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Recommend this book:
Midnight Reverie
Hermione Lee
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
In Midnight Reverie by Hermione Lee, Cyndi Osmond wakes up from a dream of a royal wedding to the nightmare of her real life as a housemaid. In this version of the Cinderella story, there was no magic to get her to the ball, so her cruel stepsister Charlotte is the one set to marry Prince Xavier. Cyndi is hauled off to the palace to serve Charlotte, where she is eventually demoted to the kitchens. Desperate and isolated, Cyndi attempts to run away twice but is thwarted by the mysterious Lady Perrault. Everything changes during a royal ball when Cyndi witnesses Charlotte in a shocking embrace with Grand Duke Ferdinand. Armed with this "weapon of mass destruction" and bolstered by her only friend, Patty, Cyndi stops fleeing and starts plotting. At the same time, she finds herself falling for the charms of Prince Xavier, who changes from a cold stranger to an unexpectedly vital ally. Can she really dismantle her stepsister’s lies, or will the palace’s secrets bury her first?
If you’re looking for a refreshing YA fantasy, Midnight Reverie by Hermione Lee is such a great subversion of the genre. It breathes fresh life into a tired archetype, and I wholeheartedly love this new stance. Instead of all the usual fairy tale glitter, Lee focuses on the actual harshness of Cyndi’s life. The prose is very direct—none of that over-the-top window dressing—which makes the whole servant hierarchy feel realistic and intriguing. Cyndi is a great protagonist because she isn't some one-dimensional heroine. No, in this fascinating tale, she’s a courageous survivor whose internal battle between hope and trauma feels very authentic and raw. The pacing takes a little time to establish the power dynamics and romantic angle, but the move from domestic drama into a captivating political thriller is handled perfectly. It’s a brutal takedown of status that challenges expectations without losing any of the emotional heart. Very highly recommended.
In Midnight Reverie by Hermione Lee, Cyndi Osmond wakes up from a dream of a royal wedding to the nightmare of her real life as a housemaid. In this version of the Cinderella story, there was no magic to get her to the ball, so her cruel stepsister Charlotte is the one set to marry Prince Xavier. Cyndi is hauled off to the palace to serve Charlotte, where she is eventually demoted to the kitchens. Desperate and isolated, Cyndi attempts to run away twice but is thwarted by the mysterious Lady Perrault. Everything changes during a royal ball when Cyndi witnesses Charlotte in a shocking embrace with Grand Duke Ferdinand. Armed with this "weapon of mass destruction" and bolstered by her only friend, Patty, Cyndi stops fleeing and starts plotting. At the same time, she finds herself falling for the charms of Prince Xavier, who changes from a cold stranger to an unexpectedly vital ally. Can she really dismantle her stepsister’s lies, or will the palace’s secrets bury her first?
If you’re looking for a refreshing YA fantasy, Midnight Reverie by Hermione Lee is such a great subversion of the genre. It breathes fresh life into a tired archetype, and I wholeheartedly love this new stance. Instead of all the usual fairy tale glitter, Lee focuses on the actual harshness of Cyndi’s life. The prose is very direct—none of that over-the-top window dressing—which makes the whole servant hierarchy feel realistic and intriguing. Cyndi is a great protagonist because she isn't some one-dimensional heroine. No, in this fascinating tale, she’s a courageous survivor whose internal battle between hope and trauma feels very authentic and raw. The pacing takes a little time to establish the power dynamics and romantic angle, but the move from domestic drama into a captivating political thriller is handled perfectly. It’s a brutal takedown of status that challenges expectations without losing any of the emotional heart. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Endymion and the Fae
Tales of Liamec
J. Steven Lamperti
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Endymion and the Fae: A Tale of Liamec by J. Steven Lamperti follows a young shepherd named Endymion. He is living a quiet life in the mountain village of Woolford. But that changes one day, when he notices that his simple midday meal is mysteriously replaced with something unfamiliar. This leads him to Lily, a member of the elusive Wee Folk. Their curiosity quickly draws them to one another, going against everything that Endymion has been taught. Their bond deepens, but so do the warnings from family, village traditions, and the haunting tragedy known as the Red Spring. Soon, the entire village is fearful, and Endymion is accused and imprisoned on suspicion of Fae contamination. With help and determination to find Lily again, he flees to the mountains. But with danger closing in, how far will Endymion go to keep a connection that both worlds want to break?
