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Recommend this book:
Moonburner
Claire Luana
2017 Finalist
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite
In Moonburner by Claire Luana, Kia's parents raised her as a boy to cover up the fact she was born with great magical power that allowed her to draw power from the moon. In their world, female moonburners are lifelong enemies to the male sunburners who draw power from the sun. When her village discovers the truth, they send her to find death, but the gods have other plans.
Claire Luana's Moonburner heroine is strong but compassionate, innocent and yet filled with all the worldly knowledge her parents could safely instill within her. She leaves behind a happy, if not a bit warped, childhood to face the challenges of a burgeoning warrior who is forced into the role of protector. And Kia does all of this with the grace of one who truly believes in doing the right thing.
I loved, loved, loved Moonburner. The world is easily understood. The characters are realistic, especially Kia. So much so, that I was eager to know her story. I cried when she did. I suffered her injuries and reveled in her successes. And I dearly adored her constant companion Quitsu, a smart-mouthed silver fox whose life is magically tied to Kia's. When I finished reading Kia's story, I was immediately ready for the yet to be released Sunburner sequel. I recommend this book to both young adults and older who treasure a good story that finds a happy medium between breathtaking action and heartfelt emotion. I look forward to reading the sequel, Sunburner.
In Moonburner by Claire Luana, Kia's parents raised her as a boy to cover up the fact she was born with great magical power that allowed her to draw power from the moon. In their world, female moonburners are lifelong enemies to the male sunburners who draw power from the sun. When her village discovers the truth, they send her to find death, but the gods have other plans.
Claire Luana's Moonburner heroine is strong but compassionate, innocent and yet filled with all the worldly knowledge her parents could safely instill within her. She leaves behind a happy, if not a bit warped, childhood to face the challenges of a burgeoning warrior who is forced into the role of protector. And Kia does all of this with the grace of one who truly believes in doing the right thing.
I loved, loved, loved Moonburner. The world is easily understood. The characters are realistic, especially Kia. So much so, that I was eager to know her story. I cried when she did. I suffered her injuries and reveled in her successes. And I dearly adored her constant companion Quitsu, a smart-mouthed silver fox whose life is magically tied to Kia's. When I finished reading Kia's story, I was immediately ready for the yet to be released Sunburner sequel. I recommend this book to both young adults and older who treasure a good story that finds a happy medium between breathtaking action and heartfelt emotion. I look forward to reading the sequel, Sunburner.
Recommend this book:
Secrets of the Home Wood
The Sacrifice
Julie Whitley
2017 Honorable Mention
295 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite
Secrets of the Home Wood - The Sacrifice by Julie Whitley is about a family that lives next a mysterious forest named the Home Wood. There are tales of family members disappearing after crossing the brook where sometimes they don’t return. The story begins with the disappearance of Sarah, after an argument with her husband David. When David calls Sarah’s workplace, he finds that Sarah never showed up. David rushes out to look for her. Overhearing the conversation on the phone, their son Jonathon, rushes out of the house, but not before his grandfather gives him some fruit and a protein bar for his backpack. One at a time, Sarah, David, and Jonathon are pulled into the alternate dimension. Since David became a hero in this mysterious land when he was Jonathon’s age, he is reunited with the Sanigglans. When Jonathon finds his way to the forest kingdom, he is befriended by Pugg, the son of the leader of the Sanigglans. They arrive on the brink of war with the Grue. The chief’s wife has been captured by the Grue, and is to be sacrificed during the next full moon. If that happens, all is lost.
Julie Whitley does a magnificent job of traversing back and forth between our family of heroes, making sure to leave each of the characters with a cliffhanger. Her writing style reminds me of Terry Brooks. As the race against time ensues, while the family members are trying desperately to reunite, they are beseeched by desperate events that require them to improvise, and find courage within themselves. Sarah, with the help of her father-in-law’s brother, who had disappeared into the Home Wood many years ago, discovers a diabolical plot behind enemy lines. Julie’s characters are real, and she really captures the essence of family ties, albeit good guys, or bad. Secrets of the Home Wood is an adventure on all levels, with lots of twists and surprises. Brava, Ms. Whitley!
