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Jewels of Kidron
Susan Miner
2023 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Jewels of Kidron by Susan Miner is a poignant young adult fantasy dealing with abuse. It follows two young girls searching for a place to belong and feel safe and loved. Katie is in a group home for abused children. She is haunted by the same nightmare every night and has terrifying secrets to keep. She can't tell anyone who hurt her or that her best friend is in grave danger. She believes the truth will endanger both their lives even more. Angelina is a lonesome elf who wants what the human girls seem to have—to be safe, carefree, and happy. Her father told her she was worthless and stupid. Both girls, Katie and Angelina, have troubled pasts, which they struggle to overcome. They wish to find a place where everyone can be safe, free of abuse, and loved. Will they ever be safe?
This tale of magical realism blew me away. Despite its challenging and moving premise, Jewels of Kidron is an enchanting and deeply uplifting story. It's about abuse, trauma, dysfunctional families, friendship, courage, forgiveness, trust, and finding your voice. I adored sinking into the world Susan Miner has crafted—full of depth and danger. I loved and rooted for both Katie and Angelina throughout the entire book. I would have followed them to the ends of the earth. Woven with intriguing fantasy elements, this unforgettable story will move readers. It will encourage them never to let anyone break their spirit or silence their voice. Jewels of Kidron is an incredible and life-affirming debut novel not to be missed.
Jewels of Kidron by Susan Miner is a poignant young adult fantasy dealing with abuse. It follows two young girls searching for a place to belong and feel safe and loved. Katie is in a group home for abused children. She is haunted by the same nightmare every night and has terrifying secrets to keep. She can't tell anyone who hurt her or that her best friend is in grave danger. She believes the truth will endanger both their lives even more. Angelina is a lonesome elf who wants what the human girls seem to have—to be safe, carefree, and happy. Her father told her she was worthless and stupid. Both girls, Katie and Angelina, have troubled pasts, which they struggle to overcome. They wish to find a place where everyone can be safe, free of abuse, and loved. Will they ever be safe?
This tale of magical realism blew me away. Despite its challenging and moving premise, Jewels of Kidron is an enchanting and deeply uplifting story. It's about abuse, trauma, dysfunctional families, friendship, courage, forgiveness, trust, and finding your voice. I adored sinking into the world Susan Miner has crafted—full of depth and danger. I loved and rooted for both Katie and Angelina throughout the entire book. I would have followed them to the ends of the earth. Woven with intriguing fantasy elements, this unforgettable story will move readers. It will encourage them never to let anyone break their spirit or silence their voice. Jewels of Kidron is an incredible and life-affirming debut novel not to be missed.
Recommend this book:
Islanders
The Pacific Chronicles
James Eldridge, Richard Eldridge
2023 Honorable Mention
156 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
It was Kaimana's idea to go out despite their father's stern warnings. Kilikina did not see herself having any alternative option to her brother's cheeky attempts at adventure. By the time Kaimana was cutting through Chang's backyard, Kilikina knew they were in too deep to go back. After a series of strange events, they are stuck in the bushes with rare abilities but no idea how to get back home. These two children do not realize they are about to become an integral part of a grand mission to save the islands from being overrun by an evil force in Islanders by James Eldridge and Richard Eldridge.
Pacific island culture and impressive storytelling come together in the first book of the Pacific Chronicles Series. As is expected with novels like this, there is a lot of background history where the principal characters are concerned and their place in the overall storyline. One of the first things that stood out for me in this entertaining story is the way James and Richard Eldridge use the local names for practically every item. From plants to animals, and even local delicacies, you are introduced to the rich local lore behind each of them in a manner that lets you know notes need to be taken for future reference. The interaction between the characters is interesting and immersive in a way that adventure genre aficionados will appreciate. Islanders combines folklore with adventure in an exciting way that holds a reader spellbound all through the book. An impressive piece of work by all standards.
It was Kaimana's idea to go out despite their father's stern warnings. Kilikina did not see herself having any alternative option to her brother's cheeky attempts at adventure. By the time Kaimana was cutting through Chang's backyard, Kilikina knew they were in too deep to go back. After a series of strange events, they are stuck in the bushes with rare abilities but no idea how to get back home. These two children do not realize they are about to become an integral part of a grand mission to save the islands from being overrun by an evil force in Islanders by James Eldridge and Richard Eldridge.