J. Steven Lamperti did a great job of allowing the characters and their worlds to develop naturally. The balance between the romantic elements and the growing tension was executed very well. Each character had meaningful layers. Endymion grew from a quiet shepherd to someone willing to question authority and take risks. His mother, Helen, was protective and added emotional depth. Marj provided wisdom that challenged the villagers' fear. Godric represented the strong, opposing force shaped by past trauma. Lily, the Fae, was the bridge between both worlds. Fans of character-driven fantasies with emotional depth and folklore elements, like Margaret Rogerson’s An Enchantment of Ravens, would be drawn to Endymion and the Fae.
Endymion and the Fae: A Tale of Liamec by J. Steven Lamperti follows a young shepherd named Endymion. He is living a quiet life in the mountain village of Woolford. But that changes one day, when he notices that his simple midday meal is mysteriously replaced with something unfamiliar. This leads him to Lily, a member of the elusive Wee Folk. Their curiosity quickly draws them to one another, going against everything that Endymion has been taught. Their bond deepens, but so do the warnings from family, village traditions, and the haunting tragedy known as the Red Spring. Soon, the entire village is fearful, and Endymion is accused and imprisoned on suspicion of Fae contamination. With help and determination to find Lily again, he flees to the mountains. But with danger closing in, how far will Endymion go to keep a connection that both worlds want to break?
J. Steven Lamperti did a great job of allowing the characters and their worlds to develop naturally. The balance between the romantic elements and the growing tension was executed very well. Each character had meaningful layers. Endymion grew from a quiet shepherd to someone willing to question authority and take risks. His mother, Helen, was protective and added emotional depth. Marj provided wisdom that challenged the villagers' fear. Godric represented the strong, opposing force shaped by past trauma. Lily, the Fae, was the bridge between both worlds. Fans of character-driven fantasies with emotional depth and folklore elements, like Margaret Rogerson’s An Enchantment of Ravens, would be drawn to Endymion and the Fae.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak
A Tortoise Odyssey
Randy Stollar
2026 Bronze Medal
262 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak: A Tortoise Odyssey by Randy Stollar follows a curious tortoise on his quest to discover a nearly forgotten treasure. Tyler is old enough to want more from life. He doesn't like the ancient rules that all tortoises live by or the stories that tell how they are meant to live in solitude, keeping their distance from others, and always being cautious. Fortunately, Tyler knows about Tu'ku, a tortoise who didn't live by the rules and did as he pleased. Tu'ku found a treasure he refused to share with the others, hiding it somewhere high on a rocky mountain. One day, Tyler sets out on a risky journey far from home. On his journey, Tyler encounters predators, friendly creatures, and many difficulties. Moreover, he learns that some teachings he received aren't true, changes his perspective on certain things, and finds something more precious than anything else.
Randy Stollar's novel is a treasure in itself. As someone very fond of the fantasy classic The Hobbit, I'm grateful to have come across this masterpiece. It has the same charm. The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak, with its brilliant storytelling, memorable characters, meaningful life lessons, thrilling adventures, and wonderful black-and-white illustrations by Daniel Ogletree, is the most fascinating, rewarding, and heartfelt animal adventure I've read lately. This desert adventure tells the extraordinary journey of a young slow traveler through the desert, marked by endurance, perseverance, survival, doubt, hope, discovery, change, friendship, courage, loss, and so much more. It makes an ideal gift for any reader, young or adult.
The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak: A Tortoise Odyssey by Randy Stollar follows a curious tortoise on his quest to discover a nearly forgotten treasure. Tyler is old enough to want more from life. He doesn't like the ancient rules that all tortoises live by or the stories that tell how they are meant to live in solitude, keeping their distance from others, and always being cautious. Fortunately, Tyler knows about Tu'ku, a tortoise who didn't live by the rules and did as he pleased. Tu'ku found a treasure he refused to share with the others, hiding it somewhere high on a rocky mountain. One day, Tyler sets out on a risky journey far from home. On his journey, Tyler encounters predators, friendly creatures, and many difficulties. Moreover, he learns that some teachings he received aren't true, changes his perspective on certain things, and finds something more precious than anything else.
