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The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time
Tom Hoffman
2020 Bronze Medal
333 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is an epic fantasy for young and new adults written by Tom Hoffman. Veteran explorers and best friends, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb, are about to set off on a rescue mission to a sodden world where it always rains. This time, they’re accompanied by a new friend, Silas Ward, who can also see Odo, and the ghost cat they found. Having read each of the books in Hoffman’s previous series as well as the first Translucent Boy book, I opened the first page, expecting wonder, excitement, and adventure, and as with those past reading experiences, I soon discovered that Tom Hoffman had done it yet again. This wise and irreverently humorous man had created a whole new world, teaming up with his two irrepressible partners-in-crime, Sephie, and Odo Whitley, as they keep moving forward past all manner of obstacles, intent on the rescue mission which means so much to their new friend, Silas.
Hoffman’s characters fairly leap off the page, even as Odo’s room somehow transforms itself into a haunted wood. Sephie and Odo complement each other so well, and seeing their friendship progress throughout their adventures is marvelous. The plot is ingenious and mind-expanding, and the author’s skill at building visionary worlds of wonder seems unbounded. After falling in love with Hoffman’s previous Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse series, I had wondered how the author, Odo Whitley, and Sephie Crumb would be able to take up the mantle and implicit challenge of those excellent works. I’m delighted to say they do so with consummate grace and ease. And while there are no shrieking ghosts in the story except in Odo’s Saturday movie selection, I was thrilled to encounter shrieking frogs instead. Shrieking frogs..not such a bad thing, right? Hoffman loves his characters and his affection for them shines forth in every nuance and conversation. The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year. Yeah, it’s that good -- heck, it’s even better than that. It's most highly recommended.
The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is an epic fantasy for young and new adults written by Tom Hoffman. Veteran explorers and best friends, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb, are about to set off on a rescue mission to a sodden world where it always rains. This time, they’re accompanied by a new friend, Silas Ward, who can also see Odo, and the ghost cat they found. Having read each of the books in Hoffman’s previous series as well as the first Translucent Boy book, I opened the first page, expecting wonder, excitement, and adventure, and as with those past reading experiences, I soon discovered that Tom Hoffman had done it yet again. This wise and irreverently humorous man had created a whole new world, teaming up with his two irrepressible partners-in-crime, Sephie, and Odo Whitley, as they keep moving forward past all manner of obstacles, intent on the rescue mission which means so much to their new friend, Silas.
Hoffman’s characters fairly leap off the page, even as Odo’s room somehow transforms itself into a haunted wood. Sephie and Odo complement each other so well, and seeing their friendship progress throughout their adventures is marvelous. The plot is ingenious and mind-expanding, and the author’s skill at building visionary worlds of wonder seems unbounded. After falling in love with Hoffman’s previous Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse series, I had wondered how the author, Odo Whitley, and Sephie Crumb would be able to take up the mantle and implicit challenge of those excellent works. I’m delighted to say they do so with consummate grace and ease. And while there are no shrieking ghosts in the story except in Odo’s Saturday movie selection, I was thrilled to encounter shrieking frogs instead. Shrieking frogs..not such a bad thing, right? Hoffman loves his characters and his affection for them shines forth in every nuance and conversation. The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year. Yeah, it’s that good -- heck, it’s even better than that. It's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Sisters of the Perilous Heart
Mortal Heritance Book 1
Sandra Vasher
2020 Finalist
335 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is the first book in The Mortal Heritance by Sandra Vasher. This is a story about two women who had nothing in common, yet when fate decided, they found that they could be exactly what they needed to be to survive. Carina is not your usual young woman; she has magic inside her that she cannot control yet and she has some very powerful and dark people hunting her for it. Trying to control her magic might not have been that difficult if she didn’t have some immortals trying to track her down. But when she comes across Vivian, she finally has some hope. You see, Vivian is not an ordinary person as well; she is the Queen of South Kepler and she doesn’t have long to live. She has been poisoned with the Immortality Virus and the only thing that can keep her alive is more magic, in fact, magic that Carina can share with her. In exchange for her magic, Vivian is going to keep Carina safe. But can they trust each other?
