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Recommend this book:
Once Upon a Wonderland
DJ Stoneham
2023 Finalist
359 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is the second book in the standalone Wonderland stories. Alice realized that she agreed with her parents’ assessment of her character - headstrong and living in a dream world. She certainly used more double negatives than other girls. Though her parents didn’t believe in Wonderland, Alice knew this other world went beyond her imagination. She had settled back into society life, even enjoying time with her siblings, but soon she realized that she was being drawn back to Wonderland. Alice embarked on an epic journey into Wonderland where she searches for Jack Door in the Winter Forest and encounters an assortment of fairytale characters that have unique twists.
The prologue is a clever account of where Alice is when the story begins, seen through the perspective of her mother in her conversation with Mrs. Huxley. This conversation introduces the writing style and Alice’s attitude as they’re talking about her lack of a husband, stubbornness, and her hallucinations about talking animals. The writing is witty and the immediate cleverness in the style is reminiscent of the writing of the original Carroll stories and captures the classic attitude of Alice. The personality of Alice is incredibly well-rounded with a cheeky humor that fits the mold of the Alice we know. Her personality is quantified by her parents as being headstrong, stubborn, sharp-tongued, and living in a dream world. The world of Wonderland is a great backdrop, twisting common elements and characters such as Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Cheshire Cat, and the Hatter.
Fairytales take on new life with Zezolla as a Cinderella figure, Rapunzel, references to Little Red Riding Hood, and an interesting twist on Gaston, Belle, and the Beast that involves a court. Various themes are found throughout the story with poignant moments that are casually placed amidst the chaos, including hope being powerful and uplifting, fairytale characters intent on revenge, and being led astray by Queen of Hearts. Once Upon a Wonderland weaves a humorous, strange, original, and charming adventure with an assortment of fairytale characters.
Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham is the second book in the standalone Wonderland stories. Alice realized that she agreed with her parents’ assessment of her character - headstrong and living in a dream world. She certainly used more double negatives than other girls. Though her parents didn’t believe in Wonderland, Alice knew this other world went beyond her imagination. She had settled back into society life, even enjoying time with her siblings, but soon she realized that she was being drawn back to Wonderland. Alice embarked on an epic journey into Wonderland where she searches for Jack Door in the Winter Forest and encounters an assortment of fairytale characters that have unique twists.
The prologue is a clever account of where Alice is when the story begins, seen through the perspective of her mother in her conversation with Mrs. Huxley. This conversation introduces the writing style and Alice’s attitude as they’re talking about her lack of a husband, stubbornness, and her hallucinations about talking animals. The writing is witty and the immediate cleverness in the style is reminiscent of the writing of the original Carroll stories and captures the classic attitude of Alice. The personality of Alice is incredibly well-rounded with a cheeky humor that fits the mold of the Alice we know. Her personality is quantified by her parents as being headstrong, stubborn, sharp-tongued, and living in a dream world. The world of Wonderland is a great backdrop, twisting common elements and characters such as Tweedledee, Tweedledum, Cheshire Cat, and the Hatter.
Fairytales take on new life with Zezolla as a Cinderella figure, Rapunzel, references to Little Red Riding Hood, and an interesting twist on Gaston, Belle, and the Beast that involves a court. Various themes are found throughout the story with poignant moments that are casually placed amidst the chaos, including hope being powerful and uplifting, fairytale characters intent on revenge, and being led astray by Queen of Hearts. Once Upon a Wonderland weaves a humorous, strange, original, and charming adventure with an assortment of fairytale characters.