Randy Stollar's novel is a treasure in itself. As someone very fond of the fantasy classic The Hobbit, I'm grateful to have come across this masterpiece. It has the same charm. The Secret of Tu'ku's Peak, with its brilliant storytelling, memorable characters, meaningful life lessons, thrilling adventures, and wonderful black-and-white illustrations by Daniel Ogletree, is the most fascinating, rewarding, and heartfelt animal adventure I've read lately. This desert adventure tells the extraordinary journey of a young slow traveler through the desert, marked by endurance, perseverance, survival, doubt, hope, discovery, change, friendship, courage, loss, and so much more. It makes an ideal gift for any reader, young or adult.
Recommend this book:
Jorden Casillas and the Age of Monsters
The Serpent's Rise
L.M. Sypher
2026 Silver Medal
340 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
Jorden Casillas isn’t your average 12-year-old boy. He’s a nahual, half human/half monster who can shape-shift into a snake. When we meet Jorden, his parents are dead, and he works at an artifact shop where his boss, Ernie, is an ogre. It turns out California is quite the monster haven. After appearing to double-cross one of Ernie’s friends, Gaspar the Wax Man, Ernie kicks him out. Homeless again, Jordan crosses paths with the intriguing Doctor Hastings, who takes him under his wing. An evil being, Santiago De León, also known as El Dzulum, is after Doctor Hastings and a bit of world domination at the same time. Jorden discovers he has some hidden talents and is tasked with beating De León and saving the world. Can a 12-year-old stand up to the challenge? Find out in The Serpent’s Rise: Jorden Casillas and the Age of Monsters by LM Sypher.
Jorden Casillas is such an endearing young protagonist; he’s on a journey of self-discovery, and the reader is taken along for the ride. LM Sypher has beautifully described all the mythical creatures in the novel and provided them with outrageous personalities—Malphus the magical sugar glider is my firm favorite. The classic tale of good vs. evil takes center stage here and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they cheer for the hero and his unusual army. Book one sets up book two perfectly, and I’m keen to read more of Jorden’s adventures. While The Serpent’s Rise might be aimed at the tween market, it’s an adventure book for the inner tween in all of us!
Jorden Casillas isn’t your average 12-year-old boy. He’s a nahual, half human/half monster who can shape-shift into a snake. When we meet Jorden, his parents are dead, and he works at an artifact shop where his boss, Ernie, is an ogre. It turns out California is quite the monster haven. After appearing to double-cross one of Ernie’s friends, Gaspar the Wax Man, Ernie kicks him out. Homeless again, Jordan crosses paths with the intriguing Doctor Hastings, who takes him under his wing. An evil being, Santiago De León, also known as El Dzulum, is after Doctor Hastings and a bit of world domination at the same time. Jorden discovers he has some hidden talents and is tasked with beating De León and saving the world. Can a 12-year-old stand up to the challenge? Find out in The Serpent’s Rise: Jorden Casillas and the Age of Monsters by LM Sypher.
Jorden Casillas is such an endearing young protagonist; he’s on a journey of self-discovery, and the reader is taken along for the ride. LM Sypher has beautifully described all the mythical creatures in the novel and provided them with outrageous personalities—Malphus the magical sugar glider is my firm favorite. The classic tale of good vs. evil takes center stage here and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they cheer for the hero and his unusual army. Book one sets up book two perfectly, and I’m keen to read more of Jorden’s adventures. While The Serpent’s Rise might be aimed at the tween market, it’s an adventure book for the inner tween in all of us!
Recommend this book:
Call of the Owl Woman
K.M. Huber
2026 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
K.M. Huber's Call of the Owl Woman carries readers into ancient Peru among the Nasca people. Patya, the protagonist, is a 15-year-old girl caught between her personal desires and her duty to her people. As drought engulfs her homeland, Patya's people begin to turn on each other. When Kuyllay—the village's healer and Patya's grandmother—suddenly dies, the priests plan to use her skull for their ritual practices, as is their custom. This act angers Patya, and she even refuses to take up Kuyllay's role as a future healer. As the story unfolds, Achiq, a cunning priest, proves to be a threat to Patya's family and her younger brother, Tachico. Driven by despair and a desire to save her loved ones, Patya goes on a spiritual journey into the sacred mountains. Will she finally discover her true destiny, or will she run from it?