Calling this novel fast-paced and action-packed would not be enough. In a genre that is riddled with the same hero/heroine fighting for a cause and then falling in love in the meantime, Sisters of the Perilous Heart by Sandra Vasher is like a breath of fresh air. Carina and Vivian are two equally powerful and exceptionally well-crafted characters. While Carina is unsure of herself, Vivian is the one to help her find the confidence she needs to become the character she must become. Vivian is her mentor and her guide who helps her understand her magic and how to let her power be strong. The chemistry between these two was amazing; you can feel their kinship. You will root for them, you will cheer for them and you will want them to succeed. Amazing and entertaining! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is the first book in The Mortal Heritance by Sandra Vasher. This is a story about two women who had nothing in common, yet when fate decided, they found that they could be exactly what they needed to be to survive. Carina is not your usual young woman; she has magic inside her that she cannot control yet and she has some very powerful and dark people hunting her for it. Trying to control her magic might not have been that difficult if she didn’t have some immortals trying to track her down. But when she comes across Vivian, she finally has some hope. You see, Vivian is not an ordinary person as well; she is the Queen of South Kepler and she doesn’t have long to live. She has been poisoned with the Immortality Virus and the only thing that can keep her alive is more magic, in fact, magic that Carina can share with her. In exchange for her magic, Vivian is going to keep Carina safe. But can they trust each other?
Calling this novel fast-paced and action-packed would not be enough. In a genre that is riddled with the same hero/heroine fighting for a cause and then falling in love in the meantime, Sisters of the Perilous Heart by Sandra Vasher is like a breath of fresh air. Carina and Vivian are two equally powerful and exceptionally well-crafted characters. While Carina is unsure of herself, Vivian is the one to help her find the confidence she needs to become the character she must become. Vivian is her mentor and her guide who helps her understand her magic and how to let her power be strong. The chemistry between these two was amazing; you can feel their kinship. You will root for them, you will cheer for them and you will want them to succeed. Amazing and entertaining! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
Recommend this book:
The Return of the Dragon Queen
The Avalonia Chronicles Book 3
Farah Oomerbhoy
2020 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
The Return of the Dragon Queen is the third book in The Avalonia Chronicles by Farah Oomerbhoy, a fantasy with hints of coming of age and allusions to classic mythology. Morgana has grown in strength and her dark powers only increase by the day. She has conquered Illiador and Eldoren. Her priced jewel is Avalonia but there is one person standing between her and what she badly wants: Aurora Firedrake. Aurora knows she has very little chance of defeating the witch in a battle. Deserted by her allies and left on her own, the only hope of saving Avalonia is a journey into the very depths of the Darklands with the hope of regaining what she's lost. But Morgana has the Book of Abraxas and the power to annihilate the entire world. Does Aurora stand any chance against a cunning and wicked witch?
Written in a cinematic style, The Return of the Dragon Queen captures the interest of the reader from the very first page. The first-person narrative creates a powerful connection between the reader and the characters, allowing them to see the world from their perspective. The prose is gorgeous and the world-building exceptional. Each word carries a spell of its own and the author does an impeccable job in creating visuals when it comes to the setting. The vivid imagery that characterizes the setting makes this narrative a suitable tale for the screen and this is reinforced by the adventure that is deftly handled. I enjoyed the fact that the author creates a strong protagonist and an even stronger antagonist which scales up the conflict. Aurora wins the sympathy of the reader who wants to see her succeed despite the odds stacked against her. Farah Oomerbhoy is a great storyteller with a strong gift for character, plot, and conflict. Here is a story that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and readers who adore well-developed characters.
The Return of the Dragon Queen is the third book in The Avalonia Chronicles by Farah Oomerbhoy, a fantasy with hints of coming of age and allusions to classic mythology. Morgana has grown in strength and her dark powers only increase by the day. She has conquered Illiador and Eldoren. Her priced jewel is Avalonia but there is one person standing between her and what she badly wants: Aurora Firedrake. Aurora knows she has very little chance of defeating the witch in a battle. Deserted by her allies and left on her own, the only hope of saving Avalonia is a journey into the very depths of the Darklands with the hope of regaining what she's lost. But Morgana has the Book of Abraxas and the power to annihilate the entire world. Does Aurora stand any chance against a cunning and wicked witch?
