Grab a cup of tea and a cookie!
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Now lean back and enjoy today's review!

Stars of Varda by airwren

⭐️ Stars of Varda is a story which has been around for quite some time. It has been featured by Wattpad, has over 200k reads and it's probably a well known classic among Thranduil fans. So, why, you might ask yourself, do I include it here? This book is obviously not really in need of promotion. Well, the answer is simple: because it's wonderful, I love it and it's completed.

⭐️ Who will love this book?

If you're a hopeless romantic, who enjoys a good old fashioned love story á la Jane Austen, including a healthy dose of pining, a good amount of furtive glances and the occasional brushing of hands against each other, then this IS the right book for you!

⭐️ Still not sure about it?

I have to admit that at first I was hesitant about reading this story, because it's written in the first person POV and I am not a big fan of those, but all my concerns were quickly dispelled, because Erin just does such a lovely job with it. The writing is on point, crisp and quite straightforward, but with a charming amount of quaintness. It's effortless and very entertaining to read and being only a bit over 84k words, it's an ideal candidate to binge read on a lazy afternoon, cuddled up on the sofa with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

⭐️ What is the best part of this book?

Yes, it's the characters that populate it!

The main character Rîneth is as loveable, smart and witty as she is refreshing in the sense that she's not yet another cardboard cut-out of a kick-ass heroine with ridiculous superpowers. As the realm's only scribe, she is quiet and bookish. In chapter 2 As Clear as Varda's Sky, during a conversation with Thranduil, who of course must counter with a sassy response, Rîneth says quite poignantly about herself:

"I am quick on my feet and can out-talk any situation."
"The spiders will cling to your every word."
"They will."

This isn't to be mistaken as her being a weak character, because she surely is far from being helpless at all. Strength comes in many colours, and physical strength is just one of them. Not every heroine has to impress with impeccable swordplay or arrows always finding their mark. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against fearless female warriors, but I do have the impression that the world of fantasy stories, be they fanfic or original, is slightly overpopulated with those sometimes poorly conceived leading ladies.

Rîneth is Thranduil's confidante, shares his passion for planning dinner parties, and while she is busy playing matchmaker for everyone around her, she is also completely oblivious to the stirrings of her own heart. But this being a warmhearted story, you may rest assured that there will be true love for her and the Elvenking waiting at the end.

Erin's characterisation of Thranduil is one of the best I have encountered. He's not as cold and calculating as in other stories, although he's as impressive and gorgeous as always, but she has done a fabulous job in giving him the air of a gentleman of the likes to be found in a classic Jane Austen novel. And I must say, the Elvenking wears it with pleasant ease.

Rîneth's father Gailon, hier friend Gwendes, as well as a wide variety of side characters are all very well portrayed and make one feel truly at home in this story.

⭐️ What's extra special?

The story comes with lovely artwork by several artists, which has been commissioned for this book, and is a nice extra treat for the readers, as they are all of high quality. This one accompanies the dance scene described below.

⭐️ Favourite Scenes?

This book is packed with scenes to cherish and read over and over again, so it wasn't easy to choose, but I have narrowed it down to three.

The first is the introduction of Thranduil in chapter 1 Rîneth of the Woodland Realm and it captures him just perfectly:

If I did not know him, I would think him intimidating with his mock derisive grin, the tallest elf in the room by far. With his legs crossed and his arms casually resting on the sides of his chair, he has the air of regality, the unyielding confidence which comes with ruling a kingdom for over three-thousand years.

Later on in chapter 23 The Dance there is a scene where Thranduil asks Rîneth to dance (see artwork above) and the way she describes it, is another wonderful prove of how well this story is written and how much I am fangirling over it right now:

Like wind through a field of summer barley, the crowd parts to make way for the King. Their faces show a mixture of disbelief and astonishment; it has been before the Queen's death when they last saw him do anything so frivolous. I maintain my composure, even when he clasps his hand to mine, and places his other at my hip. I am convinced the jolt in my stomach is due to the unfamiliarity of his closeness. It is not as if I have ever danced with him before.

Lastly is a scene from chapter 51 Confirmation, which is packed with one heart-melting moment after the other, but I decided to go with the one where Thranduil explains Rîneth why he had given her the ring (the 'Star of Varda') earlier on in the story:

He strides over and takes my hand, and lifts the finger holding my ring. "Why do you believe I gave you this?"

I swallow. "For helping with your father's writings..."

"Yes, that was what I told you." He smiles wryly, and squeezes my hand before letting go. "In truth, my motive was selfish. I wished to see you wear it and pretend you were mine, even though it could never be so. I liked the idea I could claim some part of you, if only a finger."

And yes, there's a wonderful kiss at the end, but you'll have to go over there and read it for yourself. I can only say that it's one of the most satisfying endings of a romance that I've ever read.

⭐️ The bottom line?

Stars of Varda will make you all fuzzy and warm and the only bad thing is that there isn't more of it. I admit it, I have gone back to this story multiple times, just because it's so beautiful and it melts my smooshy heart.

⭐️ What do YOU think?

Let's talk about favourite scenes, characters, quotes that you remember or anything else you wish to share about this story.

Before you leave, please return your empty teacups and don't leave any crumbs behind!
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Thank you so much :D!

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Author's Notes: I hope you have enjoyed my second review and maybe you have found yourself a new book to read or rediscovered an old favourite of yours.

Thank you for voting and commenting and for your continued support!

Stay tuned for my next review^^!

Cheers,
💫Flora💫

All artworks shown in this review (including credits to the artists) can be found in Erin's book!