In Call of the Owl Woman, K.M. Huber elegantly blends Nasca culture, community conflict, and spirituality to create a coming-of-age story that is both engaging and entertaining. The author writes with respect for the culture she portrays, and her depiction of Patya feels authentic. Patya’s grief, opposition to certain traditions, personal conflicts, desire to protect her family, and search for self-identity all make the book memorable. I like how Achiq's character serves a dual purpose. He's both the villain and the oppressive power that eventually sets Patya on the path of her spiritual growth. Another intriguing aspect of the story is the ancient rituals. They show the importance of traditions in the lives of people from ancient civilizations. This fascinating book is a must-read for historical and YA fiction fans.
K.M. Huber's Call of the Owl Woman carries readers into ancient Peru among the Nasca people. Patya, the protagonist, is a 15-year-old girl caught between her personal desires and her duty to her people. As drought engulfs her homeland, Patya's people begin to turn on each other. When Kuyllay—the village's healer and Patya's grandmother—suddenly dies, the priests plan to use her skull for their ritual practices, as is their custom. This act angers Patya, and she even refuses to take up Kuyllay's role as a future healer. As the story unfolds, Achiq, a cunning priest, proves to be a threat to Patya's family and her younger brother, Tachico. Driven by despair and a desire to save her loved ones, Patya goes on a spiritual journey into the sacred mountains. Will she finally discover her true destiny, or will she run from it?
In Call of the Owl Woman, K.M. Huber elegantly blends Nasca culture, community conflict, and spirituality to create a coming-of-age story that is both engaging and entertaining. The author writes with respect for the culture she portrays, and her depiction of Patya feels authentic. Patya’s grief, opposition to certain traditions, personal conflicts, desire to protect her family, and search for self-identity all make the book memorable. I like how Achiq's character serves a dual purpose. He's both the villain and the oppressive power that eventually sets Patya on the path of her spiritual growth. Another intriguing aspect of the story is the ancient rituals. They show the importance of traditions in the lives of people from ancient civilizations. This fascinating book is a must-read for historical and YA fiction fans.
Recommend this book:
Faery Academy of QuillSnap
Night of the Purple Moon
Jacqueline Reinig
2025 Finalist
412 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite
Are faeries make-believe? Invisible to the human eye, faeries lived in the faery realm, though, very rarely, one or two lived in the human realm because of special circumstances. Faeries with potential were enrolled in a faery training program at the Faery Academy of QuillSnap. Tansy WaterSprite was one of the lucky ones, receiving her invitation when she least expected it. Tansy used this opportunity to go on a grand adventure of her own and to escape the clutches of her mean and secretive guardian, Merkel. Along the way, she stumbled upon secrets and truths that would reshape everything she thought she knew. Read Faery Academy of QuillSnap: Night of the Purple Moon by Jacqueline Reinig to find out more!
The Faery Academy of QuillSnap: Night of the Purple Moon switches to different perspectives throughout the story, which, for me, made the tale all the more captivating. The prologue was vivid and magical in its descriptions. Then, the main story started and switched to a third-person point-of-view that explored the lives of different faeries, focusing mostly on Tansy’s exploration of the Faery realm. And oh, what an adventure it was! I found this novel to be an enchanting journey with spellbinding characters that gripped me from start to finish. The story is rich in detail, and the sketches helped paint a clearer picture of the narrative. This book made me feel like I was experiencing art in motion; a true masterpiece. Hoping for more excellent work from Jacqueline Reinig.
Are faeries make-believe? Invisible to the human eye, faeries lived in the faery realm, though, very rarely, one or two lived in the human realm because of special circumstances. Faeries with potential were enrolled in a faery training program at the Faery Academy of QuillSnap. Tansy WaterSprite was one of the lucky ones, receiving her invitation when she least expected it. Tansy used this opportunity to go on a grand adventure of her own and to escape the clutches of her mean and secretive guardian, Merkel. Along the way, she stumbled upon secrets and truths that would reshape everything she thought she knew. Read Faery Academy of QuillSnap: Night of the Purple Moon by Jacqueline Reinig to find out more!