Recommend this book:
Feathers of the Phoenix
The Atlantean Horse, book 1
Cheryl Carpinello
2023 Honorable Mention
149 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Beneath the water's surface between Kalymnos and Telendos lies an ancient city destroyed by an earthquake in 554 A.D. The two islands had once been one. Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 by Cheryl Carpinello sounds like the mythical story of the ancient city of Atlantis. Perhaps it is. Rosa, with her mystical ability to walk in two worlds, past and present, is being called to help rescue the residents who once flourished in the city that sank so long ago. She must find and protect the five feathers of the Phoenix, not an easy task as she must go back in time, as she’s done before, and fight unexpected and powerful apocalyptic horsemen who will do anything to possess these feathers. Accompanied by her cousin Jerome and her grandfather, she’s in for an adventure of a lifetime, perhaps multiple lifetimes.
Cheryl Carpinello’s young adult novel Feathers of the Phoenix is the first book in The Atlantean Horse series. Taking legend, ancient mythology, and the mystery of a sunken city, Atlantis, the author weaves an engaging and exciting tale that will attract even the most reluctant reader. Told in the first person narrative from Rosa’s point of view, the plot follows the young girl from her first encounter with a strange man who appears on her doorstep on a cold winter's day. She has been called because she can walk in two worlds and, as the stranger explains, “You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united.” It’s an epic adventure, a task like no other. This is a great read for young people of all ages. I love how the author uses adventure to introduce young readers to Greek mythology and ancient history.
Beneath the water's surface between Kalymnos and Telendos lies an ancient city destroyed by an earthquake in 554 A.D. The two islands had once been one. Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 by Cheryl Carpinello sounds like the mythical story of the ancient city of Atlantis. Perhaps it is. Rosa, with her mystical ability to walk in two worlds, past and present, is being called to help rescue the residents who once flourished in the city that sank so long ago. She must find and protect the five feathers of the Phoenix, not an easy task as she must go back in time, as she’s done before, and fight unexpected and powerful apocalyptic horsemen who will do anything to possess these feathers. Accompanied by her cousin Jerome and her grandfather, she’s in for an adventure of a lifetime, perhaps multiple lifetimes.
Cheryl Carpinello’s young adult novel Feathers of the Phoenix is the first book in The Atlantean Horse series. Taking legend, ancient mythology, and the mystery of a sunken city, Atlantis, the author weaves an engaging and exciting tale that will attract even the most reluctant reader. Told in the first person narrative from Rosa’s point of view, the plot follows the young girl from her first encounter with a strange man who appears on her doorstep on a cold winter's day. She has been called because she can walk in two worlds and, as the stranger explains, “You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united.” It’s an epic adventure, a task like no other. This is a great read for young people of all ages. I love how the author uses adventure to introduce young readers to Greek mythology and ancient history.
Recommend this book:
Blood Ties
The King's Chosen
L. Waithman
2023 Bronze Medal
344 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Blood Ties: The King's Chosen by L. Waithman is a mid-grade coming of age fantasy adventure that revolves around a youth named Lucas, who finds himself alone and without a family after witnessing his father, bound and tied, die by the sword before his very eyes. Lucas is taken in by Father Ansan at the monastery where Lucas had already been visiting. He is sheltered and educated, and eventually initiated into the warrior monk order. He then, quite literally, runs off with the circus. His visibility puts him in view of the king, who singles Lucas out in the belief that he is of the bloodline of powerful ancient warriors, now known as “the chosen”. The murder of Lucas' father and its tie-in to who Lucas is, and who he is meant to become, begin to truly unfold against a fully immersive medieval backdrop.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I fell in love with a mid-grade book and that the amount of fun I had reading Blood Ties: The King's Chosen meant that my real mid-grade reader had to wait. L. Waithman writes a pretty straightforward medieval fantasy but is able to harness enough unique elements to put her own stamp on it. I loved the character of Zera, a strong, capable, and witty girl who also happens to carry the chosen bloodline; a virtually unheard-of anomaly of a female carrying the line because she is a twin, whose brother is among the chosen. I also love how no matter who Lucas becomes or where he travels, the monastery is always the home he can return to. He turns to the monastery at his first loss, and this comes full circle when Lucas is in dire need again. The writing is excellent, the pacing is perfect, and the storyline is both intriguing and appropriate for readers of any age. And their mothers. Very highly recommended.