Written in a cinematic style, The Return of the Dragon Queen captures the interest of the reader from the very first page. The first-person narrative creates a powerful connection between the reader and the characters, allowing them to see the world from their perspective. The prose is gorgeous and the world-building exceptional. Each word carries a spell of its own and the author does an impeccable job in creating visuals when it comes to the setting. The vivid imagery that characterizes the setting makes this narrative a suitable tale for the screen and this is reinforced by the adventure that is deftly handled. I enjoyed the fact that the author creates a strong protagonist and an even stronger antagonist which scales up the conflict. Aurora wins the sympathy of the reader who wants to see her succeed despite the odds stacked against her. Farah Oomerbhoy is a great storyteller with a strong gift for character, plot, and conflict. Here is a story that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and readers who adore well-developed characters.
Recommend this book:
The Prince
The Jester King Fantasy Series
K. C. Herbel
2020 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Prince is a work of fiction in the high fantasy, coming of age, and action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned for young adult audiences by K. C. Herbel. The third installment in the Jester King Fantasy Series, the work is suitable for teens and up due to the moderate nature of its fantasy-action content. In this part of the story, we catch up with Billy as he deals with the new realizations and powers that his previous exploits have brought him, only to find that his arrival in Tirn Aill brings yet more problems to the fore. Here, deathly visions plague him with what he must do to reclaim and bring peace to the war-torn world around him.
Author K. C. Herbel continues this epic fantasy series with yet more surprises, dynamic action, and deeper, darker worldbuilding than ever before. The fae and pseudo-medieval themes of the fantasy construct produce an exciting world that is very well built and logically ordered by the author, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of dark surprises in store, especially where the wicked King Ergyfel is concerned. I really enjoyed the development and presentation of Billy, which is delivered with a keen eye for emotions and a close narration that allows us to really feel the triumphs and traumas along with his as the plot intensifies. Overall, I would highly recommend The Prince and the rest of the series in general to fantasy fans seeking accomplished and fully realized works with truly compelling storytelling.
The Prince is a work of fiction in the high fantasy, coming of age, and action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned for young adult audiences by K. C. Herbel. The third installment in the Jester King Fantasy Series, the work is suitable for teens and up due to the moderate nature of its fantasy-action content. In this part of the story, we catch up with Billy as he deals with the new realizations and powers that his previous exploits have brought him, only to find that his arrival in Tirn Aill brings yet more problems to the fore. Here, deathly visions plague him with what he must do to reclaim and bring peace to the war-torn world around him.
Author K. C. Herbel continues this epic fantasy series with yet more surprises, dynamic action, and deeper, darker worldbuilding than ever before. The fae and pseudo-medieval themes of the fantasy construct produce an exciting world that is very well built and logically ordered by the author, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of dark surprises in store, especially where the wicked King Ergyfel is concerned. I really enjoyed the development and presentation of Billy, which is delivered with a keen eye for emotions and a close narration that allows us to really feel the triumphs and traumas along with his as the plot intensifies. Overall, I would highly recommend The Prince and the rest of the series in general to fantasy fans seeking accomplished and fully realized works with truly compelling storytelling.
Recommend this book:
The Other Magic
Book 1 of Passage to Dawn
Derrick Smythe
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
A sudden awakening of magical powers that coincides with a prophesied sign mark a twelve-year-old slave, Kibure, as the agent of a dark god in Derrick Smythe’s thought-provoking epic fantasy, The Other Magic. Shackled, gagged, and caged, it seems death is the only outcome for Kibure when Sindri, the renegade priestess hired to sever Kibure’s magical ability, is unable to do so. However, Sindri has reasons of her own for wanting to keep Kibure alive and convinces his master instead to take Kibure to the Eastern Markets and sell him there. Meanwhile, Magog, the god-king of Angolia, charges high priest Grobennar with finding and destroying the dark god’s emissary as part of the preparations for the prophesied Purge.