Secrets of the Home Wood - The Sacrifice by Julie Whitley is about a family that lives next a mysterious forest named the Home Wood. There are tales of family members disappearing after crossing the brook where sometimes they don’t return. The story begins with the disappearance of Sarah, after an argument with her husband David. When David calls Sarah’s workplace, he finds that Sarah never showed up. David rushes out to look for her. Overhearing the conversation on the phone, their son Jonathon, rushes out of the house, but not before his grandfather gives him some fruit and a protein bar for his backpack. One at a time, Sarah, David, and Jonathon are pulled into the alternate dimension. Since David became a hero in this mysterious land when he was Jonathon’s age, he is reunited with the Sanigglans. When Jonathon finds his way to the forest kingdom, he is befriended by Pugg, the son of the leader of the Sanigglans. They arrive on the brink of war with the Grue. The chief’s wife has been captured by the Grue, and is to be sacrificed during the next full moon. If that happens, all is lost.
Julie Whitley does a magnificent job of traversing back and forth between our family of heroes, making sure to leave each of the characters with a cliffhanger. Her writing style reminds me of Terry Brooks. As the race against time ensues, while the family members are trying desperately to reunite, they are beseeched by desperate events that require them to improvise, and find courage within themselves. Sarah, with the help of her father-in-law’s brother, who had disappeared into the Home Wood many years ago, discovers a diabolical plot behind enemy lines. Julie’s characters are real, and she really captures the essence of family ties, albeit good guys, or bad. Secrets of the Home Wood is an adventure on all levels, with lots of twists and surprises. Brava, Ms. Whitley!
Recommend this book:
Rise of the Sea Witch
Stacey Rourke
2017 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke is the compelling and tragic origin story for the famed sea witch that stole a little mermaid's voice. When Princess Vanessa's mother dies, she's left to fight for her father's approval while her little brother, Triton, is fawned over and easily coaxed through all his training. Fighting for her voice to be heard, Vanessa discovers a hidden talent for magic, as well as secrets regarding her birth. As humans wage a war upon the kingdoms of the sea, political sides are chosen as Vanessa and Triton end up vying for the crown, with decisions having serious consequences for them both.
In this story expect to find Easter eggs about the Disney classic. It was a nerdy kind of fun to see these little nods to the film, including lines from “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Greek mythology plays a large role in the story with Hades and Poseidon, and a Kraken. Vanessa is everything that Ursula isn't (at least not yet). She's compassionate and loving, yet has the same drive and craving for power with little hints that show the villain that she's going to become. She's easily likable, endearing, and garners a lot of sympathy. All she wants is to be taken seriously, to have her father's attention, be respected. Reading Stacey Rourke's take on Ursula's story gave me a whole new view on The Little Mermaid, seeing a villain in a sympathetic light. There are darker elements that pay homage to the original fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. Rise of the Sea Witch is a delightful and dark origin story that more than lives up to the original tale, with all the fun of the Disney film, and all the tragedy of the fairytale. I loved it!
Rise of the Sea Witch by Stacey Rourke is the compelling and tragic origin story for the famed sea witch that stole a little mermaid's voice. When Princess Vanessa's mother dies, she's left to fight for her father's approval while her little brother, Triton, is fawned over and easily coaxed through all his training. Fighting for her voice to be heard, Vanessa discovers a hidden talent for magic, as well as secrets regarding her birth. As humans wage a war upon the kingdoms of the sea, political sides are chosen as Vanessa and Triton end up vying for the crown, with decisions having serious consequences for them both.
In this story expect to find Easter eggs about the Disney classic. It was a nerdy kind of fun to see these little nods to the film, including lines from “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Greek mythology plays a large role in the story with Hades and Poseidon, and a Kraken. Vanessa is everything that Ursula isn't (at least not yet). She's compassionate and loving, yet has the same drive and craving for power with little hints that show the villain that she's going to become. She's easily likable, endearing, and garners a lot of sympathy. All she wants is to be taken seriously, to have her father's attention, be respected. Reading Stacey Rourke's take on Ursula's story gave me a whole new view on The Little Mermaid, seeing a villain in a sympathetic light. There are darker elements that pay homage to the original fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. Rise of the Sea Witch is a delightful and dark origin story that more than lives up to the original tale, with all the fun of the Disney film, and all the tragedy of the fairytale. I loved it!
