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The Hollow Boys
The Dream Rider Saga, Book 1
Douglas Smith
2023 Bronze Medal
383 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
The Hollow Boys is the opening installment in Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga series, an urban fantasy aimed at young adult readers. The book follows Will Dreycott, a teenager with the power to walk through the dreams of others. Cursed with a crippling fear that prevents him from leaving his home, the comics he writes about his adventures earn him enough to build a comfortable home in the center of a city he is too scared to walk around. When two other gifted orphans stumble upon a case of children disappearing, Will joined them in searching for those who have been taken.
Adventure drips off every single page of this book, with high-stakes action, novel characters, and world-building coming together to create a rollercoaster that feels like a blockbuster comic book experience. Douglas Smith has created a highly original spin on the classic urban fantasy and superhero tropes with which most readers will be familiar, stamping his identity on the genre while opening what I’m confident will be an equally exciting series. The absorbing prose draws the reader deep into this world. The wonderfully realized characterizations of Will and Case in particular give a layer of narrative nuance to The Hollow Boys as their flaws and strengths are explored. Each has their often unpredictable influence on the direction the story takes. As the opening novel of a series, this story makes all the right moves to encourage readers to emotionally invest in the journey being undertaken, then promptly blows their socks off as that journey unfolds.
The Hollow Boys is the opening installment in Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga series, an urban fantasy aimed at young adult readers. The book follows Will Dreycott, a teenager with the power to walk through the dreams of others. Cursed with a crippling fear that prevents him from leaving his home, the comics he writes about his adventures earn him enough to build a comfortable home in the center of a city he is too scared to walk around. When two other gifted orphans stumble upon a case of children disappearing, Will joined them in searching for those who have been taken.
Adventure drips off every single page of this book, with high-stakes action, novel characters, and world-building coming together to create a rollercoaster that feels like a blockbuster comic book experience. Douglas Smith has created a highly original spin on the classic urban fantasy and superhero tropes with which most readers will be familiar, stamping his identity on the genre while opening what I’m confident will be an equally exciting series. The absorbing prose draws the reader deep into this world. The wonderfully realized characterizations of Will and Case in particular give a layer of narrative nuance to The Hollow Boys as their flaws and strengths are explored. Each has their often unpredictable influence on the direction the story takes. As the opening novel of a series, this story makes all the right moves to encourage readers to emotionally invest in the journey being undertaken, then promptly blows their socks off as that journey unfolds.
Recommend this book:
, Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, some...){kind=link}
The Blood of Faeries
The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2
Dan Rice
2023 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
In Dan Rice’s The Blood of Faeries (The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2), Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, something nobody else was capable of. Allison was desperate to go back to school. She had to figure out how to deal with Haji, who betrayed her trust by appearing on the podcast that created her monster identity. Allison only trusted Dahia completely. After Haji went missing, Allison recruited her close associates to find him. When her search led to the apartment of a drug dealer, her nemesis Gore confronted her. Unable to transform into her Skaag without harming her friends, Gore was able to capture Allison and Dahia by drugging them. What will he do with them?
Dan Rice’s book is full of action and suspense. The tension between Allison and her mother is realistically portrayed in the way that they argue. It was easy to understand why Allison developed abandonment issues. I felt sympathy for Haji, as he seemed to have feelings for Allison and her rejection led to his disappearance. I had to laugh at their interaction with the people they question when Allison and Dahia were trying to find Haji. The mental turmoil Allison felt was vivid. The descriptions of the supporting characters and their personalities were well-developed. I could feel the same lack of trust Allison experienced as everyone’s motives were not clear until the end. This is a highly unpredictable science-fiction fantasy story. The conclusion leaves a mystery that needs to be resolved in a sequel. Any reader who enjoys dragons, faeries, and monsters in suspenseful action stories should read The Blood of Faeries.