The Faery Academy of QuillSnap: Night of the Purple Moon switches to different perspectives throughout the story, which, for me, made the tale all the more captivating. The prologue was vivid and magical in its descriptions. Then, the main story started and switched to a third-person point-of-view that explored the lives of different faeries, focusing mostly on Tansy’s exploration of the Faery realm. And oh, what an adventure it was! I found this novel to be an enchanting journey with spellbinding characters that gripped me from start to finish. The story is rich in detail, and the sketches helped paint a clearer picture of the narrative. This book made me feel like I was experiencing art in motion; a true masterpiece. Hoping for more excellent work from Jacqueline Reinig.
Recommend this book:
Vibrations
Children of Atlantis
A. R. Alexander
2025 Honorable Mention
222 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
A.R. Alexander brings us an engaging blend of mythology and fairy tales in Vibrations: Children of Atlantis. Nada has a rare gift. She can see the vibrations of everything around her. Bright waves of energy have always been bouncing around her. She has kept her head down, hiding her gift from the world. And then Kani comes into the picture. Arriving in Texas from Hawaii, Kani can feel vibrations and manipulate them, and he is very curious about Nada. Meeting Kani could shatter Nada’s peace in her chaotic world. Together, Nada and Kani learn about their Atlantean heritage and how to harness their newfound skills. A battle of the elements against mythological creatures they have only heard of in story books is very close at hand. If they lose, it could mean the end of the world. Will they be ready in time?
Author A.R. Alexander has done a remarkable job of infusing this story with boundless sensory stimulation. Writing in the first-person narrative from the perspectives of our two protagonists was a strategic move that was executed with perfection. Character descriptions are detailed, which makes the characters likable and relatable. A resounding theme of misplaced self-doubt and finding your place in this world saturates every page. This book is filled with action based on a new set of rules, which makes for phenomenal world-building. I loved the introduction of various mythical creatures from different religions and mythologies. Suitable for young adult readers, Vibrations is a fast-paced adventure that will fill you with hope and large doses of self-confidence.
A.R. Alexander brings us an engaging blend of mythology and fairy tales in Vibrations: Children of Atlantis. Nada has a rare gift. She can see the vibrations of everything around her. Bright waves of energy have always been bouncing around her. She has kept her head down, hiding her gift from the world. And then Kani comes into the picture. Arriving in Texas from Hawaii, Kani can feel vibrations and manipulate them, and he is very curious about Nada. Meeting Kani could shatter Nada’s peace in her chaotic world. Together, Nada and Kani learn about their Atlantean heritage and how to harness their newfound skills. A battle of the elements against mythological creatures they have only heard of in story books is very close at hand. If they lose, it could mean the end of the world. Will they be ready in time?
Author A.R. Alexander has done a remarkable job of infusing this story with boundless sensory stimulation. Writing in the first-person narrative from the perspectives of our two protagonists was a strategic move that was executed with perfection. Character descriptions are detailed, which makes the characters likable and relatable. A resounding theme of misplaced self-doubt and finding your place in this world saturates every page. This book is filled with action based on a new set of rules, which makes for phenomenal world-building. I loved the introduction of various mythical creatures from different religions and mythologies. Suitable for young adult readers, Vibrations is a fast-paced adventure that will fill you with hope and large doses of self-confidence.
Recommend this book:
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
Hermione Lee
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Princess Harriet grew up in Wonderland. It is all she has ever known, and she loves everything about it. From the poker-themed castle to the magical gardens and friendly creatures, Wonderland is her perfect home, but all this changes when she loses her parents, the king and queen. Princess Harriet marries a stranger, Harrison Black, to become queen and him to become king and they begin to preside over her people. She discovers that her beautiful Wonderland is full of aristocrats and people who are manipulative, power-hungry, and greedy. Her only delight is the love she and Harrison share. Unfortunately, her love and heart may not be prepared for the turmoil awaiting her. Get a copy of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland by Hermione Lee to follow Harriet on her turbulent journey to become Queen of Wonderland.
