A short but poignant Christmas story set in the Mirrorworld.
The moral of the story is touching and has this whimsical Dickensian feel to it, taking plA short but poignant Christmas story set in the Mirrorworld.
The moral of the story is touching and has this whimsical Dickensian feel to it, taking place in an alternative London where fairy tales are alive. For a story that is under 100 pages, it is jam packed with magic and wonder, a tale of friendship, treasure, mystery, and opening your heart to trust. This is a fully completed storyline that also leaves room to be included in future novels set in the same world.
Tabetha and Ofelia are fantastic characters, each with their own struggle and their own heart.
Cornelia isn't just a talented storyteller but also a wonderful illustrator, perfectly embodying the story with haunting and alluring sketches.
This novella is a delightful read for Christmas, as well as making a lovely Christmas gift too! I do hope Tabetha and Ofelia make an appearance in upcoming Mirrorworld novels!
Complex and rich storytelling rolled into an intriguing debut indie read!
From the very start I was immediately hooked! Leeder’s imagination is so ricComplex and rich storytelling rolled into an intriguing debut indie read!
From the very start I was immediately hooked! Leeder’s imagination is so rich, weaving astrology and the zodiacs into a powerhouse story as they undertake the Olympus Trials in order to wield their powers to take back their homeland which is under a curse by evil forces. Mystery, adventure and fantasy collide with astrology.
The world-building is super detailed; an elaborate mystical world wherein competition is rife. While the workings of the zodiacs is incredibly elaborate, the way the author has written it is very compelling storytelling. I was so intrigued about ALL the zodiacs, their personalities, their appearances, their purpose numbers, and totem animals. The end pages gives you an absorbing summary of the Zodiacs and their traits and powers. Using the appendix at the back as a Libran I am elf-like whose home is a woodland forest (swoons!) and my purpose number from using the maths equation provided is 3 which is incredibly accurate to say the least.
There were a few spelling and grammatical errors, as well as repetition. Also the characters who are suppose to be 21, seem much younger in the way they are portrayed. But all in all this does not mar the reading experience.
Leeder has put so much research into this it is evident through every page, woven in with her incredible imagination. It was such a stand-out in originality, immersive and developed. I hope there is more to come! ...more
This series has been interesting; The Last Wish was excellent! Fast-paced and imaginative. Sword of Wow this was such a drag and quite disappointing.
This series has been interesting; The Last Wish was excellent! Fast-paced and imaginative. Sword of Destiny was good, stilling entertaining but the pace lagged at time. This one Blood of Elves was painstakingly slow, so much so that it become a chore to finish it.
I can't believe I'm saying this but the show was actually better; it picked out the important bits to focus on and explained things more than the book's long-winded prose. In the show there is constant action but in this book, sad to say not a lot happens. I'd call this a novel-sized story build-up plot.
It has very strong 'DnD' feels, so you will like this if you are a prominent player or are interested in this sort of fantasy, however the characters (aside from Yennefer, Triss, and Dandelion) fell really flat. The dialogue between the characters is confusing and odd at time (whether this is because of a miss in translation of something else, sentences did not make any sense)
I am on the fence about continuing the series in book form. The other novels would redeem themselves if they are written more like The Last Wish for me to want to continue. But this was, in short, just plain boring....more
Another fantastic addition to the Kingdom and Empires series! Jacyln Moriarty once again delivers a thrilling magical adventure full of wit and heart!Another fantastic addition to the Kingdom and Empires series! Jacyln Moriarty once again delivers a thrilling magical adventure full of wit and heart!
This lovably, unique group of individuals tackle on mysterious tasks, non-stop action, and the tests of friendship, all to save a magical city of tiny Elves! There were familiar faces and new faces that all worked really well together. Moriarty shines a light on people's strengths and weaknesses, and how we can overcome obstacles by working together and acceptance.
Kelly Canby's illustrations continue to capture Jaclyn Moriarty's wit and whimsicalness, making them a perfect author and illustrator partnership.