Pacific island culture and impressive storytelling come together in the first book of the Pacific Chronicles Series. As is expected with novels like this, there is a lot of background history where the principal characters are concerned and their place in the overall storyline. One of the first things that stood out for me in this entertaining story is the way James and Richard Eldridge use the local names for practically every item. From plants to animals, and even local delicacies, you are introduced to the rich local lore behind each of them in a manner that lets you know notes need to be taken for future reference. The interaction between the characters is interesting and immersive in a way that adventure genre aficionados will appreciate. Islanders combines folklore with adventure in an exciting way that holds a reader spellbound all through the book. An impressive piece of work by all standards.
Recommend this book:
Academy Arcanist
Shami Stovall
2023 Bronze Medal
446 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall follows Gray Lexly, a boy whose nightmares seem to become a reality. Whenever Gray falls asleep he is attacked by monsters, only every injury sustained in his dreams is still there when he wakes. One night he is saved by Professor Helmith, an arcanist and professor at the Astra Academy who is investigating these dream attacks. She invites him to attend the academy but when she herself goes missing, it is up to Gray to find out what’s really going on.
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall is a good book set in a magical world with some of the most well-known and beloved mythical creatures from unicorns to dragons. I really enjoyed the concept of the arcanists and their Eldrin, and the fact that the arcanist can use the abilities of their bonded creature made this story unique in how it introduced magic. I've always been a fan of beast-taming concepts and I thoroughly enjoyed how Stovall incorporated this aspect. I also enjoyed the concept of the puppets and having them attack characters through their dreams. This poses a significant threat while also being difficult to combat thus leading to a good challenge for the protagonist to overcome. Stovall did a wonderful job with the world-building for this story and I'd love to see more of this type of work.
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall follows Gray Lexly, a boy whose nightmares seem to become a reality. Whenever Gray falls asleep he is attacked by monsters, only every injury sustained in his dreams is still there when he wakes. One night he is saved by Professor Helmith, an arcanist and professor at the Astra Academy who is investigating these dream attacks. She invites him to attend the academy but when she herself goes missing, it is up to Gray to find out what’s really going on.
Academy Arcanist by Shami Stovall is a good book set in a magical world with some of the most well-known and beloved mythical creatures from unicorns to dragons. I really enjoyed the concept of the arcanists and their Eldrin, and the fact that the arcanist can use the abilities of their bonded creature made this story unique in how it introduced magic. I've always been a fan of beast-taming concepts and I thoroughly enjoyed how Stovall incorporated this aspect. I also enjoyed the concept of the puppets and having them attack characters through their dreams. This poses a significant threat while also being difficult to combat thus leading to a good challenge for the protagonist to overcome. Stovall did a wonderful job with the world-building for this story and I'd love to see more of this type of work.
Recommend this book:
The Hollow Boys
The Dream Rider Saga, Book 1
Douglas Smith
2023 Bronze Medal
383 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
The Hollow Boys is the opening installment in Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga series, an urban fantasy aimed at young adult readers. The book follows Will Dreycott, a teenager with the power to walk through the dreams of others. Cursed with a crippling fear that prevents him from leaving his home, the comics he writes about his adventures earn him enough to build a comfortable home in the center of a city he is too scared to walk around. When two other gifted orphans stumble upon a case of children disappearing, Will joined them in searching for those who have been taken.
Adventure drips off every single page of this book, with high-stakes action, novel characters, and world-building coming together to create a rollercoaster that feels like a blockbuster comic book experience. Douglas Smith has created a highly original spin on the classic urban fantasy and superhero tropes with which most readers will be familiar, stamping his identity on the genre while opening what I’m confident will be an equally exciting series. The absorbing prose draws the reader deep into this world. The wonderfully realized characterizations of Will and Case in particular give a layer of narrative nuance to The Hollow Boys as their flaws and strengths are explored. Each has their often unpredictable influence on the direction the story takes. As the opening novel of a series, this story makes all the right moves to encourage readers to emotionally invest in the journey being undertaken, then promptly blows their socks off as that journey unfolds.
The Hollow Boys is the opening installment in Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga series, an urban fantasy aimed at young adult readers. The book follows Will Dreycott, a teenager with the power to walk through the dreams of others. Cursed with a crippling fear that prevents him from leaving his home, the comics he writes about his adventures earn him enough to build a comfortable home in the center of a city he is too scared to walk around. When two other gifted orphans stumble upon a case of children disappearing, Will joined them in searching for those who have been taken.