Blood Ties: The King's Chosen by L. Waithman is a mid-grade coming of age fantasy adventure that revolves around a youth named Lucas, who finds himself alone and without a family after witnessing his father, bound and tied, die by the sword before his very eyes. Lucas is taken in by Father Ansan at the monastery where Lucas had already been visiting. He is sheltered and educated, and eventually initiated into the warrior monk order. He then, quite literally, runs off with the circus. His visibility puts him in view of the king, who singles Lucas out in the belief that he is of the bloodline of powerful ancient warriors, now known as “the chosen”. The murder of Lucas' father and its tie-in to who Lucas is, and who he is meant to become, begin to truly unfold against a fully immersive medieval backdrop.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I fell in love with a mid-grade book and that the amount of fun I had reading Blood Ties: The King's Chosen meant that my real mid-grade reader had to wait. L. Waithman writes a pretty straightforward medieval fantasy but is able to harness enough unique elements to put her own stamp on it. I loved the character of Zera, a strong, capable, and witty girl who also happens to carry the chosen bloodline; a virtually unheard-of anomaly of a female carrying the line because she is a twin, whose brother is among the chosen. I also love how no matter who Lucas becomes or where he travels, the monastery is always the home he can return to. He turns to the monastery at his first loss, and this comes full circle when Lucas is in dire need again. The writing is excellent, the pacing is perfect, and the storyline is both intriguing and appropriate for readers of any age. And their mothers. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Quarter Mage
Angelina J. Steffort
2023 Silver Medal
560 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Quarter Mage by Angelina J. Steffort is a fantasy novel and the first book in a new series by the same name. Sanja, a human princess and runaway bride, flees a cruel court and a grotesque bloodbath to save her neck. Assuming a new identity, Sanja enters the fairylands, a place that no reasonable person would even consider visiting, especially one who was groomed to do little more than sit on a throne and pop out the next generation of royals. In the sheltered world of the fae is a magic system accessible to Sanja as a human but, even if she'd known about it, she had certainly never been exposed to it. Ultimately, it's the mages that keep Sanja from becoming a fae fatality and one, in particular, Tristan, that also may provide Sanja with a sanctuary of the heart and some magic of her own. As it turns out, she will need both in abundance.
The Quarter Mage is a fun fantasy with a lot going for it and, as the first in the series, has so many ways it can still evolve. Angelina J. Steffort has a knack for threading tension through each scene and crafting a landscape that feels immersive and authentic. The writing is ideal for young adults and has the necessary quick dive into Sanja's liking for Tristan, which impatient readers will relish. I am a fan of cutting to the chase so this worked out wonderfully for me, kept the storyline at a steady pace, and allowed the plot to unfold faster without too much romantic baggage. There's a delicious twist to this that hits hard later, as Steffort dangles a triangle in front of our faces that locks the reader in for book two, The Hour Mage. I love the trials, the focused-femme fight that Sanja grows into, and look forward to what Steffort has in store for us and Sanja's coming of age next. Highly recommended.
The Quarter Mage by Angelina J. Steffort is a fantasy novel and the first book in a new series by the same name. Sanja, a human princess and runaway bride, flees a cruel court and a grotesque bloodbath to save her neck. Assuming a new identity, Sanja enters the fairylands, a place that no reasonable person would even consider visiting, especially one who was groomed to do little more than sit on a throne and pop out the next generation of royals. In the sheltered world of the fae is a magic system accessible to Sanja as a human but, even if she'd known about it, she had certainly never been exposed to it. Ultimately, it's the mages that keep Sanja from becoming a fae fatality and one, in particular, Tristan, that also may provide Sanja with a sanctuary of the heart and some magic of her own. As it turns out, she will need both in abundance.