An exhilarating and unpredictable plot combined with steady pacing in The Other Magic makes for addictive reading in The Other Magic, book one of debut author Smythe’s Passage to Dawn series. Smythe masterfully conveys the more complex elements of world-building through legends and myths mentioned within The Other Magic. Spoilt Prince Aynward’s tertiary education allows for a fascinating intellectual exploration of the perceived ties between magic and religion and how this applies when every faith’s followers consider their institution and the deities they observe to be the one true faith. This also provides a stimulating thematic link to Kibure’s trials and the purposefully warped perspective on good and evil displayed by the god-king and Klerol priests. The Other Magic is an exciting epic fantasy debut with an invigorating, mentally stimulating thematic premise that will delight YA and adult readers alike.
A sudden awakening of magical powers that coincides with a prophesied sign mark a twelve-year-old slave, Kibure, as the agent of a dark god in Derrick Smythe’s thought-provoking epic fantasy, The Other Magic. Shackled, gagged, and caged, it seems death is the only outcome for Kibure when Sindri, the renegade priestess hired to sever Kibure’s magical ability, is unable to do so. However, Sindri has reasons of her own for wanting to keep Kibure alive and convinces his master instead to take Kibure to the Eastern Markets and sell him there. Meanwhile, Magog, the god-king of Angolia, charges high priest Grobennar with finding and destroying the dark god’s emissary as part of the preparations for the prophesied Purge.
An exhilarating and unpredictable plot combined with steady pacing in The Other Magic makes for addictive reading in The Other Magic, book one of debut author Smythe’s Passage to Dawn series. Smythe masterfully conveys the more complex elements of world-building through legends and myths mentioned within The Other Magic. Spoilt Prince Aynward’s tertiary education allows for a fascinating intellectual exploration of the perceived ties between magic and religion and how this applies when every faith’s followers consider their institution and the deities they observe to be the one true faith. This also provides a stimulating thematic link to Kibure’s trials and the purposefully warped perspective on good and evil displayed by the god-king and Klerol priests. The Other Magic is an exciting epic fantasy debut with an invigorating, mentally stimulating thematic premise that will delight YA and adult readers alike.
Recommend this book:
In Sight of the Mountain
Jamie McGillen
2020 Finalist
362 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In Sight of the Mountain is a work of historical fiction set in the late nineteenth century, and it was penned by author Jamie McGillen. Focusing on themes of the liberation of women, the American class system and effects of colonialism, this intelligent and heart-warming novel introduces us to Anna Gallagher at the tender age of nineteen. Time is ticking for this young woman to marry and secure a future for herself, and Anna is not without some options, but her real passion lies at the peak of Mount Rainier. Aiming to be a pioneer for women mountaineers everywhere, Anna pursues her dream in secret, until the day she must risk it all to show the world that she is more than just someone’s bride to be.
In an epic and gripping work of historical fiction with modern sensibilities, author Jamie McGillen gives you everything you could possibly hope for in this inspiring and dramatic tale. Anna is a thoroughly well-developed heroine, not a modern woman thrown into history, but appropriately forward-thinking and authentically brave for her time. The descriptions of the people and attitudes which she faces really convey the class structure and hierarchies of money and gender extremely well, giving a sense of the many cages she must break out of to reach Rainier’s summit. And despite the independent vibe of the tale, there is indeed romance, intelligently and realistically portrayed. Overall, In Sight of the Mountain is the perfect historical read for fans of pioneering heroes and tales of triumph over discrimination.
In Sight of the Mountain is a work of historical fiction set in the late nineteenth century, and it was penned by author Jamie McGillen. Focusing on themes of the liberation of women, the American class system and effects of colonialism, this intelligent and heart-warming novel introduces us to Anna Gallagher at the tender age of nineteen. Time is ticking for this young woman to marry and secure a future for herself, and Anna is not without some options, but her real passion lies at the peak of Mount Rainier. Aiming to be a pioneer for women mountaineers everywhere, Anna pursues her dream in secret, until the day she must risk it all to show the world that she is more than just someone’s bride to be.