My favourite part of all was towards the end, when Reuben the Genie explained how life itself was magic in its own "twisty-turny, topsy-turvey" way. I had to take a picture of it as it really captured my heart and was something I feel like I can always look back on and treasure those words to help me whenever I need.
This book and series is like a big comforting hug and bursting with happiness! Something to be enjoyed by readers of ALL ages! I do so hope there will be more, these books are too wonderful to stop!...more
I really liked this story, and for a debut novel, it is a solid effort. The writing is very vivid and beautifully described, making Hodge a very naturI really liked this story, and for a debut novel, it is a solid effort. The writing is very vivid and beautifully described, making Hodge a very natural storyteller, with mazing world-building abilities. I can't wait to discover more of the land in the books to come!
It gives me Lord of the Rings meets Throne of Glass but a more lighter and less denser version of the two combined
It's a fast-paced adventure, sometimes a little too fast, but I found by reading it at a slower pace the story travelled at a better pace.
I did have teeny critiques along the way. I found there were a lot of coincidences (but the author does explain along the way which does redeems it). (view spoiler)[ The death of Kinna and Ondori, there was no connection to the characters to even mourn for them, it would have been nice to get to know them more as characters. And Farah! Gosh I really would have loved to see her continue through the series but alas that is not to be, I really like her. (hide spoiler)] The romance is very insta-love, they are apparently soul mates after basically meeting each other. The MC Ashalea changes mood rapidly which I found it hard to make a connection with but she does have potential to flourish and she is a worthy heroine in the making.
I am still very much interested in continuing the series. The characters have a lot of potential for the next adventure which will be exciting. And THAT battle scene!!! Wow!!! That was done really well, especially the description of the aftermath which really pulled on the heartstrings. I can't forget that little twist at the end with a particular character (view spoiler)[ SHARA! OMG! (hide spoiler)] that came out of no where and slapped me in the face.
A really great and imaginative fantasy debut for Chloe Hodge. I can't wait to follow the Guardian on their next journey....more
This Snow Queen fairy-tale retelling has strong Once Upon A Time vibes which is one of my favourite shows and made reading this that much more lovableThis Snow Queen fairy-tale retelling has strong Once Upon A Time vibes which is one of my favourite shows and made reading this that much more lovable. Also it has portal magic and fairytales which equals a "Yes, please!"
I LOVED the connections between the fairy-tale characters the author made, they were ingenious and really were a stand out!! The plot was very interesting with lots of engaging plot twists and one hell of a mic-drop ending. The romance was just my sort, very sweet, clean, and fairytale-esque, aside from the insta-love aspect.
My only gripe would be that is is incredibly fast-paced, the plot whizzes by without being able to form a connection with the characters as much as I would have liked.
Overall I am still really keen to keep reading this series and see what other creations the authors come up with together. They definitely have a talent! This series promises to be a light, charming and inventive read.
I really didn't know what to expect with this one, but for some reason I was drawn to it...and I am SO glad I did!
This is beautifully written and the I really didn't know what to expect with this one, but for some reason I was drawn to it...and I am SO glad I did!
This is beautifully written and the world-building is rich with imagery. The history of the world flows along with the story rather than info-dumping. What got me hitched was the communication between the characters, it flowed so naturally and realistic, that I thought I was eavesdropping on someone, and the playful banter is hysterical.
Elloren makes a wonderful main character. Her perception of the world changes in a natural procession, instead of a bang instant realization. I read her journey as a transformation from someone who saw the world based on her surroundings (mainly her deluded aunt), a hateful, injustice world, to someone who understood her flaws and old perception, and stands up for the injustice, becoming friends with the people she had been taught to hate. She is literally the epitome if character growth!
In fact, all the characters are wonderfully unique and diverse, creating a wonderful ensemble.
The theme is heavy regarding prejudice, sexism, politics and discrimination, reminiscent of today's society, which might put people off (after some reviews I've read) (and no it does not commend any of these things!) but if you continue with the story it develops into the characters' realization from a world she has been brought up by, challenging the hierarchy's views, and that not everything is at all what it seems. It is soo worthwhile!