In Dan Rice’s The Blood of Faeries (The Allison Lee Chronicles Book 2), Allison is determined to be a normal teenager despite everyone believing that she is a monster. A year previously she had learned that she was half Skaag, a legacy from her mother. She now has prosthetic eyes, allowing her to see dragons while they are in the slip field, something nobody else was capable of. Allison was desperate to go back to school. She had to figure out how to deal with Haji, who betrayed her trust by appearing on the podcast that created her monster identity. Allison only trusted Dahia completely. After Haji went missing, Allison recruited her close associates to find him. When her search led to the apartment of a drug dealer, her nemesis Gore confronted her. Unable to transform into her Skaag without harming her friends, Gore was able to capture Allison and Dahia by drugging them. What will he do with them?
Dan Rice’s book is full of action and suspense. The tension between Allison and her mother is realistically portrayed in the way that they argue. It was easy to understand why Allison developed abandonment issues. I felt sympathy for Haji, as he seemed to have feelings for Allison and her rejection led to his disappearance. I had to laugh at their interaction with the people they question when Allison and Dahia were trying to find Haji. The mental turmoil Allison felt was vivid. The descriptions of the supporting characters and their personalities were well-developed. I could feel the same lack of trust Allison experienced as everyone’s motives were not clear until the end. This is a highly unpredictable science-fiction fantasy story. The conclusion leaves a mystery that needs to be resolved in a sequel. Any reader who enjoys dragons, faeries, and monsters in suspenseful action stories should read The Blood of Faeries.
Recommend this book:
The Byways
A Novel
Mary Pascual
2023 Finalist
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
As a neurodivergent kid and an easy target for vicious bullies, CeeCee has never had a peaceful day in school. Her frequent lapses of focus and slipping grades concern her teachers and the counselor. Although Trudy has always been a calming presence, a sudden fallout with her makes CeeCee even more agitated. Skipping the rest of her classes, she wanders aimlessly until she reaches a deserted alley. Here, she is transported to the byways, an otherworldly maze of alleys and jumbled buildings that harbor curious characters. As CeeCee tries desperately to escape, she must confront a crazy pervert, a persistent drug dealer, an egotistical queen, and lethal blobs of color. Read about CeeCee’s escapades in The Byways, Mary Pascual’s modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland.
In her novel, Pascual masterfully creates a dark, creepy world that lurks in the shadows unbeknownst to ordinary people. The never-ending, mind-boggling series of alleys with their sinister magic haunted me long after I finished the book. Pascual was adept at conveying the emotions in her writing, making CeeCee’s doubts, paranoia, and hopelessness palpable. It made me feel as if, instead of her, I was stuck in a terrible nightmare. Every new turn in the byways brought us face-to-face with bizarre characters and unprecedented adventures. Yet, CeeCee proved to be a strong protagonist with fierce determination, and I could not help rooting for her. As she pushed her way through the ordeals, ignoring the naysayers and breaking the stereotypes, I realized that this book was not merely a retelling but also an allegorical tale. Pascual showed how forgetting our worth could send us tumbling down an endless abyss of depression, where dark temptations could imprison us for life. We can win the battle and see the light again by recognizing our strengths and believing in ourselves. I recommend The Byways to anyone who loves dark fantasy. This book would be perfect for the fans of Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik.
As a neurodivergent kid and an easy target for vicious bullies, CeeCee has never had a peaceful day in school. Her frequent lapses of focus and slipping grades concern her teachers and the counselor. Although Trudy has always been a calming presence, a sudden fallout with her makes CeeCee even more agitated. Skipping the rest of her classes, she wanders aimlessly until she reaches a deserted alley. Here, she is transported to the byways, an otherworldly maze of alleys and jumbled buildings that harbor curious characters. As CeeCee tries desperately to escape, she must confront a crazy pervert, a persistent drug dealer, an egotistical queen, and lethal blobs of color. Read about CeeCee’s escapades in The Byways, Mary Pascual’s modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland.