The Quarter Mage is a fun fantasy with a lot going for it and, as the first in the series, has so many ways it can still evolve. Angelina J. Steffort has a knack for threading tension through each scene and crafting a landscape that feels immersive and authentic. The writing is ideal for young adults and has the necessary quick dive into Sanja's liking for Tristan, which impatient readers will relish. I am a fan of cutting to the chase so this worked out wonderfully for me, kept the storyline at a steady pace, and allowed the plot to unfold faster without too much romantic baggage. There's a delicious twist to this that hits hard later, as Steffort dangles a triangle in front of our faces that locks the reader in for book two, The Hour Mage. I love the trials, the focused-femme fight that Sanja grows into, and look forward to what Steffort has in store for us and Sanja's coming of age next. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Where the Magic Lies
Perils of Portia Saga #1
Hermione Lee
2023 Gold Medal
245 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
Where the Magic Lies: Perils of Portia Saga #1 by Hermione Lee commences as Amethyst and her mother bring home a log. They are shocked to be confronted by fairies who accuse them of stealing treasure. The penalty is death, but Amethyst bravely offers herself to save her mother’s life. The fairies agree on the condition she moves to the kingdom of Portia and marries Prince Angus. At first, Amethyst is homesick and attempts to run away. Then she and Angus fall in love. This section of the story included descriptions of Amethyst’s princess wardrobe and created a literary fashion parade! But even as Amethyst is settling down, someone is trying to murder her! The mystery has to be solved, and the villains overcome in an explosive confrontation before Prince Angus can propose to her.
Where the Magic Lies by Hermione Lee was charmingly written and well-targeted for the young adult audience. I enjoyed the refreshing innocence of the main character and felt I was privileged to share the emotions of first love. The plot included magic, suspense, and drama, beautifully narrated in the heroine’s fresh young voice. The fairy-tale scenario provided a sophisticated exploration of coming of age and independence issues as Amethyst missed her mother and faced challenges in her new environment. The story evoked a sense of empathy for the character of Prince Angus who underwent a coming-of-age process of his own. This is the perfect girl's book, specially written for the entertainment of young adults, and as a mature lady, I also found it incredibly appealing.
Where the Magic Lies: Perils of Portia Saga #1 by Hermione Lee commences as Amethyst and her mother bring home a log. They are shocked to be confronted by fairies who accuse them of stealing treasure. The penalty is death, but Amethyst bravely offers herself to save her mother’s life. The fairies agree on the condition she moves to the kingdom of Portia and marries Prince Angus. At first, Amethyst is homesick and attempts to run away. Then she and Angus fall in love. This section of the story included descriptions of Amethyst’s princess wardrobe and created a literary fashion parade! But even as Amethyst is settling down, someone is trying to murder her! The mystery has to be solved, and the villains overcome in an explosive confrontation before Prince Angus can propose to her.
Where the Magic Lies by Hermione Lee was charmingly written and well-targeted for the young adult audience. I enjoyed the refreshing innocence of the main character and felt I was privileged to share the emotions of first love. The plot included magic, suspense, and drama, beautifully narrated in the heroine’s fresh young voice. The fairy-tale scenario provided a sophisticated exploration of coming of age and independence issues as Amethyst missed her mother and faced challenges in her new environment. The story evoked a sense of empathy for the character of Prince Angus who underwent a coming-of-age process of his own. This is the perfect girl's book, specially written for the entertainment of young adults, and as a mature lady, I also found it incredibly appealing.
Recommend this book:
The Mask
Clayton Marshall Adams
2022 Finalist
48 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
The Mask, written by the late author Clayton Marshall Adams, is an inspiring story for young adults. The story follows a young boy named Mil who looks different from most other people. Mil lives alone in the woods, hidden away from villagers who mock him because of his appearance. Mil is a talented sculptor and enjoys making his creations. One day whilst looking for wood for his sculping, he stumbles across something lying on the ground. At first, Mil thought it was a bowl, but he couldn't have been more wrong; it was a mask. Mil loses interest and reaches to throw it away when, all of sudden, the mask talks! Mil instantly gets a bad feeling about the mask as he senses darkness radiating from it. Mil tries to remain uninterested, but the mask is persuasive and offers to make a deal, a deal Mil can't refuse. What was it that the mask had to offer Mil? Find out in this wonderfully written book, The Mask.
