The statues come to life when the stars are aligned. Exciting story, even though the premise/plot arc is a bit hokey. ( )

Serafina had lived in the Biltimore Estate for 4 years now.Over those years, she had protected the Vanderbilts from dangers in the household. This year however, there was nothing to worry about. yet for some reason, she still had a feeling that there was something wrong. And she was right. Every year, the Vanderbilts have a hunting group that comes and hunts deer and other animals for big prizes. One night, while she and her friend Braeden were out, they saw that some hunters shot a white deer. They tried to help the deer,and they left it over night by the fire. The next morning, it was gone. They set out to find it. They eventually found it, but it was strange. A bunch of animals were surrounding it and following it. soon, they found out the white deer had been cursed, and it was attacking the Biltmore Estate because of what they did. Serafina knew she had to protect the precious home. Every night, the deer made statues come to life and fight against the people. After many days of fighting against these statues, Serafina finally found a way to stop it. It was the Angel's Glade. The deer could control every statue but the Angel. With a mighty swing of her sword, all the statues were released of the curse and back to normal. Serafina won once again.

I loved this book. I love the entire Serafina series. They all have their own story line. This one was very interesting. It was a page-turner, and it built suspicion throughout the entire book. It was mysterious and I liked that. I feel like for this book, any age can read it. ( )

Frequently, I tire of series; however, each newly released book is better than the last. This trend continues with Serafina and the Seven Stars.

In this latest book of the Serafina series set on the grounds of the historical Biltmore Estate, Serafina, the self-professed and recognized "Protector of Biltmore", is trying to adjust to recent changes in her life. Serafina's friend, Braeden Vanderbilt, is leaving the estate for NYC and boarding school. George Vanderbilt has asked Serafina to move from the basement where she lives with her father to the family's quarters on the second floor so she can better keep an eye on the guests and the Vanderbilts' daughter, baby Nell. She has only recently adjusted to the fact that she is a shapeshifter like her mother, a catamount in the form of a black panther.

Although not a hunter himself, George Vanderbilt hosts an annual hunt. The next day after the party arrives, Serafina runs ahead in her panther form to warn members of her animal family. A fog rolls in making it difficult for Serafina and the hunting party to see. Within the fog, an unclear shape is swiftly moving through the hunters on horseback eliciting them to randomly fire their shotguns. When the fog lifts, Serafina finds that the entire party has been slaughtered. Serafina begins her investigation to determine what entity killed the hunters before others are killed.

Although the reading level for the Serafina series is grades 4 - 6 (approximately 9 -11 years old), this novel is the darkest of the lot. Be warned if you have a child with an overly active imagination. You might find her with the covers over her head at night. This books does teach some good values, such as friendship, duty, courage, and the the importance of education. Having visited the Biltmore Estate several times I love how the author weaves the story into the lives of the Vanderbilts. The estate's and Vanderbilt's descriptions are spot on in their detail. If you are fans of fantasy, historical fiction, or simply a good story, you might want to begin the Serafina series. ( )

I received this e-book ARC of Serafina and the Seven Stars - Chapter Sampler through Net Galley from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for a truthful review.

After recently reading and enjoying Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty and missing the companion world of Serafina, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there would be a fourth book in his Serafina series! Hooray!

This chapter sampler brings the reader back to Serafina and Braeden Vanderbilt at the Biltmore Estate. I can't wait to see what adventures, natural and supernatural, might be in store for them and for any new allies.

[ADDITIONAL REVIEW COMMENTS AFTER READING THE FULL NOVEL]

Another solid, magical foray into mysterious happenings at the Biltmore Estate during the era of George Washington Vanderbilt. This one was much more deadly/violent than earlier books in the series, which surprised me. But the friendships, nature and history of Biltmore are all back in this new adventure/suspense/mystery. Here's hoping for a fifth book! ( )