In an epic and gripping work of historical fiction with modern sensibilities, author Jamie McGillen gives you everything you could possibly hope for in this inspiring and dramatic tale. Anna is a thoroughly well-developed heroine, not a modern woman thrown into history, but appropriately forward-thinking and authentically brave for her time. The descriptions of the people and attitudes which she faces really convey the class structure and hierarchies of money and gender extremely well, giving a sense of the many cages she must break out of to reach Rainier’s summit. And despite the independent vibe of the tale, there is indeed romance, intelligently and realistically portrayed. Overall, In Sight of the Mountain is the perfect historical read for fans of pioneering heroes and tales of triumph over discrimination.
Recommend this book:
The Diseased Ones
The Hollis Timewire Series Book 1
Danielle Harrington
2020 Silver Medal
238 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Risah Salazar for Readers' Favorite
Hollis Timewire turns sixteen and this can only mean one thing -- The Test. It's a rite of passage, allowing the young generation to graduate and become part of The Society. The Society does not allow disobedience, nor any other kind of emotion. The citizens need to keep their feelings at bay, or they will be punished. The Test determines if one is either fit or diseased with the biomarker. Messed up with bad blood and in need of cleansing, that's how The Society describes The Diseased Ones. Only one in ten million has the biomarker, so Hollis does not need to worry, right? Wrong.
When her special ability is revealed, she loses everything and is forced to live with the rest of the Diseased Ones -- the people she has been taught to hate all her life. As the fine line between truth and white lies blurs, she finds a new home and learns to control her ability. But when push comes to shove, will Hollis choose her new-found family or will she sacrifice them and her ability to be part of The Society again?
Danielle Harrington's The Diseased Ones is the first installment in The Hollis Timewire series. This YA dystopian tale is as compelling as it is fast-paced. Its relevance is further emphasized by its feminist nature and social themes. Nicely equipped with young love and angst, The Diseased Ones is highly recommended to fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and coming-of-age stories. Themes include genocide, violence, manipulation, and bullying.
Hollis Timewire turns sixteen and this can only mean one thing -- The Test. It's a rite of passage, allowing the young generation to graduate and become part of The Society. The Society does not allow disobedience, nor any other kind of emotion. The citizens need to keep their feelings at bay, or they will be punished. The Test determines if one is either fit or diseased with the biomarker. Messed up with bad blood and in need of cleansing, that's how The Society describes The Diseased Ones. Only one in ten million has the biomarker, so Hollis does not need to worry, right? Wrong.
When her special ability is revealed, she loses everything and is forced to live with the rest of the Diseased Ones -- the people she has been taught to hate all her life. As the fine line between truth and white lies blurs, she finds a new home and learns to control her ability. But when push comes to shove, will Hollis choose her new-found family or will she sacrifice them and her ability to be part of The Society again?
Danielle Harrington's The Diseased Ones is the first installment in The Hollis Timewire series. This YA dystopian tale is as compelling as it is fast-paced. Its relevance is further emphasized by its feminist nature and social themes. Nicely equipped with young love and angst, The Diseased Ones is highly recommended to fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and coming-of-age stories. Themes include genocide, violence, manipulation, and bullying.
Recommend this book:
Scream of The White Bear
David Clement-Davies
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Scream of the White Bear by David Clement-Davies is a gripping narrative with strong themes and an irresistible appeal to animal lovers and readers who enjoy tight and beautiful prose. In the frozen North, the Bears are in awe when a cub, Uteq, is born with a mysterious mark and the unique gift of deciphering the deepest fears in others. This is a threat to the Ice World as he evokes legends and may be the Savior that has been spoken of over the ages, or a mark of Evil. Can telling the Great Story, which speaks of the resurrection and even the end of death, stop the Bear brothers from fighting among themselves? Can they combat the Evil that is rising against them?