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland surprised me and left me in awe. The story is a gut-wrenching fairy tale that took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Hermione Lee puts readers in the main character's shoes and makes them feel her grief, joy, pain, and hopelessness. Harriet has no control over her life and wishes to do right by her people, but all her efforts seem futile. The injustice, losses, and betrayals she faces lead to her gradual evolution into someone she never thought she would be. The book is one of the easiest I have ever read, and this is because the author uses simple words and maintains a smooth flow from start to finish. The story is well-written and unpredictable. Each chapter built on the next, and the author added intrigue and suspense in equal measure to the plot. I could not put it down because I did not want to miss anything, and the ending was shocking and sinister but also satisfying. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from the author.
Princess Harriet grew up in Wonderland. It is all she has ever known, and she loves everything about it. From the poker-themed castle to the magical gardens and friendly creatures, Wonderland is her perfect home, but all this changes when she loses her parents, the king and queen. Princess Harriet marries a stranger, Harrison Black, to become queen and him to become king and they begin to preside over her people. She discovers that her beautiful Wonderland is full of aristocrats and people who are manipulative, power-hungry, and greedy. Her only delight is the love she and Harrison share. Unfortunately, her love and heart may not be prepared for the turmoil awaiting her. Get a copy of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland by Hermione Lee to follow Harriet on her turbulent journey to become Queen of Wonderland.
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland surprised me and left me in awe. The story is a gut-wrenching fairy tale that took me on a roller coaster of emotions. Hermione Lee puts readers in the main character's shoes and makes them feel her grief, joy, pain, and hopelessness. Harriet has no control over her life and wishes to do right by her people, but all her efforts seem futile. The injustice, losses, and betrayals she faces lead to her gradual evolution into someone she never thought she would be. The book is one of the easiest I have ever read, and this is because the author uses simple words and maintains a smooth flow from start to finish. The story is well-written and unpredictable. Each chapter built on the next, and the author added intrigue and suspense in equal measure to the plot. I could not put it down because I did not want to miss anything, and the ending was shocking and sinister but also satisfying. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from the author.
Recommend this book:
Timeaous Spark
And the Luck Curse
E. K. Kidwell
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Timeaous Spark And the Luck Curse by E. K. Kidwell unfolds in Mythantas, a society guided by social status and predestined paths. Timeaous is a youth attending Mythica High, a training academy tasked with helping students master their supernatural gifts through a series of arduous trials. Our young hero is a 'powerless Non-Creature' and has no manifested powers of his own. He has been groomed by his parents his entire life to live in the shadow of servitude. But one day, Timeaous hopes to change his destiny. Under the watchful coaching of Mr. Phix, his instructor, Timeaous gradually discovers he has the mystifying ability to alter his luck subtly. Mr. Phix warns him to keep this highly unusual power to himself since there are formidable forces that can deem him a threat. Will Timeaous sacrifice his identity to fit into the status quo? Or will he forge his own destiny in life, even if it spawns isolation and danger?
Timeaous Spark And the Luck Curse by E. K. Kidwell is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and adventure, similar to well-known series like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. The characters are relatable and well-crafted, while the plot keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Timeaous’ latent powers and battle against societal expectations make for a story that will keep you turning the pages. This tale takes the protagonist (and readers) on a riveting journey that is both psychologically and physically demanding while reminding us of its overarching motif; it is imperative to know and accept ourselves, especially during the most seemingly hopeless moments of our lives. The author masterfully integrates complex topics like power, friendship, and destiny into the narrative using the art of evocative storytelling. I am eager to see how Timeaous’ story unfolds in its entirety. This YA fantasy is perfect for those seeking an adventurous tale depicting meaningful character journeys and fascinating world-building.