In her novel, Pascual masterfully creates a dark, creepy world that lurks in the shadows unbeknownst to ordinary people. The never-ending, mind-boggling series of alleys with their sinister magic haunted me long after I finished the book. Pascual was adept at conveying the emotions in her writing, making CeeCee’s doubts, paranoia, and hopelessness palpable. It made me feel as if, instead of her, I was stuck in a terrible nightmare. Every new turn in the byways brought us face-to-face with bizarre characters and unprecedented adventures. Yet, CeeCee proved to be a strong protagonist with fierce determination, and I could not help rooting for her. As she pushed her way through the ordeals, ignoring the naysayers and breaking the stereotypes, I realized that this book was not merely a retelling but also an allegorical tale. Pascual showed how forgetting our worth could send us tumbling down an endless abyss of depression, where dark temptations could imprison us for life. We can win the battle and see the light again by recognizing our strengths and believing in ourselves. I recommend The Byways to anyone who loves dark fantasy. This book would be perfect for the fans of Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik.
Recommend this book:
Through the Witches Stone
Scott A. Johnson
2023 Bronze Medal
333 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Through the Witches Stone by Scott A. Johnson introduces Hadley, who wasn’t so sure about spending the entire summer with Grandma. Isolated, out in the woods, with no cell service, no television, and no neighbors, it sounded, quite simply, bleak, not to mention boring. It would just be her grandparents, her twin brothers, and herself. Other than chores, what could she find to do? Then Grandma broke the news with a blunt statement: "Didn't anyone tell you that you come from a long line of witches?" That’s when the excitement began. Who needs modern technology when you have witchcraft, magic, changelings, magical creatures, and a forest full of ominous beings? She and her brothers were warned that it was not safe out there, but Hadley didn’t listen and her adventure in the forest threatened all she held dear. Would she ever be able to trust what she sees as real?
Scott A. Johnson’s middle-grade novel Through the Witches Stone is an adventure like no other. Full of magic, fantasy, unbelievable creatures, and a young girl trying to find her place in the world, this story has a lot to attract young readers. The plot follows Hadley’s arrival at Grandma’s, her discovery that she’s a witch, her lessons in magic, and her dangerous treks into the forbidden forest. This all built up to the main threat, the one that could well take away her family and her life - her real life. Descriptive narrative is used effectively and dialogue is believable and helps set the mood and develop both the characters and the plot. This is a real page-turner and readers will be anxious to read more, so hopefully there’s another book in the works, one that will further follow Hadley’s magic training as well as that of her younger brothers.
Through the Witches Stone by Scott A. Johnson introduces Hadley, who wasn’t so sure about spending the entire summer with Grandma. Isolated, out in the woods, with no cell service, no television, and no neighbors, it sounded, quite simply, bleak, not to mention boring. It would just be her grandparents, her twin brothers, and herself. Other than chores, what could she find to do? Then Grandma broke the news with a blunt statement: "Didn't anyone tell you that you come from a long line of witches?" That’s when the excitement began. Who needs modern technology when you have witchcraft, magic, changelings, magical creatures, and a forest full of ominous beings? She and her brothers were warned that it was not safe out there, but Hadley didn’t listen and her adventure in the forest threatened all she held dear. Would she ever be able to trust what she sees as real?
Scott A. Johnson’s middle-grade novel Through the Witches Stone is an adventure like no other. Full of magic, fantasy, unbelievable creatures, and a young girl trying to find her place in the world, this story has a lot to attract young readers. The plot follows Hadley’s arrival at Grandma’s, her discovery that she’s a witch, her lessons in magic, and her dangerous treks into the forbidden forest. This all built up to the main threat, the one that could well take away her family and her life - her real life. Descriptive narrative is used effectively and dialogue is believable and helps set the mood and develop both the characters and the plot. This is a real page-turner and readers will be anxious to read more, so hopefully there’s another book in the works, one that will further follow Hadley’s magic training as well as that of her younger brothers.