This was such a wonderfully written addition to the Kingdoms and Empires series. The narration is done so naturally that I actually thought the characThis was such a wonderfully written addition to the Kingdoms and Empires series. The narration is done so naturally that I actually thought the character was the real author! I was really rooting for Esther the whole way through, she is so amusing and a really great main character (view spoiler)[ even though I was screaming all the time about Mrs Pollock! I knew there was something off about her from the start! (hide spoiler)]
I loved especially how it really connected the other books together, especially how the second one was incorporated, which now makes sense as to why the second novel was told in the first place (because I did wonder when compared to the first one)
But seriously the last couple of chapters in the book...how does Jaclyn Moriarty write such brilliant twists!? I'm always blown away by the mysteries that are solved at the end of the books and how well everything gets connected.
The world is just soooo imaginative and unique! It makes me want their to be an "explorers guide to the kingdoms and empires" that would be fantastic! (wink, wink Jaclyn Moriarty) And oh the illustrations, they are just so perfectly charming and the style is well suited to the story. A perfect combo.
It's a light and humorous adventure but also tackles some darker aspects too that gives it more depth to the story. I could seriously read hundreds more of this series. A real page-turner!
I had never heard about this series until I watched the TV show, and I wanted to know more about this world.
The Last Wish is a collection of short stI had never heard about this series until I watched the TV show, and I wanted to know more about this world.
The Last Wish is a collection of short stories, which a few of them are taken and made into the show, giving us background information of characters, and (which was really surprising and heightened my intrigue) mini adventures that are based loosely on fairy tales. Each story centres around Geralt who is a monster slayer (if you didn’t know) but I love the concept that the monsters are not defined by their appearance and the conscious decision of life and death. Written in the 90s the style of writing is more akin to older fantasy novels rather than newer-aged ones, and yet the plot isn’t bogged down by too many details.
Dandelion (who in the show is known as Jaskier) is still the hilarious bard, although a lot more crass and lewd than the show’s version, that it was a little surprising. I do prefer the portrayal of Jaskier rather than the original Dandelion but he is still a fun and interesting character that brings his wit and wiles to Geralt’s life. All the characters are brought to life through the intriguing escapades and stark background. There is a whole plethora of mythological creatures that make each story so rich and entertaining. It’s no wonder why this made it’s way to the sreen.
A full-on fun fantasy adventure set in a medieval world that blends fairy tales and mythology together to create a gritty, original series. No Prince Charming’s here just a Witcher.
This volume is just so incredibly special to me in so many ways. It was my first ever "expensive" book purchase for 16th Birthday. It was my first eveThis volume is just so incredibly special to me in so many ways. It was my first ever "expensive" book purchase for 16th Birthday. It was my first ever leather bound edition to my collection. And it reignited my love of fairy tales since I was a girl. But these are not the fairy tales we have come to known, these are darker, bloodier, gruesome, and all the more glorious!
It's not without its wholesome morals and ethics for children, there are strong lessons to learn from this collection of stories. Within this book you will find the original tales of the most beloved characters, and let's just say that Disney sprinkled a whole heap of sugary dust on their versions compared to their OG. It gives you a feeling of simplicity and childhood, but also imparts wisdom as an adult. There’s a sort of magical realism to it regarding human affairs and behaviour.
It’s a good mixture of happy and sad endings, enchanting and disturbing tales, famous classics and unknown stories that are just as good. There are many contrasting characters; damsels in distress and intelligent, strong women; knights in shining armour and murderous brutes; talking animals and mythical creatures; heroes and villains; peasants and royalty, the list goes on that each story is so varied.
This book contains the true spirit of storytelling within its pages. I plan to read these tales to my children (if ever) and share them.