Adventure drips off every single page of this book, with high-stakes action, novel characters, and world-building coming together to create a rollercoaster that feels like a blockbuster comic book experience. Douglas Smith has created a highly original spin on the classic urban fantasy and superhero tropes with which most readers will be familiar, stamping his identity on the genre while opening what I’m confident will be an equally exciting series. The absorbing prose draws the reader deep into this world. The wonderfully realized characterizations of Will and Case in particular give a layer of narrative nuance to The Hollow Boys as their flaws and strengths are explored. Each has their often unpredictable influence on the direction the story takes. As the opening novel of a series, this story makes all the right moves to encourage readers to emotionally invest in the journey being undertaken, then promptly blows their socks off as that journey unfolds.
Recommend this book:
The Source of Death
Jay Michael Night
2023 Silver Medal
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Source of Death is a young adult urban fantasy by Jay Michael Night. Mikey Black still remembers the day his parents sacrificed themselves to save him from the monstrous creatures of the Otherside. A human-vampire hybrid, Mikey spent years in different foster homes, unwittingly bringing the stench of death wherever he went until he was adopted by an elderly postman, Arthur Cafferty. After a chance encounter with two acolytes named Sabrina and Thomas, Mikey finds himself in the sect headquarters of Portum, where gifted youngsters like him learn to harness their powers to fight against the monsters of the Otherside. With his unique abilities, Mikey distinguishes himself amongst his peers and prepares to join the tribunal with his friends. However, unbeknownst to him, other powers at play want him at all costs.
Akin to the Lorien Legacies series by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, The Source of Death is a supernatural tale that follows a teenager trying to come to terms with his abilities amidst a power struggle between two influential factions of the world. Jay Michael Night crafts a fast-paced rollercoaster of a ride filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and plenty of action. Mikey is a teenager who has lived an orphan's life but his extraordinary abilities put him in a dangerous place where he must prove himself amongst his newfound friends to become who he always meant to be. All in all, this is an exciting urban fantasy series in the making.
The Source of Death is a young adult urban fantasy by Jay Michael Night. Mikey Black still remembers the day his parents sacrificed themselves to save him from the monstrous creatures of the Otherside. A human-vampire hybrid, Mikey spent years in different foster homes, unwittingly bringing the stench of death wherever he went until he was adopted by an elderly postman, Arthur Cafferty. After a chance encounter with two acolytes named Sabrina and Thomas, Mikey finds himself in the sect headquarters of Portum, where gifted youngsters like him learn to harness their powers to fight against the monsters of the Otherside. With his unique abilities, Mikey distinguishes himself amongst his peers and prepares to join the tribunal with his friends. However, unbeknownst to him, other powers at play want him at all costs.
Akin to the Lorien Legacies series by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, The Source of Death is a supernatural tale that follows a teenager trying to come to terms with his abilities amidst a power struggle between two influential factions of the world. Jay Michael Night crafts a fast-paced rollercoaster of a ride filled with mystery, suspense, romance, and plenty of action. Mikey is a teenager who has lived an orphan's life but his extraordinary abilities put him in a dangerous place where he must prove himself amongst his newfound friends to become who he always meant to be. All in all, this is an exciting urban fantasy series in the making.
Recommend this book:
Laela and the Moonline
Lisa Perskie Rodriguez
2023 Silver Medal
376 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie Rodriguez is a transformative coming-of-age adventure of a young girl against a world of inequality. The story welcomes you to the world of Aerizon, a place that is home to four united tribes. Laela is a Treedle who is about to transition from girlhood to womanhood. This change represents a beginning and an end, a force of nature over which she won’t have any control as the Pyuva clan to which she belongs are specific with gender roles. But free-spirited Laela doesn’t want to be constrained by such roles as she is passionate about venturing out and exploring. Complicating matters are her feelings for Vito, a Pyuva classmate, whom she sees courting another girl. She goes on a journey after her friends and neighbors want her to settle down with Leon. She feels that the business of finding a match is showing her the wrong path. But outside Aerizon lies the dangerous hill tribe of the Mergons.
Lisa Perskie Rodriguez gives you a lucid narrative where both characters and the fantastic world they inhabit come alive. Laela is no old-school cookie-cutter heroine. She has a spark that pushes her to create her own destiny—something that she finds outside her tribe and away from its stringent conformity to age-old practices. While Laela is armed with being reared in philosophical wisdom and closeness to nature, she also has the heart of an adventurer like a huge bonfire that cannot be extinguished. Rodriguez is a master of world-building. Anyone can see the level of meticulousness that went through the details of the history of the Four Tribes, their culture, and their ancestry. All of the elements of an engaging YA fantasy fall right into place in this story. The dialogues are meaty and there is so much energy in its young protagonist as well as her interactions with those around her, especially Prince Mateo. Indeed, Laela and the Moonline is a must-read.
Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie Rodriguez is a transformative coming-of-age adventure of a young girl against a world of inequality. The story welcomes you to the world of Aerizon, a place that is home to four united tribes. Laela is a Treedle who is about to transition from girlhood to womanhood. This change represents a beginning and an end, a force of nature over which she won’t have any control as the Pyuva clan to which she belongs are specific with gender roles. But free-spirited Laela doesn’t want to be constrained by such roles as she is passionate about venturing out and exploring. Complicating matters are her feelings for Vito, a Pyuva classmate, whom she sees courting another girl. She goes on a journey after her friends and neighbors want her to settle down with Leon. She feels that the business of finding a match is showing her the wrong path. But outside Aerizon lies the dangerous hill tribe of the Mergons.
Lisa Perskie Rodriguez gives you a lucid narrative where both characters and the fantastic world they inhabit come alive. Laela is no old-school cookie-cutter heroine. She has a spark that pushes her to create her own destiny—something that she finds outside her tribe and away from its stringent conformity to age-old practices. While Laela is armed with being reared in philosophical wisdom and closeness to nature, she also has the heart of an adventurer like a huge bonfire that cannot be extinguished. Rodriguez is a master of world-building. Anyone can see the level of meticulousness that went through the details of the history of the Four Tribes, their culture, and their ancestry. All of the elements of an engaging YA fantasy fall right into place in this story. The dialogues are meaty and there is so much energy in its young protagonist as well as her interactions with those around her, especially Prince Mateo. Indeed, Laela and the Moonline is a must-read.
Recommend this book:
Ever the Night Road
Michael Breen
2023 Gold Medal
419 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Ever the Night Road by Michael Breen is a fantasy that will take your imagination to new heights. Dagny Losh is seventeen years old. She has been living with the Benzara family in Old Rork for quite some time. Alex Benzara was a friend of her brother Morgan, which is how she ended up with them after leaving The Rakesmount. When her brother succumbed to fever and her sister died after The Rakesmount was washed away, Dagny felt alone and very much out of place in this world. Then she meets the Naverung. Somehow, the roads she takes lead her to the places she needs to be. With an entire world to explore, Dagny is sure to find wealth most could only dream of. Danger and mystery are always around the corner.
Each page reveals a treasure of its own. After being drawn to this book by the cover art, I had no idea of the adventure I was about to embark on. Michael Breen has an amazing gift with words and stimulated my senses on a whole new level. I experienced moments of panic and sheer terror. I felt that the author touched on some deep and personal emotions that we don’t always like to admit, even to ourselves. With a strong female protagonist and other relatable characters, this book is sure to entertain and leave you pondering for days, which is exactly what I did. I feel I need to read it again because I am sure I will find more gems that I overlooked the first time in Ever the Night Road.
Ever the Night Road by Michael Breen is a fantasy that will take your imagination to new heights. Dagny Losh is seventeen years old. She has been living with the Benzara family in Old Rork for quite some time. Alex Benzara was a friend of her brother Morgan, which is how she ended up with them after leaving The Rakesmount. When her brother succumbed to fever and her sister died after The Rakesmount was washed away, Dagny felt alone and very much out of place in this world. Then she meets the Naverung. Somehow, the roads she takes lead her to the places she needs to be. With an entire world to explore, Dagny is sure to find wealth most could only dream of. Danger and mystery are always around the corner.
Each page reveals a treasure of its own. After being drawn to this book by the cover art, I had no idea of the adventure I was about to embark on. Michael Breen has an amazing gift with words and stimulated my senses on a whole new level. I experienced moments of panic and sheer terror. I felt that the author touched on some deep and personal emotions that we don’t always like to admit, even to ourselves. With a strong female protagonist and other relatable characters, this book is sure to entertain and leave you pondering for days, which is exactly what I did. I feel I need to read it again because I am sure I will find more gems that I overlooked the first time in Ever the Night Road.