Timeaous Spark And the Luck Curse by E. K. Kidwell unfolds in Mythantas, a society guided by social status and predestined paths. Timeaous is a youth attending Mythica High, a training academy tasked with helping students master their supernatural gifts through a series of arduous trials. Our young hero is a 'powerless Non-Creature' and has no manifested powers of his own. He has been groomed by his parents his entire life to live in the shadow of servitude. But one day, Timeaous hopes to change his destiny. Under the watchful coaching of Mr. Phix, his instructor, Timeaous gradually discovers he has the mystifying ability to alter his luck subtly. Mr. Phix warns him to keep this highly unusual power to himself since there are formidable forces that can deem him a threat. Will Timeaous sacrifice his identity to fit into the status quo? Or will he forge his own destiny in life, even if it spawns isolation and danger?
Timeaous Spark And the Luck Curse by E. K. Kidwell is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and adventure, similar to well-known series like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. The characters are relatable and well-crafted, while the plot keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Timeaous’ latent powers and battle against societal expectations make for a story that will keep you turning the pages. This tale takes the protagonist (and readers) on a riveting journey that is both psychologically and physically demanding while reminding us of its overarching motif; it is imperative to know and accept ourselves, especially during the most seemingly hopeless moments of our lives. The author masterfully integrates complex topics like power, friendship, and destiny into the narrative using the art of evocative storytelling. I am eager to see how Timeaous’ story unfolds in its entirety. This YA fantasy is perfect for those seeking an adventurous tale depicting meaningful character journeys and fascinating world-building.
Recommend this book:
Snow: Cursed
Willa R. Finnegan
2025 Gold Medal
250 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite
Willa R. Finnegan’s book Snow: Cursed features many characters from well-known fairy tales and mythology. Very few have been omitted, from ancient Greece to modern-day films. This story starring Snow White takes a very different path from the one we all know. She is a very capable and resourceful heroine with nerves of steel and a very modern outlook. In turn, she meets many storybook characters in a frantic attempt to lift the curse placed on her at birth. She has more than one enemy who conspires to take her life, and in the process, she, who has always been as pure as the driven snow, in turn is forced to commit heinous crimes. The overall message in this book is that none of us is all good, nor all evil, but a combination of both behaviors.
Willa R. Finnegan takes us on a whirlwind tour of a host of fairytale characters, showing both imagination and humor. I particularly loved the tree-climbing crocodile. The pace was excellent, and the story never lagged as it moved from one point of view to another. It brought back memories of my favorite childhood books and swashbuckling adventures. It is packed full of spells, magic potions, curses, shape-shifting, and a heroine with courage. There are so many characters to meet and think about, whereas in the past, we have met them before, but in an entirely different light. The snappy dialogue is very amusing. The descriptions of the various landscapes are well drawn, especially the underwater scenes. I liked the cliffhangers at the end of the sentences, enticing the reader to devour more pages as the pace never flags. The mixture of humor and horror is excellent, and the ending was a huge surprise; I did not see that coming. You have to read it for yourself to get the full impact. As a first novel, Snow: Cursed shows great promise.
Willa R. Finnegan’s book Snow: Cursed features many characters from well-known fairy tales and mythology. Very few have been omitted, from ancient Greece to modern-day films. This story starring Snow White takes a very different path from the one we all know. She is a very capable and resourceful heroine with nerves of steel and a very modern outlook. In turn, she meets many storybook characters in a frantic attempt to lift the curse placed on her at birth. She has more than one enemy who conspires to take her life, and in the process, she, who has always been as pure as the driven snow, in turn is forced to commit heinous crimes. The overall message in this book is that none of us is all good, nor all evil, but a combination of both behaviors.
Willa R. Finnegan takes us on a whirlwind tour of a host of fairytale characters, showing both imagination and humor. I particularly loved the tree-climbing crocodile. The pace was excellent, and the story never lagged as it moved from one point of view to another. It brought back memories of my favorite childhood books and swashbuckling adventures. It is packed full of spells, magic potions, curses, shape-shifting, and a heroine with courage. There are so many characters to meet and think about, whereas in the past, we have met them before, but in an entirely different light. The snappy dialogue is very amusing. The descriptions of the various landscapes are well drawn, especially the underwater scenes. I liked the cliffhangers at the end of the sentences, enticing the reader to devour more pages as the pace never flags. The mixture of humor and horror is excellent, and the ending was a huge surprise; I did not see that coming. You have to read it for yourself to get the full impact. As a first novel, Snow: Cursed shows great promise.
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