Review of "The Star Shard" by Frederic S. Durbin

The Star Shard by Frederic S. Durbin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Tween fantasy

Book Description from Goodreads: This beautifully written fantasy tackles the issues of slavery and freedom. Twelve-year-old Cymbril is a slave on Thunder Rake, a gigantic wagon city that rolls from town to town carrying goods to be sold by its resident merchants. The Rake’s master purchases a new slave, a mysterious boy named Loric who is one of the magical Fey. Because he can see in the dark, Loric’s duty is to guide the Rake through the treacherous wilderness at night.Cymbril and Loric secretly join forces to plan their escape—soon the two friends thread their way through a series of increasing dangers, encountering an enchanted market and deadly monsters as their one chance for freedom draws nearer.


My thoughts: Cymbril is twelve and a slave. She sings for the travelling market that she calls home. Audiences are captivated by her wonderful voice, but she longs to be free to walk down the street and go where she would wish.

A mysterious boy is brought to the master of the large barge-like market full of merchants. He is to help navigate in the dark, for he can see in the dark. He is of the fay, a magical thirteen year old boy named Loric.

Cymbril and Loric become friends and find they have things in common. The foremost is the desire for their freedom.

I was confused at the beginning of the book. The first couple of chapters don't make a lot of sense. Once I get past them and the story began to unfold I could see their purpose. It is describing the strange contraption that is her home.

I recommend this book to everyone without reservations. I only suggest to not give up when you read the first two chapters, keep reading, it's worth it.