Recommend this book:
Rebecca Pendragon
Magic Is All Around Us
Gary Green
2023 Gold Medal
276 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Rebecca Pendragon by Gary Green is a brilliant young adult fantasy novel. Rebecca is a twelve-year-old girl who is forced to move to rural Minnesota to live with her grandmother, Naomi. Rebecca's mother just died in a car crash, and she has never known her father. Thus, Naomi decides to help her granddaughter get through her loss and forget about her pain. She tells Rebecca a true story from her childhood, about her dragon friend and the wonderful adventures they once had. Even though the story teaches Rebecca a great lesson, she doesn't believe her grandmother. However, Rebecca soon realizes that the magical world her grandmother was talking about indeed exists. She is about to meet creatures like a gnome, fairies, a water nymph, elves, a gremlin, a flying horse, and more. But most importantly, Rebecca will soon learn who wants to harm her and what the future holds for her.
I loved every second of this fantastic read. Rebecca Pendragon: Magic Is All Around Us is not a simple fast-paced adventure. It's a journey of discovery. It's full of heart, well-drawn characters, and magical creatures beautifully brought together. Gary Green dazzles with a masterfully told tale of great loss, courage, friendship, and hope. He excels in proving how important compassion, forgiveness, mindfulness, and staying in the present moment are. I really appreciated the insertion of so many valuable life lessons about the difference between justice and revenge and the risk of remaining stuck in the past and falling prey to negative thoughts. If you like adventure, strong heroines, and magical creatures, you’ll love The Rebecca Pendragon Trilogy.
Rebecca Pendragon by Gary Green is a brilliant young adult fantasy novel. Rebecca is a twelve-year-old girl who is forced to move to rural Minnesota to live with her grandmother, Naomi. Rebecca's mother just died in a car crash, and she has never known her father. Thus, Naomi decides to help her granddaughter get through her loss and forget about her pain. She tells Rebecca a true story from her childhood, about her dragon friend and the wonderful adventures they once had. Even though the story teaches Rebecca a great lesson, she doesn't believe her grandmother. However, Rebecca soon realizes that the magical world her grandmother was talking about indeed exists. She is about to meet creatures like a gnome, fairies, a water nymph, elves, a gremlin, a flying horse, and more. But most importantly, Rebecca will soon learn who wants to harm her and what the future holds for her.
I loved every second of this fantastic read. Rebecca Pendragon: Magic Is All Around Us is not a simple fast-paced adventure. It's a journey of discovery. It's full of heart, well-drawn characters, and magical creatures beautifully brought together. Gary Green dazzles with a masterfully told tale of great loss, courage, friendship, and hope. He excels in proving how important compassion, forgiveness, mindfulness, and staying in the present moment are. I really appreciated the insertion of so many valuable life lessons about the difference between justice and revenge and the risk of remaining stuck in the past and falling prey to negative thoughts. If you like adventure, strong heroines, and magical creatures, you’ll love The Rebecca Pendragon Trilogy.
Recommend this book:
Pretty Deadly
Kelsey Josund
2022 Finalist
221 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
In Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund, Cinna was the servant girl to her family. After her parents’ death, her uncle and his family made life hell. According to them, Cinna was scum and undeserving of the air she breathed. She always wanted to find a way out of the troubles life threw at her, and the perfect chance came. Preparations were in top gear for the fiftieth-anniversary celebration of the accords, and she wanted to make it count. Cinna suggested a competition with her friend Johann, a petty thief, to loot most of the king’s treasury without getting caught. The duo began plans that clashed and snowballed into a series of events that would either sink or save them. Did Cinna get the good life she desired? Did Johann succeed in his plans?
Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund is a gripping tale that will appeal to lovers of suspense novels. Betrayal, deceit, scheming, manipulation, and elements of romance were some parameters explored in this book. The plot was brilliant and airtight! Kelsey also narrated a story that was unique and unpredictable. I never saw the many twists and turns coming. They left my eyes wide with astonishment. The characters deserved applause, and the writing style was fluid. Cinna was lethal, and I could not fathom how her brain worked. I had to dub her the evil genius because she was too much. How could Johann forget that there was no honor among thieves? I hurt for him. This is a fantastic story that ended a cliffhanger! It deserves to be a series.
In Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund, Cinna was the servant girl to her family. After her parents’ death, her uncle and his family made life hell. According to them, Cinna was scum and undeserving of the air she breathed. She always wanted to find a way out of the troubles life threw at her, and the perfect chance came. Preparations were in top gear for the fiftieth-anniversary celebration of the accords, and she wanted to make it count. Cinna suggested a competition with her friend Johann, a petty thief, to loot most of the king’s treasury without getting caught. The duo began plans that clashed and snowballed into a series of events that would either sink or save them. Did Cinna get the good life she desired? Did Johann succeed in his plans?