Recommend this book:
 by Barbara Kloss is the final chapter of a young adult fantasy series that follows the escapades of Daria. By book four, Daria has left Alex to marry a man she doesn't love in order to save the kingdom. With the marriage proposal intact, Lord Danton Pontefract promises many supportive troops that can hopefully ...){kind=link}
Heir of Pendel
A Pandoran Novel, #4
Barbara Kloss
2017 Silver Medal
708 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Heir of Pendel (A Pandoran Novel, #4) by Barbara Kloss is the final chapter of a young adult fantasy series that follows the escapades of Daria. By book four, Daria has left Alex to marry a man she doesn't love in order to save the kingdom. With the marriage proposal intact, Lord Danton Pontefract promises many supportive troops that can hopefully defeat Eris and the shadow guard. Thaddeus and Vera are in the thick of the battle, hoping to slow the shadow guard until Daria's promised reinforcements show up. But can Daria forget about her feelings for Alex? If she doesn't marry the man she's promised to, how will they ever defeat Eris? Sensing a impending victory, Eris has his eyes set on more than just Gaia. He's focusing on all of Earth, and only Daria can stop him.
This is a beautiful fourth installment in a very popular and well written series. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the third installment and think readers will enjoy this final chapter just as much, if not more now that they finally have the conclusion that they wanted! The only disappointment is that the series is over and readers can no longer join this fantastic cast of characters on a wild and extremely entertaining adventure. Fantasy readers will love all of the traditional fantasy elements within this story but will also appreciate the romance and heartbreak that this story offers, making it a very well rounded and well written book.
Heir of Pendel (A Pandoran Novel, #4) by Barbara Kloss is the final chapter of a young adult fantasy series that follows the escapades of Daria. By book four, Daria has left Alex to marry a man she doesn't love in order to save the kingdom. With the marriage proposal intact, Lord Danton Pontefract promises many supportive troops that can hopefully defeat Eris and the shadow guard. Thaddeus and Vera are in the thick of the battle, hoping to slow the shadow guard until Daria's promised reinforcements show up. But can Daria forget about her feelings for Alex? If she doesn't marry the man she's promised to, how will they ever defeat Eris? Sensing a impending victory, Eris has his eyes set on more than just Gaia. He's focusing on all of Earth, and only Daria can stop him.
This is a beautiful fourth installment in a very popular and well written series. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the third installment and think readers will enjoy this final chapter just as much, if not more now that they finally have the conclusion that they wanted! The only disappointment is that the series is over and readers can no longer join this fantastic cast of characters on a wild and extremely entertaining adventure. Fantasy readers will love all of the traditional fantasy elements within this story but will also appreciate the romance and heartbreak that this story offers, making it a very well rounded and well written book.
Recommend this book:
 by Barbara Kloss is a high stakes young adult fantasy full of action and adventure. After the death of a prince, Alex and Daria go off in search of Pandora's legendary box. The box supposedly holds a power so strong that Daria believes it can overthrow Lord Eris. But Daria doesn't know where the box is and t...){kind=link}
Breath of Dragons
A Pandoran Novel, #3
Barbara Kloss
2017 Silver Medal
470 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Breath of Dragons (A Pandoran Novel, #3) by Barbara Kloss is a high stakes young adult fantasy full of action and adventure. After the death of a prince, Alex and Daria go off in search of Pandora's legendary box. The box supposedly holds a power so strong that Daria believes it can overthrow Lord Eris. But Daria doesn't know where the box is and time is not on her side. Lord Eris has amassed an army that cannot be defeated without reinforcements from the other regions. But for those reinforcements, the other lords want Daria's hand in marriage. And another magic stirs in the region, the magic of dragons which hasn't been seen for years and is very unpredictable. Can Daria find the box in time to stop the evil lord? Or will she have to give up on love and marry in order to save her kingdom.
This is a beautifully written book full of love and action and adventure. The writing is strong and readers will love the pacing and details of the story. The characters are interesting and very realistic. Readers will identify with Daria's struggle and understand why she works so hard to bring peace to her region. There are all the typical fantasy elements: evil lords, forced marriage proposals, and even wildly unpredictable dragons. There are other elements in this story too. Strong characters, sweet sensitive sides, and great pacing.
Breath of Dragons (A Pandoran Novel, #3) by Barbara Kloss is a high stakes young adult fantasy full of action and adventure. After the death of a prince, Alex and Daria go off in search of Pandora's legendary box. The box supposedly holds a power so strong that Daria believes it can overthrow Lord Eris. But Daria doesn't know where the box is and time is not on her side. Lord Eris has amassed an army that cannot be defeated without reinforcements from the other regions. But for those reinforcements, the other lords want Daria's hand in marriage. And another magic stirs in the region, the magic of dragons which hasn't been seen for years and is very unpredictable. Can Daria find the box in time to stop the evil lord? Or will she have to give up on love and marry in order to save her kingdom.