This is a wonderful story and it begins in an enigmatic way with references to legends. The reader is thrust into the world of the Bears where myth and science coexist. The story features very strong and sophisticated characters and the use of anthropomorphism is ingenious, and readers find themselves easily rooting for characters that are not even human. The prose is crisp and littered with breathtaking imagery; elements of the setting are captured in a unique way and readers can easily imagine the scenes as well as places where the action takes place. And this is from the moment of the gathering of the army of male polar bears, through the wars and the escalating conflict to the enticing denouement. The language is lyrical, the themes realistic, featuring environmental themes, the threat to animals, religion and science, and a strong sense of family. Scream of the White Bear by David Clement-Davies is emotionally rich, a story with elaborately developed themes and characters, and a plot that makes it impossible to put down.
Scream of the White Bear by David Clement-Davies is a gripping narrative with strong themes and an irresistible appeal to animal lovers and readers who enjoy tight and beautiful prose. In the frozen North, the Bears are in awe when a cub, Uteq, is born with a mysterious mark and the unique gift of deciphering the deepest fears in others. This is a threat to the Ice World as he evokes legends and may be the Savior that has been spoken of over the ages, or a mark of Evil. Can telling the Great Story, which speaks of the resurrection and even the end of death, stop the Bear brothers from fighting among themselves? Can they combat the Evil that is rising against them?
This is a wonderful story and it begins in an enigmatic way with references to legends. The reader is thrust into the world of the Bears where myth and science coexist. The story features very strong and sophisticated characters and the use of anthropomorphism is ingenious, and readers find themselves easily rooting for characters that are not even human. The prose is crisp and littered with breathtaking imagery; elements of the setting are captured in a unique way and readers can easily imagine the scenes as well as places where the action takes place. And this is from the moment of the gathering of the army of male polar bears, through the wars and the escalating conflict to the enticing denouement. The language is lyrical, the themes realistic, featuring environmental themes, the threat to animals, religion and science, and a strong sense of family. Scream of the White Bear by David Clement-Davies is emotionally rich, a story with elaborately developed themes and characters, and a plot that makes it impossible to put down.
Recommend this book:
The Butterfly Stone
The Stones of Power Book 1
Laurie Bell
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Butterfly Stone by Laurie Bell is the first book in The Stones of Power series. Tracey Masters is a young Mage-Kind that has the life of a typical teenager - spending time with her friends, arguing with her family, and killing time on the internet and the Mage-net - except she’s not your typical teenager. She has a job working for her Private Investigator uncle and has dreams of one day joining his business. She just has to prove herself first. When a woman shows up asking for help, Tracey and her uncle are put on the case to find a missing necklace that brings Tracey to unexpected places, including meeting a charming prince. As she searches for the missing necklace, she still finds time to gush over the new boy at school with her best friends, fight for her life against a dangerous shadow, and uncover a shocking secret about herself.
The tone is through Tracey's voice which makes the story upbeat and with an emotional core that comes from her self-discovery. The setting is a fun urban fantasy that has magic blended into modern society through the Mage-kind that have magic and abilities, and even their own internet, the Mage-Net. The story has three components that are key elements of Tracey’s journey: the mystery, her family, and school, which includes her friends. Laurie Bell weaves several layers together with everything revolving around a missing necklace. Her family is at the center of her story as they worry about her working for her uncle and often serve as conflict as they try to keep her out of danger. An added emotional element is woven into her journey as she takes up teaching her younger sister and an arrogant classmate new to his abilities. The third aspect of her story is her school life which shows her as a normal teenager dealing with classes, friends, and bullies. Her friend group serves as her support system while adding some lightheartedness to her life by gossiping about the new guy, gushing about meeting a prince, and handling bullies together. Bell creates a fun and upbeat mystery in The Butterfly Stone which has action, magic, and heart, seen in her various relationships with friends and family.
The Butterfly Stone by Laurie Bell is the first book in The Stones of Power series. Tracey Masters is a young Mage-Kind that has the life of a typical teenager - spending time with her friends, arguing with her family, and killing time on the internet and the Mage-net - except she’s not your typical teenager. She has a job working for her Private Investigator uncle and has dreams of one day joining his business. She just has to prove herself first. When a woman shows up asking for help, Tracey and her uncle are put on the case to find a missing necklace that brings Tracey to unexpected places, including meeting a charming prince. As she searches for the missing necklace, she still finds time to gush over the new boy at school with her best friends, fight for her life against a dangerous shadow, and uncover a shocking secret about herself.