Pretty Deadly by Kelsey Josund is a gripping tale that will appeal to lovers of suspense novels. Betrayal, deceit, scheming, manipulation, and elements of romance were some parameters explored in this book. The plot was brilliant and airtight! Kelsey also narrated a story that was unique and unpredictable. I never saw the many twists and turns coming. They left my eyes wide with astonishment. The characters deserved applause, and the writing style was fluid. Cinna was lethal, and I could not fathom how her brain worked. I had to dub her the evil genius because she was too much. How could Johann forget that there was no honor among thieves? I hurt for him. This is a fantastic story that ended a cliffhanger! It deserves to be a series.
Recommend this book:
Wraithwood
The Wraithwood Trilogy #1
Alyssa Roat
2022 Honorable Mention
340 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Wraithwood by Alyssa Roat is the first book in the Wraithwood trilogy. When Brinnie's parents announced they were going to take a trip to visit her sister and help refugees, she assumed she would be tagging along. Turns out, her parents had other plans for her to spend her summer. For the next few months, she will be staying with an uncle she's never heard of that lives in an isolated estate and has the strangest name. Brinnie knows she's in for a long boring summer, especially when her Uncle Merlin doesn't want her to wander around the estate. She soon discovers that everyone is keeping secrets and as she works to uncover the answers, she discovers the shocking truth about her own family. Soon a secret that her own parents have kept from her comes to light. The truth sends her headlong into dangerous terrain when she learns that magic is real and a dark threat grows closer.
Alyssa Roat brings a fresh take on Arthurian legends through a modern tale with notable names such as Merlin, Morgana, and Mordred. The story moves away from the heroic feats of Arthur and focuses on the perspective of the wizards. Roat captures the aesthetic and personality of a small group with their misconceived idea that Merlin is a witch to distrust. Brinnie never knew her uncle existed which builds estrangement immediately in their relationship with them starting from the beginning to get to know each other. Roat puts a unique twist on wizards and creates a new version of Merlin. The story has a lighthearted tone with humor throughout. Certain personality traits attributed to Merlin are woven into his personality with a bubbling attitude and a laid-back perspective on the townsfolk that gossip about him being a witch. The Arthurian elements are ideal for fans of Arthurian legend and Merlin with a familiar enemy in Mordred that delivers a dangerous threat against Brinnie. She has a role similar to that of Arthur as the one trapped in the middle with the threat of Mordred on her shoulders and everyone around her wanting to keep her out of harm's way. Wraithwood is a magical and notable retelling of Arthurian legend that comes to life through the charming Brinnie and her Uncle Merlin.
Wraithwood by Alyssa Roat is the first book in the Wraithwood trilogy. When Brinnie's parents announced they were going to take a trip to visit her sister and help refugees, she assumed she would be tagging along. Turns out, her parents had other plans for her to spend her summer. For the next few months, she will be staying with an uncle she's never heard of that lives in an isolated estate and has the strangest name. Brinnie knows she's in for a long boring summer, especially when her Uncle Merlin doesn't want her to wander around the estate. She soon discovers that everyone is keeping secrets and as she works to uncover the answers, she discovers the shocking truth about her own family. Soon a secret that her own parents have kept from her comes to light. The truth sends her headlong into dangerous terrain when she learns that magic is real and a dark threat grows closer.
Alyssa Roat brings a fresh take on Arthurian legends through a modern tale with notable names such as Merlin, Morgana, and Mordred. The story moves away from the heroic feats of Arthur and focuses on the perspective of the wizards. Roat captures the aesthetic and personality of a small group with their misconceived idea that Merlin is a witch to distrust. Brinnie never knew her uncle existed which builds estrangement immediately in their relationship with them starting from the beginning to get to know each other. Roat puts a unique twist on wizards and creates a new version of Merlin. The story has a lighthearted tone with humor throughout. Certain personality traits attributed to Merlin are woven into his personality with a bubbling attitude and a laid-back perspective on the townsfolk that gossip about him being a witch. The Arthurian elements are ideal for fans of Arthurian legend and Merlin with a familiar enemy in Mordred that delivers a dangerous threat against Brinnie. She has a role similar to that of Arthur as the one trapped in the middle with the threat of Mordred on her shoulders and everyone around her wanting to keep her out of harm's way. Wraithwood is a magical and notable retelling of Arthurian legend that comes to life through the charming Brinnie and her Uncle Merlin.
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