This is a beautifully written book full of love and action and adventure. The writing is strong and readers will love the pacing and details of the story. The characters are interesting and very realistic. Readers will identify with Daria's struggle and understand why she works so hard to bring peace to her region. There are all the typical fantasy elements: evil lords, forced marriage proposals, and even wildly unpredictable dragons. There are other elements in this story too. Strong characters, sweet sensitive sides, and great pacing.
Recommend this book:
Time Zero
Carolyn Cohagan
2017 Gold Medal
432 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
Walls separate Manhattan from the rest of the world and strict religious laws govern its inhabitants, the women in particular, in Time Zero by Carolyn Cohagan. Mina is fifteen years old and it’s the day of her offering, a ceremony to arrange her marriage. If that wasn’t bad enough, her beloved grandmother is in hospital after a fall. This presents an urgent situation, for Nana has secretly been teaching Mina to read. To protect them both from the Teachers, Mina must retrieve the Primer. She does this, but finds herself in a dangerous situation when she attempts to prevent a public stoning. A boy called Juda rescues her, and their fledgling romance ends before it can begin when Mina becomes engaged to Juda’s boss, Damon Asher. Mina soon discovers that the rich and powerful Ashers aren’t as pious as they appear, and a sequence of disastrous events leads her to realise that salvation may lie with the leaf Nana left in the Primer.
Mina is an inspiring heroine. She’s bold and gutsy within the restraints placed on her by society, and positively daring when it comes to her early interactions with Juda. Fascinating dynamics govern the relationships Mina has with her family, as well as her interactions with her future mother-in-law. My one complaint is that I don’t understand how such an extreme, patriarchal religion could hail a woman as a prophet. That said, I feel it could’ve worked if the author had developed the idea more. However, Time Zero surpassed my expectations. Carolyn Cohagan intertwines an important narrative about misogyny with a web of intrigue that culminates in jaw-dropping plot twists.
Walls separate Manhattan from the rest of the world and strict religious laws govern its inhabitants, the women in particular, in Time Zero by Carolyn Cohagan. Mina is fifteen years old and it’s the day of her offering, a ceremony to arrange her marriage. If that wasn’t bad enough, her beloved grandmother is in hospital after a fall. This presents an urgent situation, for Nana has secretly been teaching Mina to read. To protect them both from the Teachers, Mina must retrieve the Primer. She does this, but finds herself in a dangerous situation when she attempts to prevent a public stoning. A boy called Juda rescues her, and their fledgling romance ends before it can begin when Mina becomes engaged to Juda’s boss, Damon Asher. Mina soon discovers that the rich and powerful Ashers aren’t as pious as they appear, and a sequence of disastrous events leads her to realise that salvation may lie with the leaf Nana left in the Primer.
Mina is an inspiring heroine. She’s bold and gutsy within the restraints placed on her by society, and positively daring when it comes to her early interactions with Juda. Fascinating dynamics govern the relationships Mina has with her family, as well as her interactions with her future mother-in-law. My one complaint is that I don’t understand how such an extreme, patriarchal religion could hail a woman as a prophet. That said, I feel it could’ve worked if the author had developed the idea more. However, Time Zero surpassed my expectations. Carolyn Cohagan intertwines an important narrative about misogyny with a web of intrigue that culminates in jaw-dropping plot twists.
Recommend this book:
Lost Girl
Chanda Hahn
2017 Gold Medal
334 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Lost Girl is the first book in the series The Neverwood Chronicles by Chanda Hahn. Readers are introduced to Wendy, a teenage girl who was adopted after she had been found after almost drowning. Wendy has no memories of what had happened before that moment. But shadows seem to follow her more often, and it seems important to remember who she really is, especially when Peter and his strange companions become part of her life. Peter's best friend Tink(erbell) doesn't like Wendy much, but when things become more serious, she agrees that Wendy should be allowed to meet the Lost Boys and enter their hidden base called Neverwood. Wendy learns that there is more to her past than she could ever have dreamed of.