Recommend this book:
Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer
Frances Schoonmaker
2023 Finalist
352 Pages
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Young Adult - General
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
It is 1855 in Illinois, and tensions between slave abolitionists and those who were pro-slavery are at an all-time high. Even though this is a free state, bounty hunters get paid to retrieve people who have escaped. Sid Johnson, a young boy, is awakened by the sound of a gunshot near his family's farm. He makes his way downstairs, where he overhears his mother and father discussing Lula, a woman injured by a bounty hunter's bullet. Could this be related to the gunshot that had startled him moments ago? Later, Sid finds out that his parents are concealing people running from bounty hunters during the day and helping them escape the chains and torment they would otherwise endure. Young Sid is aware that this is against the law and will result in his parents' arrest, leading him to question whether they are doing the right thing. Shortly after, Sid encounters Lula's son Elijah. No sooner has he discovered Elijah hiding by the haystack when two bounty hunters arrive with warrants to arrest Elijah and Lula and conduct a thorough search! Given his young age, will Sid choose what is legally correct or what is morally justifiable? Pick up a copy of Frances Schoonmaker's Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer to find out.
What makes this historical tale a success are Frances Schoonmaker's solid characterizations and her superb plot. Her descriptive writing style made her characters and settings seem plausible, demonstrating impressive imagination and writing abilities. From Sid's mother removing the singing kettle from the fire and filling two big, gray-speckled enamel pans with hot water, to Serena the family cat sprawled in the hayloft, I conjured up a beautiful world that I did not want to leave. The tale developed into a lengthy work of well-constructed suspense. I enjoyed the fact that the plot is character-driven. There were no passive characters in the plot, not even Serena the cat, and all the characters contributed significantly to the plot's advancement. This element ensured that the story never dragged. Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer will go down as the best historical novel I have ever read.
It is 1855 in Illinois, and tensions between slave abolitionists and those who were pro-slavery are at an all-time high. Even though this is a free state, bounty hunters get paid to retrieve people who have escaped. Sid Johnson, a young boy, is awakened by the sound of a gunshot near his family's farm. He makes his way downstairs, where he overhears his mother and father discussing Lula, a woman injured by a bounty hunter's bullet. Could this be related to the gunshot that had startled him moments ago? Later, Sid finds out that his parents are concealing people running from bounty hunters during the day and helping them escape the chains and torment they would otherwise endure. Young Sid is aware that this is against the law and will result in his parents' arrest, leading him to question whether they are doing the right thing. Shortly after, Sid encounters Lula's son Elijah. No sooner has he discovered Elijah hiding by the haystack when two bounty hunters arrive with warrants to arrest Elijah and Lula and conduct a thorough search! Given his young age, will Sid choose what is legally correct or what is morally justifiable? Pick up a copy of Frances Schoonmaker's Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer to find out.
What makes this historical tale a success are Frances Schoonmaker's solid characterizations and her superb plot. Her descriptive writing style made her characters and settings seem plausible, demonstrating impressive imagination and writing abilities. From Sid's mother removing the singing kettle from the fire and filling two big, gray-speckled enamel pans with hot water, to Serena the family cat sprawled in the hayloft, I conjured up a beautiful world that I did not want to leave. The tale developed into a lengthy work of well-constructed suspense. I enjoyed the fact that the plot is character-driven. There were no passive characters in the plot, not even Serena the cat, and all the characters contributed significantly to the plot's advancement. This element ensured that the story never dragged. Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer will go down as the best historical novel I have ever read.