The tone is through Tracey's voice which makes the story upbeat and with an emotional core that comes from her self-discovery. The setting is a fun urban fantasy that has magic blended into modern society through the Mage-kind that have magic and abilities, and even their own internet, the Mage-Net. The story has three components that are key elements of Tracey’s journey: the mystery, her family, and school, which includes her friends. Laurie Bell weaves several layers together with everything revolving around a missing necklace. Her family is at the center of her story as they worry about her working for her uncle and often serve as conflict as they try to keep her out of danger. An added emotional element is woven into her journey as she takes up teaching her younger sister and an arrogant classmate new to his abilities. The third aspect of her story is her school life which shows her as a normal teenager dealing with classes, friends, and bullies. Her friend group serves as her support system while adding some lightheartedness to her life by gossiping about the new guy, gushing about meeting a prince, and handling bullies together. Bell creates a fun and upbeat mystery in The Butterfly Stone which has action, magic, and heart, seen in her various relationships with friends and family.
Recommend this book:
 by Michelle Reynoso. Recently Faith discovered her mother is not who she seems and has ties to another world, and Faith can alter and manipula...){kind=link}
The Light of the Dying
The Girl, the Pendant & the Portal, Book 2
Michelle Reynoso
2020 Finalist
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Struggling to prevent an apocalyptic event, a group of teens battles an evil entity from another world in the thrilling urban fantasy novel The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal, Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso. Recently Faith discovered her mother is not who she seems and has ties to another world, and Faith can alter and manipulate energy. With the death of her mother and an entity from another world after her powers, Faith has a lot on her plate. Thirteen days ago, Faith, her brother, and boyfriend nearly died at the scene of a house fire where she captured the unnamed being in a box. However, due to her collapse and subsequent stay in the hospital, Faith lost the container holding the monster. The need to keep the entity imprisoned drives Faith to sneak out of the hospital and begin her search for the box. But with her unpredictable powers and Screamers distracting her, can Faith accomplish her mission? Or will she fall victim to an otherworldly evil?
The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso is a thrilling young adult urban fantasy filled with action and drama. Moving along at a fast pace, it is a thrilling and irresistible tale that once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down until I reached the astounding conclusion. The characters in the story are engaging and make excellent contrasts for the protagonist. Faith's personality is intense, and it is fascinating to witness her gaining control of her unique talents. Although the story comes to an exciting and abrupt end, it leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the sequel. With an intriguing plot and a gripping storyline, I recommend it to everyone who loves urban fantasy sagas with teenage heroines and heroes.
Struggling to prevent an apocalyptic event, a group of teens battles an evil entity from another world in the thrilling urban fantasy novel The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal, Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso. Recently Faith discovered her mother is not who she seems and has ties to another world, and Faith can alter and manipulate energy. With the death of her mother and an entity from another world after her powers, Faith has a lot on her plate. Thirteen days ago, Faith, her brother, and boyfriend nearly died at the scene of a house fire where she captured the unnamed being in a box. However, due to her collapse and subsequent stay in the hospital, Faith lost the container holding the monster. The need to keep the entity imprisoned drives Faith to sneak out of the hospital and begin her search for the box. But with her unpredictable powers and Screamers distracting her, can Faith accomplish her mission? Or will she fall victim to an otherworldly evil?
The Light Of the Dying (The Girl, The Pendant & The Portal Book 2) by Michelle Reynoso is a thrilling young adult urban fantasy filled with action and drama. Moving along at a fast pace, it is a thrilling and irresistible tale that once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down until I reached the astounding conclusion. The characters in the story are engaging and make excellent contrasts for the protagonist. Faith's personality is intense, and it is fascinating to witness her gaining control of her unique talents. Although the story comes to an exciting and abrupt end, it leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the sequel. With an intriguing plot and a gripping storyline, I recommend it to everyone who loves urban fantasy sagas with teenage heroines and heroes.
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