I have to admit that I did not read the plot teaser of Lost Girl. I simply saw the name Chanda Hahn, remembered that I've read a few other books by her, and my decision to read this one was made. Even though I am not a fan of Peter Pan and the whole shebang around him, the book did not disappoint me, because it takes the Neverland story in a totally new direction. I enjoyed that a lot more than the original idea (I don't know why, but I just do not like Peter Pan). In this novel, the story focuses on Wendy anyway, and I found her to be an interesting character you'd want to be friends with. The book had a good plot that kept me reading chapter after chapter - as is usually the case with a book by Chanda Hahn. She just has a very appealing writing style that draws you into the world. I didn't regret the decision to pick up the book without knowing what it was about, and in the future, I definitely also won't think twice when one of this author's books comes along my way!
Lost Girl is the first book in the series The Neverwood Chronicles by Chanda Hahn. Readers are introduced to Wendy, a teenage girl who was adopted after she had been found after almost drowning. Wendy has no memories of what had happened before that moment. But shadows seem to follow her more often, and it seems important to remember who she really is, especially when Peter and his strange companions become part of her life. Peter's best friend Tink(erbell) doesn't like Wendy much, but when things become more serious, she agrees that Wendy should be allowed to meet the Lost Boys and enter their hidden base called Neverwood. Wendy learns that there is more to her past than she could ever have dreamed of.
I have to admit that I did not read the plot teaser of Lost Girl. I simply saw the name Chanda Hahn, remembered that I've read a few other books by her, and my decision to read this one was made. Even though I am not a fan of Peter Pan and the whole shebang around him, the book did not disappoint me, because it takes the Neverland story in a totally new direction. I enjoyed that a lot more than the original idea (I don't know why, but I just do not like Peter Pan). In this novel, the story focuses on Wendy anyway, and I found her to be an interesting character you'd want to be friends with. The book had a good plot that kept me reading chapter after chapter - as is usually the case with a book by Chanda Hahn. She just has a very appealing writing style that draws you into the world. I didn't regret the decision to pick up the book without knowing what it was about, and in the future, I definitely also won't think twice when one of this author's books comes along my way!
Recommend this book:
Gaia's Secret
A Pandoran Novel, #1
Barbara Kloss
2016 Bronze Medal
396 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
Gaia's Secret by Barbara Kloss is an exciting fantasy novel about a girl named Daria whose dad goes missing. To find her dad, she travels through a portal and finds herself in Gaia. Gaia is a land where magic exists. Everything Daria knew on Earth was a lie and in bits and pieces she learns the truth: how she wasn't from Earth, how she can do magic, and how she is powerful. As she travels with the Del Contes to reunite with her dad, she begins to regain her friendship with Alex, whom she had not seen for 3 years and had started to dislike. Scary, death-defying things happen. Will Daria be reunited with her dad?
I loved Gaia's Secret and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Gaia's Secret was well written, descriptive and very exciting. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. I think that Barbara Kloss put a lot of time into developing Gaia and did a great job developing the characters. Gaia's Secret had a lot of funny parts that I enjoyed. After I got halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down. I loved this book. It had lots of suspense and I just had to know what would happen next. It was definitely a page-turner and had lots of scary and exciting moments. There was plot twist after plot twist, each one more shocking than the one before. You should definitely read Gaia's Secret.
Gaia's Secret by Barbara Kloss is an exciting fantasy novel about a girl named Daria whose dad goes missing. To find her dad, she travels through a portal and finds herself in Gaia. Gaia is a land where magic exists. Everything Daria knew on Earth was a lie and in bits and pieces she learns the truth: how she wasn't from Earth, how she can do magic, and how she is powerful. As she travels with the Del Contes to reunite with her dad, she begins to regain her friendship with Alex, whom she had not seen for 3 years and had started to dislike. Scary, death-defying things happen. Will Daria be reunited with her dad?
I loved Gaia's Secret and I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Gaia's Secret was well written, descriptive and very exciting. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. I think that Barbara Kloss put a lot of time into developing Gaia and did a great job developing the characters. Gaia's Secret had a lot of funny parts that I enjoyed. After I got halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down. I loved this book. It had lots of suspense and I just had to know what would happen next. It was definitely a page-turner and had lots of scary and exciting moments. There was plot twist after plot twist, each one more shocking than the one before. You should definitely read Gaia's Secret.
Recommend this book:
The Sirens of Falkeld
Julie Tuovi
2016 Finalist
352 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Siobhan Quinlan for Readers' Favorite
The Sirens of Falkeld by Julie Tuovi is set in war torn Scotland. We follow Kade Finley nine years after his father dies. His Gaffer is sick and to save him Kade needs a mermaid's magic. Captured while on the restricted beach, Kade must help the Admiral Gilbert Owen before he can continue his quest to save his Gaffer. In this tale, mermaids are not beautiful, peaceful creatures, but soul-sucking, evil beings. Never trust a maighdean mhara.
The Sirens of Falkeld by Julie Tuovi was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I thought I was getting a mermaid story and things were going to be lovely and peaceful, but I was proven wrong. Kade's back story is very interesting. The story gives us a rich history of the area and the legends the locals believe in. When going anywhere, we are given a full, detailed description, helping us feel we are there. The chapters rotate between Kade and Cora, but not in a confusing manner. I normally do not root for the bad guys, but by the end of this I was siding with the mermaids and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with all the characters and with the story. The story gripped me from page one and, even after it is done, I cannot stop thinking about it. The story drags you into a world of magic, legend, and death, and you will not be able to put down this beautifully written tale.
The Sirens of Falkeld by Julie Tuovi is set in war torn Scotland. We follow Kade Finley nine years after his father dies. His Gaffer is sick and to save him Kade needs a mermaid's magic. Captured while on the restricted beach, Kade must help the Admiral Gilbert Owen before he can continue his quest to save his Gaffer. In this tale, mermaids are not beautiful, peaceful creatures, but soul-sucking, evil beings. Never trust a maighdean mhara.
The Sirens of Falkeld by Julie Tuovi was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I thought I was getting a mermaid story and things were going to be lovely and peaceful, but I was proven wrong. Kade's back story is very interesting. The story gives us a rich history of the area and the legends the locals believe in. When going anywhere, we are given a full, detailed description, helping us feel we are there. The chapters rotate between Kade and Cora, but not in a confusing manner. I normally do not root for the bad guys, but by the end of this I was siding with the mermaids and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with all the characters and with the story. The story gripped me from page one and, even after it is done, I cannot stop thinking about it. The story drags you into a world of magic, legend, and death, and you will not be able to put down this beautifully written tale.
Recommend this book:
The Summer Solstice Enchanted
The Summer Solstice Series Book 1
K.K. Allen
2016 Honorable Mention
238 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
The Summer Solstice Enchanted by K.K. Allen is a young adult fantasy about a young woman's secret. When Katrina is fifteen, her mother dies and she is taken to Apollo Beach. There, she discovers the legends about her ancient Greek ancestors. The Summer Solstice is Kat's 16th birthday, and all of the questions she had about her past and future come crashing together. She begins to have disturbing visions and dreams and, when they start coming true, Kat worries about those around her. That includes her neighbor, Alec Stone, who is the one rock she can lean on during this trying time. There are witches and myths and dark prophecies swirling around Kat, and enchantments that she isn't sure if she hopes will or will not come true. She just wants to know the truth about her life and her mother's death, and keep everyone else in her family safe.
The Summer Solstice had a lot of history and back story about witches and their source of magic. After Kat turned 16, the action within the story amped up. There was good character development which I enjoyed. I also was intrigued by the blooming romance. K.K. Allen gave readers a surprise ending that ended on a cliffhanger and left readers wanting more. This was a great supernatural story that was heavy on history with a lot of action happening in the second half of the story.
The Summer Solstice Enchanted by K.K. Allen is a young adult fantasy about a young woman's secret. When Katrina is fifteen, her mother dies and she is taken to Apollo Beach. There, she discovers the legends about her ancient Greek ancestors. The Summer Solstice is Kat's 16th birthday, and all of the questions she had about her past and future come crashing together. She begins to have disturbing visions and dreams and, when they start coming true, Kat worries about those around her. That includes her neighbor, Alec Stone, who is the one rock she can lean on during this trying time. There are witches and myths and dark prophecies swirling around Kat, and enchantments that she isn't sure if she hopes will or will not come true. She just wants to know the truth about her life and her mother's death, and keep everyone else in her family safe.
The Summer Solstice had a lot of history and back story about witches and their source of magic. After Kat turned 16, the action within the story amped up. There was good character development which I enjoyed. I also was intrigued by the blooming romance. K.K. Allen gave readers a surprise ending that ended on a cliffhanger and left readers wanting more. This was a great supernatural story that was heavy on history with a lot of action happening in the second half of the story.
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