Recommend this book:
Bardo by the Sea
Izzy and Elton Mystery, Book 1 (Izzy and Elton Mystery Series)
Chad Alan Gibbs
2023 Gold Medal
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Sixteen-year-old Izzy Brown refuses to end up as trailer trash. When opportunity comes knocking for her twin brother, Axl, in the form of a football scholarship at a prestigious high school, Bardo Academy, Izzy ensures she’s included in the deal. Overnight, the Brown family is elevated from their mobile home to a three-story mansion in an upscale community. However, Izzy will have to remember that when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they probably are. While Bardo looks perfect on the outside, things are not as rosy as they appear. There’s also the unsolved case of a murdered Bardo Academy quarterback, Ricky Lee, back in 1983, which everyone seems reluctant to discuss. Izzy must decide which is more important: her new life in Bardo or uncovering the sinister truth to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Find out what Izzy’s choice will be in Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs.
The story is told from Izzy’s perspective as she recalls her time at Bardo as a 16-year-old, and I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes. Gibbs masterfully depicts Izzy as a teenager in all her snarky, sarcastic glory, which made me laugh at several points in the book. The plot also cuts between Izzy’s time in 2008 and Ricky’s time in 1983. This was a brilliant use of backshadowing, as the 1983 timeline started with Ricky’s death and then walked us through the events that led to his last moments. It was very fun trying to guess who killed him. Even when I thought I had figured it out, Gibbs still surprised me with the big reveal. He also skillfully wrote the story around the 2008 financial crisis, and it was fascinating reading how it affected people in various ways. I also enjoyed the pop culture references of that time; they were nostalgic. Bardo by the Sea will be a perfect fit for lovers of YA mystery.
Sixteen-year-old Izzy Brown refuses to end up as trailer trash. When opportunity comes knocking for her twin brother, Axl, in the form of a football scholarship at a prestigious high school, Bardo Academy, Izzy ensures she’s included in the deal. Overnight, the Brown family is elevated from their mobile home to a three-story mansion in an upscale community. However, Izzy will have to remember that when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they probably are. While Bardo looks perfect on the outside, things are not as rosy as they appear. There’s also the unsolved case of a murdered Bardo Academy quarterback, Ricky Lee, back in 1983, which everyone seems reluctant to discuss. Izzy must decide which is more important: her new life in Bardo or uncovering the sinister truth to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Find out what Izzy’s choice will be in Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs.
The story is told from Izzy’s perspective as she recalls her time at Bardo as a 16-year-old, and I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes. Gibbs masterfully depicts Izzy as a teenager in all her snarky, sarcastic glory, which made me laugh at several points in the book. The plot also cuts between Izzy’s time in 2008 and Ricky’s time in 1983. This was a brilliant use of backshadowing, as the 1983 timeline started with Ricky’s death and then walked us through the events that led to his last moments. It was very fun trying to guess who killed him. Even when I thought I had figured it out, Gibbs still surprised me with the big reveal. He also skillfully wrote the story around the 2008 financial crisis, and it was fascinating reading how it affected people in various ways. I also enjoyed the pop culture references of that time; they were nostalgic. Bardo by the Sea will be a perfect fit for lovers of YA mystery.
Recommend this book:
The Tracks
Sally Royer-Derr
2023 Bronze Medal
116 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
Sally Royer-Derr presents The Tracks, a young adult mystery about a young woman who spends her free time down on the train tracks in the woods behind her house. Emily uses her time on the tracks to enjoy the momentary escape from the reality of having to move to a run-down home in a new town after her father's death. When she meets Tommy on the tracks, things start to look up as she is finally able to make a friend. Tommy seems to be a bit of a loner, so he and Emily make the perfect pair. Although their friendship is developing and Emily is finally able to smile again, she still isn't sure that she can trust Tommy. He isn't willing to open up about some things, and Emily is sure that he is keeping something from her. With a bit of research, Emily is on her own again, trying to uncover whatever secrets Tommy is hiding.
I love it when a story crosses the boundaries between genres, and Sally Royer-Derr manages to do just that. The Tracks is a thrilling mystery with a bit of adventure, romance, and horror thrown into the mix, with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers guessing. I love the way that the sturdy dialogue is used to develop different relationships between the characters throughout the story. I think that the underlying theme of recovering after a loss in the family is beautifully portrayed. Even minor characters, such as Emily's brother and mother, have their methods of dealing with the unexpected and not-so-pleasant changes in their lives and it is fun to travel beside them as they learn to accept their new lives.
