fair enough Spaniards are from Spain and speak Spanish but did every man from the bloody race have to have names that start with Z too? The King was Zoltan his son Zygmunt "Ziggy" and there was a Lord named Zavion it took me ages to figure who was dead, who was asleep and who was the bad guy!
But once I worked that out it was quite enjoyable to my skeptical surprise. I found myself concerned with the characters and secretly match-making them, though it didn't work out neither of my wanted matches were meant to be, but that’s ok I was still happy in the end ... though I hope someone marries Briony she’s my favorite. Though I guess I'll know in the next book, since it is about their kids ... I think, the author said something about the next generation being in one of the three books. Doesn't matter. Anyway, so if your a bit antsy about reading this genre start with this book it is good don't get me wrong, unless your really not a huge fan of alliteration then that first few chapters and the last few will really piss you off Z this and Z that and what not.
I guess I enjoyed it cause there were other elements in the books plot that appealed to me; murder mystery, conspiracy theories. Not to mention the not so subtle reference to the colonization of Australia .. or any country the English "explored"/invaded (that really depends on your view). Also characters seem real no fake personalities there and the author is funny, really funny my favorite line in the books is "this rather lame attempt at a joke fell falter than a pancake." Mainly because I cracked up laughing in the middle of my lab. And yes sometimes the characters will annoy you but that because they are being annoying! See she’s spot on! So needless to say I will be reading the next two because I want to see who marries who and what they will do next. And (spoiler here) I'm dying to find out what the witch wants with a first born baby ... and how she reacts when she finds out the goat died.
January 28, 2016
I fell into this book and didn’t surface again until I’d read all three in the series. I loved the characters, loved the world building and the story that they told together. I was especially charmed by the goats in this book, I thought they were absolutely adorable and I loved that they too got to be heroes. Adventure, magic, mystery, fighting against the odds, friendship, a kingdom in peril, hints of romance – this book has them all. It’s clear this book is setting up a series, but it’s also self-contained and ties up nicely at the end – but lingers with a sense of, the job isn’t done yet, there’s more to come.
I read this right when I was fatigued from pretty much everything and it reminded me how much I love reading and of imagining. This is not a heavy book, that’s to it’s credit – it’s not a book that’s all fluff and no substance either, it’s satisfying on an emotional and imaginative level to read, delivers everything it promises and doesn’t tie you into knots in the process. This is escapist fantasy and it’s marvellous.
(Review reposted from my blog The Conversationalist).
I read this right when I was fatigued from pretty much everything and it reminded me how much I love reading and of imagining. This is not a heavy book, that’s to it’s credit – it’s not a book that’s all fluff and no substance either, it’s satisfying on an emotional and imaginative level to read, delivers everything it promises and doesn’t tie you into knots in the process. This is escapist fantasy and it’s marvellous.
(Review reposted from my blog The Conversationalist).
January 5, 2015
A brilliant start to a wonderful trilogy. A quick disclaimer, I accidentally read this series out of order, the second before the first. So reading through this book held extra delight for me as I got to see first hand how the parents of the characters in the second book meet. There's a wonderful mix of very human characters in this book, all with likeable and unlikeable traits that draw you in and ender then to you (no matter how annoying they can be sometimes!). The characters have a lot of flair, so if you don't like dramatic or stubborn characters this may not be the book for you. The feeling I get from this instalment is it is aimed at a slightly younger audience than the second book in the series, but I found that didn't impact my enjoyment of the story. I also liked the themes of racial tolerance that are threaded throughout the narrative. This subject is danced around sometimes in YA fiction but in this story it was clear while at the same time not in your face. A brilliant read for those who like YA fiction and flawed, but likeable characters.
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December 26, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
March 9, 2013
Very good book
June 12, 2016
This book was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! Kate Forsyth captures the adventures and emotions of the characters so perfectly, with a brilliant story line to compliment as well. A wonderful read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews