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The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine
Not yet published
Expected 4 Feb 25A shattered heart, a fate foretold. The world undone by tales of old.
Emlyn DuLaine just wants to know what happened to her sister, Camille, seven years ago on the fateful day she vanished—literally. Emlyn witnessed Camille unravel and disappear, but no one believes her. Since they think she’s crazy, the least the cops could do is solve Camille’s case. Is a little closure too much to ask?
But Emlyn’s life is upended when she is pulled through a portal into the fantasyland of her childhood imaginings—a magical library holding the storyworlds of every story ever published. And trouble is brewing in the land of Rivenlea. Rogue characters threaten their plot lines, and broken classics are beginning to crumble, but Emlyn only wants to find Camille.
As she searches for her sister, Emlyn begins to learn the reality of Rivenlea and her own origins. A nefarious plot is afoot, and the line between fact and fiction is becoming hopelessly blurred. The truth threatens the storyworlds, Rivenlea, and Earth—the fabric of creation, itself.
Emlyn DuLaine just wants to know what happened to her sister, Camille, seven years ago on the fateful day she vanished—literally. Emlyn witnessed Camille unravel and disappear, but no one believes her. Since they think she’s crazy, the least the cops could do is solve Camille’s case. Is a little closure too much to ask?
But Emlyn’s life is upended when she is pulled through a portal into the fantasyland of her childhood imaginings—a magical library holding the storyworlds of every story ever published. And trouble is brewing in the land of Rivenlea. Rogue characters threaten their plot lines, and broken classics are beginning to crumble, but Emlyn only wants to find Camille.
As she searches for her sister, Emlyn begins to learn the reality of Rivenlea and her own origins. A nefarious plot is afoot, and the line between fact and fiction is becoming hopelessly blurred. The truth threatens the storyworlds, Rivenlea, and Earth—the fabric of creation, itself.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 4, 2025
About the author
Lindsay A. Franklin
6 books387 followersLindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award–winning author of The Story Peddler, ECPA best-selling author of Adored, and Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives happily among the rain and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three (nearly) grown geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats). You can find Lindsay on Instagram @LinzyAFranklin.
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November 2, 2024
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine - Book Review 📚 🐉 🔮
"𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝑀𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝐸𝓂𝓂𝓎, 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒷𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓈. 𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒷𝓁𝑒𝓂𝓈, 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝒹𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈, 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓅𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓁𝓎. 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒷𝑒, 𝓌𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒹𝑒𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓁."
This book is everything I look for in a fantasy book and more! Magical libraries, playfully friendly dragons, portals into other worlds, fast-paced thrilling plot, and lovable characters to boot!
I am once again in awe of Lindsay Franklin’s immersive writing and incredible world building. Her writing absolutely enamored me with her Weaver’s Trilogy, but she has outdone herself with this book—reminding me yet again why she is among my favorite fantasy authors ever!
The story opens up with an interrogation, introducing us to our lovable heroine Emlyn (Emmy). Emmy is grieving due to the loss of her beloved sister who quite literally unraveled before her eyes. But of course, no one believes that. And their disbelief brings Emmy to a point of questioning her own sanity. It doesn’t help when an adorable blue dragon shows up in her room and takes her to world of her creation. Very reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland’s trip down the rabbit hole, Dorothy’s journey to the land of Oz, and the Pevensies’ discovery of Narnia, Emmy unravels into a world seemingly of her own imagination and encounters many friends in this fantastical realm. But two very important questions must be answered: Can Emmy find her sister in this world? And is this world really of Emmy’s creation, or is there a deeper truth to unravel?
By Chapter 8 I was completely enthralled with this story and could not put it down. I don’t think I have ever read an ARC for review which has become one of my favorite books but The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine has!
It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book as thoroughly as I have enjoyed this one. I laughed so hard in so many parts (especially in the beginning with Emmy’s shenanigans and hilarious inner dialogue). The middle was so interesting! I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but I was at the edge of my seat. The ending? Wooooah. I am not sure how long I have to wait until book two but I’m sure I cannot wait too long so please Lindsay, write at the speed of light! 😂
I truly wish I could get this more than 5/5 stars, truly this book is unlike any other fantasy I’ve had the pleasure of reading this century.
A true 21st century fantasy classic!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
"𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝑀𝒾𝓈𝓈 𝐸𝓂𝓂𝓎, 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒷𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓊𝓈. 𝒮𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝒽𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒷𝓁𝑒𝓂𝓈, 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓊𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝒹𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈, 𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓅𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓅 𝓊𝓈 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓁𝓎. 𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒷𝑒, 𝓌𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒹𝑒𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓁."
This book is everything I look for in a fantasy book and more! Magical libraries, playfully friendly dragons, portals into other worlds, fast-paced thrilling plot, and lovable characters to boot!
I am once again in awe of Lindsay Franklin’s immersive writing and incredible world building. Her writing absolutely enamored me with her Weaver’s Trilogy, but she has outdone herself with this book—reminding me yet again why she is among my favorite fantasy authors ever!
The story opens up with an interrogation, introducing us to our lovable heroine Emlyn (Emmy). Emmy is grieving due to the loss of her beloved sister who quite literally unraveled before her eyes. But of course, no one believes that. And their disbelief brings Emmy to a point of questioning her own sanity. It doesn’t help when an adorable blue dragon shows up in her room and takes her to world of her creation. Very reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland’s trip down the rabbit hole, Dorothy’s journey to the land of Oz, and the Pevensies’ discovery of Narnia, Emmy unravels into a world seemingly of her own imagination and encounters many friends in this fantastical realm. But two very important questions must be answered: Can Emmy find her sister in this world? And is this world really of Emmy’s creation, or is there a deeper truth to unravel?
By Chapter 8 I was completely enthralled with this story and could not put it down. I don’t think I have ever read an ARC for review which has become one of my favorite books but The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine has!
It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a book as thoroughly as I have enjoyed this one. I laughed so hard in so many parts (especially in the beginning with Emmy’s shenanigans and hilarious inner dialogue). The middle was so interesting! I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but I was at the edge of my seat. The ending? Wooooah. I am not sure how long I have to wait until book two but I’m sure I cannot wait too long so please Lindsay, write at the speed of light! 😂
I truly wish I could get this more than 5/5 stars, truly this book is unlike any other fantasy I’ve had the pleasure of reading this century.
A true 21st century fantasy classic!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
November 10, 2024
4.5 stars review to come
November 7, 2024
This is such a truly unique book! I completely skipped reading the synopsis because I wanted to be surprised by it. I really was! Emlyn is such a spunky, fun character. I absolutely loved her and this whole book! I really enjoyed the cameos of other well loved stories. I can't wait to see what comes next!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 6, 2024
Wow, what a whirlwind of a ride! And not just the one from Oz.
This book was such a mishmash of stories and ideas and realities that at times I had no idea what was going on, and yet couldn't stop reading because from page one, I was totally invested in the characters. Emlyn, the main character, especially. She cares deeply, gets lost in her imagination, and often feels like a peg out of place, but I love her for it. She's relatable, and oh so captivating because of it. Laramie was also awesome because, well, Laramie :) (Read it and you'll know what I mean)
I laughed through some scenes (aww! Frank! Still giggling at image of Frank hiding behind the shampoo), felt my heart break at others, and got fully pulled into the story. Stories. And while I think I'll definitely enjoy the read more second time (now I know who's who and have a few more pieces of the story), I can't stop thinking about this amazing, brilliantly imagined book. I love how the author took so many pieces of classic stories and scattered them throughout this one. Mishmash, to be sure, but so, so clever!
Very much looking forward to reading more in this series! (And rereading this one.)
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the early copy to read and review. All thoughts are definitely my own.
This book was such a mishmash of stories and ideas and realities that at times I had no idea what was going on, and yet couldn't stop reading because from page one, I was totally invested in the characters. Emlyn, the main character, especially. She cares deeply, gets lost in her imagination, and often feels like a peg out of place, but I love her for it. She's relatable, and oh so captivating because of it. Laramie was also awesome because, well, Laramie :) (Read it and you'll know what I mean)
I laughed through some scenes (aww! Frank! Still giggling at image of Frank hiding behind the shampoo), felt my heart break at others, and got fully pulled into the story. Stories. And while I think I'll definitely enjoy the read more second time (now I know who's who and have a few more pieces of the story), I can't stop thinking about this amazing, brilliantly imagined book. I love how the author took so many pieces of classic stories and scattered them throughout this one. Mishmash, to be sure, but so, so clever!
Very much looking forward to reading more in this series! (And rereading this one.)
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the early copy to read and review. All thoughts are definitely my own.
November 4, 2024
Once again, Lindsay Franklin has crafted a riveting tale about the magic of stories.
You can't help but love Emlyn as a main character. Her sarcasm is hilarious and makes her character voice shine. Her jumping train of thought was also something I can relate to. =) Also, her quips about literary tropes were fantastic.
I don't want to say much about the plot to avoid spoilers. Franklin has twists and turns along the way!
As with her other novels, worldbuilding is one of Franklin's strengths. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a magical library? And some of the ways she ties the worldbuilding and plot together. . . again, I won't say more for spoilers.
I also really loved the subtheme of sisterhood that Franklin wove in with Emyln and Camille, and how that drove Emlyn.
The only thing that I struggled with a little was how Emlyn doesn't really consider how her disappearance to Rivenlea will affect her parents. It does come up later in the book, but she doesn't think about it in the moment.
Also, Emlyn frequently describes the shade of Laramie's eyes in reference to food, which I honestly found a little more humorous than annoying.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a captivating start to Franklin's new duology that will delight fans of portal fantasy, snarky characters, and books in general. I can't wait for the next book!
Cautions: light/moderate romance; brief mention of a rude gesture; non-graphic moderate violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
You can't help but love Emlyn as a main character. Her sarcasm is hilarious and makes her character voice shine. Her jumping train of thought was also something I can relate to. =) Also, her quips about literary tropes were fantastic.
I don't want to say much about the plot to avoid spoilers. Franklin has twists and turns along the way!
As with her other novels, worldbuilding is one of Franklin's strengths. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a magical library? And some of the ways she ties the worldbuilding and plot together. . . again, I won't say more for spoilers.
I also really loved the subtheme of sisterhood that Franklin wove in with Emyln and Camille, and how that drove Emlyn.
The only thing that I struggled with a little was how Emlyn doesn't really consider how her disappearance to Rivenlea will affect her parents. It does come up later in the book, but she doesn't think about it in the moment.
Also, Emlyn frequently describes the shade of Laramie's eyes in reference to food, which I honestly found a little more humorous than annoying.
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a captivating start to Franklin's new duology that will delight fans of portal fantasy, snarky characters, and books in general. I can't wait for the next book!
Cautions: light/moderate romance; brief mention of a rude gesture; non-graphic moderate violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
November 7, 2024
“When you love a story person, they feel real.”
-Lindsay A. Franklin, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine
Isn’t that a great quote? I don’t know about you, but I have found several story friends over the years that I love so much they do feel real to me. And this new story from Lindsay Franklin just added a few more!!
I have so much I want to say about this AMAZING story, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. So what CAN I say?
First, this book gets ALL the stars from me.
My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a full 5/5 stars)
If you’re looking for a uniquely creative, YA fantasy with world-building that’s out-of-this-sphere and has a wonderfully weird (that’s a good thing) cast of characters, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine might just be the story for you!
Emlyn is both silly and serious. She speaks fluent sarcasm. (I approve.) We also get the joy of reading what she’s thinking. Often what she actually ends up saying out loud only makes sense to her. It’s hilarious! I laughed out loud several times. Readers with neurodivergent brains might find this character quite relatable. Due to a childhood trauma, however, Emlyn is also an emotionally wounded character. We’re given insight into her pain via memories. They really help the reader empathize with her feelings of loss.
I won’t say much more due to those pesky potential spoilers. Let me just say that, 1) Emmy is my new favorite character, 2) Frank is the best sidekick, and 3) I want the second book in this duology NOW. Yes, I know that book one isn’t even released yet! I just really want to know what happens next! That being said, there isn’t a cliffhanger ending. Just a few loose story threads that I assume will tie into book two.
If you enjoy YA portal fantasy adventure stories with nods to classic literature, underlying Christian themes, and plenty of high-stakes danger, plus no spice or other content concerns, just do yourself (or the teen/YA reader in your life) a favor and preorder a copy now so you can read this story in February 2025 when it releases!
You’re welcome. You can thank me later.
(And yes, I’ve already preordered myself a hardcover copy…I need it on my shelves!)
I received an ebook ARC and won a paperback ARC of The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
-Lindsay A. Franklin, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine
Isn’t that a great quote? I don’t know about you, but I have found several story friends over the years that I love so much they do feel real to me. And this new story from Lindsay Franklin just added a few more!!
I have so much I want to say about this AMAZING story, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. So what CAN I say?
First, this book gets ALL the stars from me.
My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a full 5/5 stars)
If you’re looking for a uniquely creative, YA fantasy with world-building that’s out-of-this-sphere and has a wonderfully weird (that’s a good thing) cast of characters, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine might just be the story for you!
Emlyn is both silly and serious. She speaks fluent sarcasm. (I approve.) We also get the joy of reading what she’s thinking. Often what she actually ends up saying out loud only makes sense to her. It’s hilarious! I laughed out loud several times. Readers with neurodivergent brains might find this character quite relatable. Due to a childhood trauma, however, Emlyn is also an emotionally wounded character. We’re given insight into her pain via memories. They really help the reader empathize with her feelings of loss.
I won’t say much more due to those pesky potential spoilers. Let me just say that, 1) Emmy is my new favorite character, 2) Frank is the best sidekick, and 3) I want the second book in this duology NOW. Yes, I know that book one isn’t even released yet! I just really want to know what happens next! That being said, there isn’t a cliffhanger ending. Just a few loose story threads that I assume will tie into book two.
If you enjoy YA portal fantasy adventure stories with nods to classic literature, underlying Christian themes, and plenty of high-stakes danger, plus no spice or other content concerns, just do yourself (or the teen/YA reader in your life) a favor and preorder a copy now so you can read this story in February 2025 when it releases!
You’re welcome. You can thank me later.
(And yes, I’ve already preordered myself a hardcover copy…I need it on my shelves!)
I received an ebook ARC and won a paperback ARC of The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
November 9, 2024
This will only be a temporary review until I can gather my thoughts and unscramble my brain. Initial thoughts:
I loved this book!!!!
I need the sequel ASAP
I adore Emlyn and Frank (especially Frank) and Laramie
I never would have guessed that plot twist in a million years
I’ll come back for a more detailed review after my mind has recovered 🙃
I loved this book!!!!
I need the sequel ASAP
I adore Emlyn and Frank (especially Frank) and Laramie
I never would have guessed that plot twist in a million years
I’ll come back for a more detailed review after my mind has recovered 🙃
November 7, 2024
Wow. This was not what I was expecting, but I loved it! A super unique fantasy of multiple story-worlds, with lots of twists & a quirky, self-aware narrator. Definitely recommend when it releases in February!
November 12, 2024
I love stories for their themes and characters and plots. The way they can touch a heart. So reading a story where the main character, Emlyn Dulaine had the same passion was wonderful! Not only did she enjoy studying stories, but she wanted to take care of them.
I enjoyed this book's theme: stories are significant.
“Stories, Miss Emmy, are what bind us. Stories hold us together and help us think through problems, work through emotions. They take us on adventures, allow us to escape, but even more than that, they help us see the universe more clearly. Through stories, fantastical though they be, we see reality in greater detail.”
It was so fun being in her mind. I enjoyed her humor and her mini outbursts. She was such a relatable character in her search for belonging and connection and purpose.
Then we had the rest of the characters in her Novem. Pause. I have to mention the world building, too. With autumn vibes, it was so immersive. A giant library that held stories. It made me want to visit and pick a sphere up myself.
Okay, back to the characters. There were people who kept stories together called the Novemites (again, the fall vibes 😊). We had a whole team but I want to focus on Laramie, Wist, and Phen. Their friendship was nice to see on the pages. I can’t wait to spend more time in Rivenlea with this team in the next book.
This story will capture the heart of every book lover. With all the story classic references. Read The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine if you are ready for your imagination to be sparked!
I enjoyed this book's theme: stories are significant.
“Stories, Miss Emmy, are what bind us. Stories hold us together and help us think through problems, work through emotions. They take us on adventures, allow us to escape, but even more than that, they help us see the universe more clearly. Through stories, fantastical though they be, we see reality in greater detail.”
It was so fun being in her mind. I enjoyed her humor and her mini outbursts. She was such a relatable character in her search for belonging and connection and purpose.
Then we had the rest of the characters in her Novem. Pause. I have to mention the world building, too. With autumn vibes, it was so immersive. A giant library that held stories. It made me want to visit and pick a sphere up myself.
Okay, back to the characters. There were people who kept stories together called the Novemites (again, the fall vibes 😊). We had a whole team but I want to focus on Laramie, Wist, and Phen. Their friendship was nice to see on the pages. I can’t wait to spend more time in Rivenlea with this team in the next book.
This story will capture the heart of every book lover. With all the story classic references. Read The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine if you are ready for your imagination to be sparked!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2024
Such an interesting introduction to this series/world! But also, the end?! I need to read book 2 ASAP and figure out how Emmy fixes things. Plus that epilogue left more questions because people are sneaky and something is up!
I liked the way Emmy was trying to figure things out. Although I will admit to some minor eye-rolling at her comments about not falling into various tropes, yet she apparently missed the memo on the running into danger trope (and really my issue with that is she just basically ignored that trope; she acknowledged her actions themselves but not in relation to all the tropes she was apparently trying to avoid). I did think the reveals on her connections to things were interesting and I definitely need more info!
As a whole, I'll admit that I was actually starting to wonder how Emmy was connected to Rivenlea. I figured part of it out, but was surprised when things were revealed. Of course, the epilogue raised some more questions and something tells me that there might just be more to her connection. I did like as Emmy tried to help fix the plots and was able to start to see where things were going wrong. Her bridge theory was intriguing, and again, I'm interested in how things at the end there are going to come into play in the rest of the series/books.
**I received a complimentary copy of the book for review. Thoughts and opinions are my own**
I liked the way Emmy was trying to figure things out. Although I will admit to some minor eye-rolling at her comments about not falling into various tropes, yet she apparently missed the memo on the running into danger trope (and really my issue with that is she just basically ignored that trope; she acknowledged her actions themselves but not in relation to all the tropes she was apparently trying to avoid). I did think the reveals on her connections to things were interesting and I definitely need more info!
As a whole, I'll admit that I was actually starting to wonder how Emmy was connected to Rivenlea. I figured part of it out, but was surprised when things were revealed. Of course, the epilogue raised some more questions and something tells me that there might just be more to her connection. I did like as Emmy tried to help fix the plots and was able to start to see where things were going wrong. Her bridge theory was intriguing, and again, I'm interested in how things at the end there are going to come into play in the rest of the series/books.
**I received a complimentary copy of the book for review. Thoughts and opinions are my own**
October 28, 2024
Wow. This story was not what I expected . . . and I’m not upset about it. The whole premise is fascinating and its execution is unique, and with the portal fantasy element, it is refreshingly self-aware and constantly pokes fun at the common tropes in YA and fantasy.
Emyln is relatable in so many ways, a girl searching for identity and desperate to prove that who SHE is is enough, and compelling even when you’re shouting at her for her decisions. Her dedication to rescuing her sister is something I immediately connected with, and never questioned why she did things, just her methods.
I did have some frustration at the start of her time in Rivenlea, and wasn’t ever quite able to figure out why, which caused me to put the book down for a while, though I always came back to it. In the end, I think my frustration was because, as Emlyn says, something is wrong in Rivenlea, and Franklin has woven it in to the fabric of the story so well the reader senses it too.
I cannot wait to learn more about this world and Emlyn, and look forward to strong Rivenlea righted. In the meantime, I’m going to go brush up on some of the classics. . . and if you want to catch all the references is tucked between the pages, you might want to as well. 😉
Emyln is relatable in so many ways, a girl searching for identity and desperate to prove that who SHE is is enough, and compelling even when you’re shouting at her for her decisions. Her dedication to rescuing her sister is something I immediately connected with, and never questioned why she did things, just her methods.
I did have some frustration at the start of her time in Rivenlea, and wasn’t ever quite able to figure out why, which caused me to put the book down for a while, though I always came back to it. In the end, I think my frustration was because, as Emlyn says, something is wrong in Rivenlea, and Franklin has woven it in to the fabric of the story so well the reader senses it too.
I cannot wait to learn more about this world and Emlyn, and look forward to strong Rivenlea righted. In the meantime, I’m going to go brush up on some of the classics. . . and if you want to catch all the references is tucked between the pages, you might want to as well. 😉
November 2, 2024
The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a whimsical story narrated by Emlyn, herself. She is in her late teens and a bit sarcastic and left me laughing out loud. She lost her sister at a young age, the sister unraveled before her eyes leaving people thinking she’s insane. The explanation for this is completely ludicrous, but when an author can make you believe in such a thing you have a wonderful tale.
Emlyn is part of a team. She is not what she’s expected to be. There’s a gryphon that can’t fly. A protector that is easily frightened. They are a hot mess, but it’s beautiful to see them still become a success and complete their missions. This is especially good considering there’s a universe at stake.
There are bonuses to writers & readers because there is a bit of magical library in this story.
There are also bonuses for Wizard of Oz fans.
The story has some interesting plot twists, and the epilogue promises that the sequel will have one, as well.
The characters are late teens, early twenties. They live on their own, without families. A boy comes over and hangs out, but it's all completely innocent. I'd feel comfortable letting teens of all ages read this book.
Emlyn is part of a team. She is not what she’s expected to be. There’s a gryphon that can’t fly. A protector that is easily frightened. They are a hot mess, but it’s beautiful to see them still become a success and complete their missions. This is especially good considering there’s a universe at stake.
There are bonuses to writers & readers because there is a bit of magical library in this story.
There are also bonuses for Wizard of Oz fans.
The story has some interesting plot twists, and the epilogue promises that the sequel will have one, as well.
The characters are late teens, early twenties. They live on their own, without families. A boy comes over and hangs out, but it's all completely innocent. I'd feel comfortable letting teens of all ages read this book.
November 15, 2024
Lindsay A. Franklin is a master storyteller and this story blew me away. It is riveting, nostalgic, humorous, and heartbreaking. I loved using writing stories like it's a magic system because in a way it is and Lindsay doesn't disappoint. I wasn't sure what to expect when I read this book but I was very intrigued by the premise and wow! It surpasses anything I'd thought. Emyln trying to figure who she is, what she is, and how the world actually works hit home. The mental health rep , PTSD rep, and CPTSD rep, and anxiety rep is a gut punch in this book. I teared up often but I'm glad this book is here for young people and those who want to read it.
It's also refreshing to have a YA protag who thinks with a little more maturity than her peers. I also loved the humor around avoiding tropes and breaking them. This story has plenty of twists and turns to keep them guessing and plenty of action. Rhyan is definitely one of my fave characters! I can't wait to read the next one.
It's also refreshing to have a YA protag who thinks with a little more maturity than her peers. I also loved the humor around avoiding tropes and breaking them. This story has plenty of twists and turns to keep them guessing and plenty of action. Rhyan is definitely one of my fave characters! I can't wait to read the next one.
November 11, 2024
A magnificent and moving portal adventure.
Innovative characters and the unique, bookish challenges they face fully deliver all the page-turning elements of a great story.
Humor abounds as do heartwarming moments.
Real world trauma is skillfully transposed into a fantasy setting, inviting readers to reexamine their perceived flaws through lenses of acceptance and empowerment.
Fellow authors especially will delight in how writing techniques and tropes are brought to life with joyous imagination.
A captivating adventure from beginning to end, this story jumped off the page and landed itself on my all-time favorite books list.
Innovative characters and the unique, bookish challenges they face fully deliver all the page-turning elements of a great story.
Humor abounds as do heartwarming moments.
Real world trauma is skillfully transposed into a fantasy setting, inviting readers to reexamine their perceived flaws through lenses of acceptance and empowerment.
Fellow authors especially will delight in how writing techniques and tropes are brought to life with joyous imagination.
A captivating adventure from beginning to end, this story jumped off the page and landed itself on my all-time favorite books list.
November 10, 2024
Emlyn is a delightfully quirky yet lonely protagonist who seems to have ended up in a land she wrote, complete with colorful characters, a worthy YA hero, and a loveable dragon sidekick! Students of literature will be drawn to the tie-ins and twists to classic stories, as well as the clever commentaries regarding the nature of stories vs. life. Lindsay's prose can be laugh-out-loud hilarious, but make no mistake--the heart-pounding plot of this novel will leave you breathless for the sequel!
November 14, 2024
Unique premise with a relatable heroine! I found the world of Rivenlea to be immersive without being overwhelming, and Emlynn’s adventures there were equal parts what you hoped they would be and genuinely surprising. 😄
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