Sally Royer-Derr presents The Tracks, a young adult mystery about a young woman who spends her free time down on the train tracks in the woods behind her house. Emily uses her time on the tracks to enjoy the momentary escape from the reality of having to move to a run-down home in a new town after her father's death. When she meets Tommy on the tracks, things start to look up as she is finally able to make a friend. Tommy seems to be a bit of a loner, so he and Emily make the perfect pair. Although their friendship is developing and Emily is finally able to smile again, she still isn't sure that she can trust Tommy. He isn't willing to open up about some things, and Emily is sure that he is keeping something from her. With a bit of research, Emily is on her own again, trying to uncover whatever secrets Tommy is hiding.
I love it when a story crosses the boundaries between genres, and Sally Royer-Derr manages to do just that. The Tracks is a thrilling mystery with a bit of adventure, romance, and horror thrown into the mix, with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers guessing. I love the way that the sturdy dialogue is used to develop different relationships between the characters throughout the story. I think that the underlying theme of recovering after a loss in the family is beautifully portrayed. Even minor characters, such as Emily's brother and mother, have their methods of dealing with the unexpected and not-so-pleasant changes in their lives and it is fun to travel beside them as they learn to accept their new lives.
Recommend this book:
The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry
Rebecca Laxton
2023 Finalist
252 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by David Korson for Readers' Favorite
Rebecca Laxton’s The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is a contemporary page-turner that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. Emma and her friend Sophie are young teens who enjoy skateboarding, art, and, perhaps most of all, butterflies. In fact, as members of the Environmental Club, they can often be found planting flowers to help enhance the local monarch butterfly garden. However, Emma's love for the environment is tested when a celebrity family convinces many in the town that the economic boon from their planned ski resort is more than worth any damage it will cause to the local ecosystem. Torn between her blossoming relationship with the social media icon Jeb Scott and her deep love of nature, Emma must sort out her feelings to make the right decisions.
With an upbeat writing style, Rebecca Laxton crafts authentic characters that will make you cringe at the awkward moments when Emma meets Jeb, root for her friendship with Sophie, and cheer on her fight against a townful of opponents. In this heartening story of transformation, whether Emma is managing change in the community, change among friends, or within, she finds herself in numerous situations where she must adapt. The primary coming-of-age storyline is enhanced by an aura of paranormal mystery and a lighthearted romance, though neither strays from the book’s fresh and crisp, family-friendly tone. The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is an entertaining and rewarding book about personal growth, the value of friendship, environmental awareness, and standing up for what is right.
Rebecca Laxton’s The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is a contemporary page-turner that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. Emma and her friend Sophie are young teens who enjoy skateboarding, art, and, perhaps most of all, butterflies. In fact, as members of the Environmental Club, they can often be found planting flowers to help enhance the local monarch butterfly garden. However, Emma's love for the environment is tested when a celebrity family convinces many in the town that the economic boon from their planned ski resort is more than worth any damage it will cause to the local ecosystem. Torn between her blossoming relationship with the social media icon Jeb Scott and her deep love of nature, Emma must sort out her feelings to make the right decisions.
With an upbeat writing style, Rebecca Laxton crafts authentic characters that will make you cringe at the awkward moments when Emma meets Jeb, root for her friendship with Sophie, and cheer on her fight against a townful of opponents. In this heartening story of transformation, whether Emma is managing change in the community, change among friends, or within, she finds herself in numerous situations where she must adapt. The primary coming-of-age storyline is enhanced by an aura of paranormal mystery and a lighthearted romance, though neither strays from the book’s fresh and crisp, family-friendly tone. The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is an entertaining and rewarding book about personal growth, the value of friendship, environmental awareness, and standing up for what is right.
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 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.
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