Author Clayton Marshall Adams has created a touching story that will have a huge impact on anyone reading it. The story is filled with lessons on why we shouldn't judge people by the way they look as it can affect them deeply to the point of hitting rock bottom. People need to be kinder in this world and this book proves why. I was sad to hear of Clayton's passing and that this was a true story that he wrote when he was only sixteen. Depression affects so many people these days and more must be done to support them with their mental health issues. The Mask is a masterpiece and should be in every school across the world because I feel it will have an enormous influence on how we treat people in their day-to-day life. I want to let Clayton's family know that their son's book, in my opinion, will change the world we live in, making us all kinder and more understanding human beings. I will cherish this beautiful story forever and will remind myself of Clayton's message every single day.
The Mask, written by the late author Clayton Marshall Adams, is an inspiring story for young adults. The story follows a young boy named Mil who looks different from most other people. Mil lives alone in the woods, hidden away from villagers who mock him because of his appearance. Mil is a talented sculptor and enjoys making his creations. One day whilst looking for wood for his sculping, he stumbles across something lying on the ground. At first, Mil thought it was a bowl, but he couldn't have been more wrong; it was a mask. Mil loses interest and reaches to throw it away when, all of sudden, the mask talks! Mil instantly gets a bad feeling about the mask as he senses darkness radiating from it. Mil tries to remain uninterested, but the mask is persuasive and offers to make a deal, a deal Mil can't refuse. What was it that the mask had to offer Mil? Find out in this wonderfully written book, The Mask.
Author Clayton Marshall Adams has created a touching story that will have a huge impact on anyone reading it. The story is filled with lessons on why we shouldn't judge people by the way they look as it can affect them deeply to the point of hitting rock bottom. People need to be kinder in this world and this book proves why. I was sad to hear of Clayton's passing and that this was a true story that he wrote when he was only sixteen. Depression affects so many people these days and more must be done to support them with their mental health issues. The Mask is a masterpiece and should be in every school across the world because I feel it will have an enormous influence on how we treat people in their day-to-day life. I want to let Clayton's family know that their son's book, in my opinion, will change the world we live in, making us all kinder and more understanding human beings. I will cherish this beautiful story forever and will remind myself of Clayton's message every single day.
Recommend this book:
Shadow's Voice
Shadow World Book 1
Natalie Johanson
2022 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Shadows, the only place where she can move and feel safe, are her way of hiding, spying, and stealing. Rose has escaped her father and is forever moving, never staying too long in one place. When someone from her past finds her, she flees. Along the way, she travels with a messenger. When mercenaries capture them, looking for the message, Nico magically gives it to Rose and pleads with her to deliver it to the king. This promise to a dying man draws Rose into a plot to kill the king, where her magic could be helpful to spy on Lord Damian, who they believe is amassing an army to stage a coup. Rose encounters someone else with the same magical powers and barely escapes with her life. Who is this person and what are the shadow creatures hiding from him? Rose has to figure out her magic as it seems to be changing rapidly. When it all comes to a head, will the shadows guide Rose to save King Micah and his people, or will she succumb to the toll that her magic physically takes on her?
Shadow's Voice: Shadow World, Book 1 by Natalie Johanson is a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a fantasy novel about a world where magic is scarce, and in most places, those with magic are looked down upon and abused. Johanson writes an exciting story in which she tackles themes such as finding yourself and your role in the world, making friends, and standing up for what is right. This is a clean fantasy with no sexual content but enough fights and intrigue to make it fast-paced. The plot is intricate and keeps you in the dark until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an excellent magical fantasy.
Shadows, the only place where she can move and feel safe, are her way of hiding, spying, and stealing. Rose has escaped her father and is forever moving, never staying too long in one place. When someone from her past finds her, she flees. Along the way, she travels with a messenger. When mercenaries capture them, looking for the message, Nico magically gives it to Rose and pleads with her to deliver it to the king. This promise to a dying man draws Rose into a plot to kill the king, where her magic could be helpful to spy on Lord Damian, who they believe is amassing an army to stage a coup. Rose encounters someone else with the same magical powers and barely escapes with her life. Who is this person and what are the shadow creatures hiding from him? Rose has to figure out her magic as it seems to be changing rapidly. When it all comes to a head, will the shadows guide Rose to save King Micah and his people, or will she succumb to the toll that her magic physically takes on her?
Shadow's Voice: Shadow World, Book 1 by Natalie Johanson is a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is a fantasy novel about a world where magic is scarce, and in most places, those with magic are looked down upon and abused. Johanson writes an exciting story in which she tackles themes such as finding yourself and your role in the world, making friends, and standing up for what is right. This is a clean fantasy with no sexual content but enough fights and intrigue to make it fast-paced. The plot is intricate and keeps you in the dark until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an excellent magical fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Of Heart and Stone
Jesikah Sundin
2022 Honorable Mention
483 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Of Heart and Stone by Jesikah Sundin is the second book in the Ealdspell Cycle series. Deep in the dwarven mines, Eirwen Blackvein can be found. The mines have kept Eirwen safe since she was found as a baby without a heart. Eirwen has a destiny that prophesied her saving the kingdom from war but she has no intention of being a princess. Her heart was crushed when she was born but now she possesses a heart made of the coveted stone used to power machines of war. She doesn't care about the agenda of the king or queen, only about the dwarves that have become her family and the threat to their lives. She will do whatever it takes to keep them safe, even if it means taking on Florian, the son of the king. When she's drawn into the war of two kingdoms, Eirwen must turn to her enemy for help, which could put her on the path of fulfilling a prophecy. As the queen's true intentions come to light, she'll have to fight to protect her heart of stone before it breaks.
Jesikah Sundin sets the tone of this fairy tale world through Eirwen's voice and layers to the world reminiscent of World War II with an assortment of well-rounded characters. The setting blends a retelling of Snow White with Norse and German elements enriched by an aesthetic that feels strongly dieselpunk with ceremonial bowls of blood with nanotechnology, a shockwave bomb, and a world filled with dwarves, knockers, elves, and magic. Sundin twists the love story of a princess and prince with the chemistry drawn from an enemies-to-lovers plot. The story has poignant scenic descriptions and stunning visual illustrations on the pages that feel like you're stepping into a fairy tale. The book includes a fantasy lover's dream collection with a map, a list of pronunciations, mining terms, glossary, and historical notes. The story weaves between Eirwen and Florian, creating two journeys that follow female empowerment and breaking the mold of toxic masculinity. This magical story has amazing three-dimensional characters that embody female empowerment, breaking the glass ceiling, and calling out toxic masculinity through the retelling of a classic fairy tale. Sundin delivers a spell-binding adventure that is truly original and unique and weaves in a love story.
Of Heart and Stone by Jesikah Sundin is the second book in the Ealdspell Cycle series. Deep in the dwarven mines, Eirwen Blackvein can be found. The mines have kept Eirwen safe since she was found as a baby without a heart. Eirwen has a destiny that prophesied her saving the kingdom from war but she has no intention of being a princess. Her heart was crushed when she was born but now she possesses a heart made of the coveted stone used to power machines of war. She doesn't care about the agenda of the king or queen, only about the dwarves that have become her family and the threat to their lives. She will do whatever it takes to keep them safe, even if it means taking on Florian, the son of the king. When she's drawn into the war of two kingdoms, Eirwen must turn to her enemy for help, which could put her on the path of fulfilling a prophecy. As the queen's true intentions come to light, she'll have to fight to protect her heart of stone before it breaks.
Jesikah Sundin sets the tone of this fairy tale world through Eirwen's voice and layers to the world reminiscent of World War II with an assortment of well-rounded characters. The setting blends a retelling of Snow White with Norse and German elements enriched by an aesthetic that feels strongly dieselpunk with ceremonial bowls of blood with nanotechnology, a shockwave bomb, and a world filled with dwarves, knockers, elves, and magic. Sundin twists the love story of a princess and prince with the chemistry drawn from an enemies-to-lovers plot. The story has poignant scenic descriptions and stunning visual illustrations on the pages that feel like you're stepping into a fairy tale. The book includes a fantasy lover's dream collection with a map, a list of pronunciations, mining terms, glossary, and historical notes. The story weaves between Eirwen and Florian, creating two journeys that follow female empowerment and breaking the mold of toxic masculinity. This magical story has amazing three-dimensional characters that embody female empowerment, breaking the glass ceiling, and calling out toxic masculinity through the retelling of a classic fairy tale. Sundin delivers a spell-binding adventure that is truly original and unique and weaves in a love story.
Recommend this book:
The Fall of the Phoenix
Daniel Kelly
2022 Bronze Medal
244 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
“History is written by victors.” So, who can tell if the well-known accounts of the Trojan war reflect the actual truth? In The Fall of the Phoenix, Daniel Kelly incorporates historical events mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid and weaves them together to present an alternative version of history. The book starts with the famous duel between Hector and Achilles, ending with the fall of the once-mighty Trojan empire. The ten-year-long siege had exhausted Troy while the Trojan horse succeeded in breaching their hitherto impenetrable walls. However, in Kelly’s version, the Trojans ended the war on their terms, ensuring the downfall of the Greeks with their dying breaths. I would implore you to read the first installment in the saga of these unsung heroes and be a part of their last battle.
I loved how each character came alive under Daniel Kelly’s skilled writing. Priam the Trojan king’s kindness shone brightly in contrast to the endless greed of the Greek king, Agamemnon. Kelly described Achilles, the great hero, as a human being full of compassion, and at times, uncertainty and grief. Apart from the famous heroes, Kelly also introduced many commanders from Troy and Myrmidon, whose feats of bravery left lasting impressions. Diomedes, a Trojan orphan taken captive by Achilles, made me realize how oppressive it must have been for the commoners to live under the siege. Entire generations grew up knowing nothing but a state of war along with a scarcity of essential supplies. Kelly described the Trojan war with vivid details, thus transporting readers to a different era. He also envisioned an ending that deviated from the legendary epics yet seemed even more intriguing. I would recommend The Fall of the Phoenix, a masterpiece of speculative fiction, to any reader interested in history and mythology.
“History is written by victors.” So, who can tell if the well-known accounts of the Trojan war reflect the actual truth? In The Fall of the Phoenix, Daniel Kelly incorporates historical events mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid and weaves them together to present an alternative version of history. The book starts with the famous duel between Hector and Achilles, ending with the fall of the once-mighty Trojan empire. The ten-year-long siege had exhausted Troy while the Trojan horse succeeded in breaching their hitherto impenetrable walls. However, in Kelly’s version, the Trojans ended the war on their terms, ensuring the downfall of the Greeks with their dying breaths. I would implore you to read the first installment in the saga of these unsung heroes and be a part of their last battle.
I loved how each character came alive under Daniel Kelly’s skilled writing. Priam the Trojan king’s kindness shone brightly in contrast to the endless greed of the Greek king, Agamemnon. Kelly described Achilles, the great hero, as a human being full of compassion, and at times, uncertainty and grief. Apart from the famous heroes, Kelly also introduced many commanders from Troy and Myrmidon, whose feats of bravery left lasting impressions. Diomedes, a Trojan orphan taken captive by Achilles, made me realize how oppressive it must have been for the commoners to live under the siege. Entire generations grew up knowing nothing but a state of war along with a scarcity of essential supplies. Kelly described the Trojan war with vivid details, thus transporting readers to a different era. He also envisioned an ending that deviated from the legendary epics yet seemed even more intriguing. I would recommend The Fall of the Phoenix, a masterpiece of speculative fiction, to any reader interested in history and mythology.
Recommend this book:
Of Us And Them
A YA Science Fantasy featuring Global Myths
T. L. Coughlin
2022 Silver Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Nicholus Schroeder for Readers' Favorite
In Of Us and Them by T. L. Coughlin, the year is 2120. Earth is a dissolute wasteland and humanity is a shadow of its former self. Ancient texts speak of divine intervention in such times. Times of chaos. Beings known as Leviathans are said to bring about the evolution and salvation of humanity in such trying times, to fulfill the rumored prophecies of old. An ancient order called Nexum works tirelessly to deliver humanity’s salvation. They are the protectors of the chosen vessels for the Leviathans: the Paladins. Once the last Paladin, Evren, joins the other eleven, the ritual is held. To everyone’s dismay, however, it’s a failure. Evren is distraught and blames herself for taking so long to mature. This is the least of her worries though as a fellow Paladin is found brutally murdered after their pity party. Evren fears for her and her newfound friends’ lives. She vows to catch the killer and bring the fiend to justice. Will she prevail? Or will she be the next to perish?
Of Us and Them was a pleasant read for me. It was interesting, well-written, and the plot kept me hooked. Even later on in the book it still had a great number of surprises for me. So kudos to T. L. Coughlin for providing a well-thought-out and constantly interesting plot. The pacing throughout was also great. There was a nice balance between the slower, more intimate, and light-hearted moments and the more frantic and chaotic scenes that were beautifully relayed to me. The cast of characters was very organic and well-written. I loved getting to know more about each of them as the story progressed. The lore present in this book was also very interesting. Great and well-established lore is very important for me in a book of mythology. T. L. Coughlin delivered and I’m more than satisfied with the well-written lore. In conclusion, I enjoyed my time with this book, and it's a really good read. I have no doubt that mythology lovers will definitely love Of Us and Them.
In Of Us and Them by T. L. Coughlin, the year is 2120. Earth is a dissolute wasteland and humanity is a shadow of its former self. Ancient texts speak of divine intervention in such times. Times of chaos. Beings known as Leviathans are said to bring about the evolution and salvation of humanity in such trying times, to fulfill the rumored prophecies of old. An ancient order called Nexum works tirelessly to deliver humanity’s salvation. They are the protectors of the chosen vessels for the Leviathans: the Paladins. Once the last Paladin, Evren, joins the other eleven, the ritual is held. To everyone’s dismay, however, it’s a failure. Evren is distraught and blames herself for taking so long to mature. This is the least of her worries though as a fellow Paladin is found brutally murdered after their pity party. Evren fears for her and her newfound friends’ lives. She vows to catch the killer and bring the fiend to justice. Will she prevail? Or will she be the next to perish?
Of Us and Them was a pleasant read for me. It was interesting, well-written, and the plot kept me hooked. Even later on in the book it still had a great number of surprises for me. So kudos to T. L. Coughlin for providing a well-thought-out and constantly interesting plot. The pacing throughout was also great. There was a nice balance between the slower, more intimate, and light-hearted moments and the more frantic and chaotic scenes that were beautifully relayed to me. The cast of characters was very organic and well-written. I loved getting to know more about each of them as the story progressed. The lore present in this book was also very interesting. Great and well-established lore is very important for me in a book of mythology. T. L. Coughlin delivered and I’m more than satisfied with the well-written lore. In conclusion, I enjoyed my time with this book, and it's a really good read. I have no doubt that mythology lovers will definitely love Of Us and Them.
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