I am so happy to finally have this book in my hot little hands to add to my favourite series! After waiting years for this novel to be published, the I am so happy to finally have this book in my hot little hands to add to my favourite series! After waiting years for this novel to be published, the time has come and it did not disappoint. After all this time it still has the witty humour and remarkable imagination. I actually think this one is the funniest out of the series.
With each page I turned, it was like seeing old friends again, I was so glad to read more about our favourite characters, giving them some backstory that added to their attributes for the very start of the series. We also got to meet some new characters as well that were just as loveable and odd. (Henrietta, Smith, and of course Samarra). Samarra is a true heroine just like Rose and Laura Glue, and I instantly fell in love with her. I want to know more about the events that transpired within the Archipelago, I want to know what happened to some of the characters, and I want to know more of what this world has to offer.
Once again this series continues to fill and break my heart (not that I'm complaining). The end leaves it open for more tales to come, and I personally CANNOT WAIT until then!...more
Why can't this series go on forever and ever? I cried when I finished the book, bittersweet tears that one of favourite series was finished. But it waWhy can't this series go on forever and ever? I cried when I finished the book, bittersweet tears that one of favourite series was finished. But it was such an epic ending. The camaraderie, the laughs, the adventures, the myths, all still prescient even to the end. I read this is 1 day.
After you have finished this series you need to go back and read it all over again. There are so many Easter eggs that you don't pick up until the second, or third, or fourth re-read, I'm always finding new little bits and exciting connections every time read this series. What I love most is that even though this book ties everything together neatly, there are still wonderful opportunities for more books to be written (which I hope for with every fibre of my being). I truly love this series!
(view spoiler)[ The only thing that bothered me with this one was the 20 year time gap of protagonists went missing through time, that's just too long for my fam to be apart! (hide spoiler)]
**Also found out that there is another book to this series so excuse me while I go scream and purchase this book!!
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this...my eyeballs hurt so much from rolling them.
Sophie is entitled and an over-the-top chosen oI really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this...my eyeballs hurt so much from rolling them.
Sophie is entitled and an over-the-top chosen one. The adults are made to be dumb with all of them relying on a 12 year old girl and her irritating specialness.
I would still recommend this series to it's an audience, as I can see how readers would enjoy it, but I'm tapping out of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. Like I said, I think I've strained my eyeballs now....more
I found this series from reading a recommendation from someone on tumblr...and this is one of my all time favourite series!!! Can I give this 10 starsI found this series from reading a recommendation from someone on tumblr...and this is one of my all time favourite series!!! Can I give this 10 stars!?
I love everything about it, the characters, the writing, the humour, the story, literally EVERYTHING!!!! This is a booklover's ultimate dream, a place where all the stories we've ever known exist, a place where the greatest literary minds began their journey. I finished this in 3 days, I was completely engrossed, and to find out that is was a series was the icing on cake (my favourite). Also that ending...I nearly cried (with joy). James A. Owen has done such a phenomenal job at bringing together these stories in such a way that it feels like it's history, he is such a masterful storyteller! I've read this probably more than 10 times, and every time I read it is always such a joy. Everything is connected together so well, and there are a lot of aha moments and belly chuckles mixed through.
My fingers cannot type fast enough to review, my heart just gushes with love for this novel and series. It has and forever will hold a special place in my heart.
This is without a doubt the most revered fantasy series of all time.
Everything is so incredibly detailed. The characters are fundamental in their own This is without a doubt the most revered fantasy series of all time.
Everything is so incredibly detailed. The characters are fundamental in their own way, making it the epic fellowship we know and cherish. Gandalf reminds me so much of Merlin but yet is his own character, making him familiar and unique. What Tolkien created in the Hobbits was inspiring, and something that really moves me; courage doesn't dictate to size or culture, it is solely found within.
For someone to create an entire world, filled with centuries of its own history, different languages and cultures, especially during its time, Tolkien is a mastermind, worthy of being worshipped. He is someone all fantasy authors can look up to and be inspired by. This is like the birthplace of classic fantasy tropes done of epic proportions; good vs evil, unlikely hero, epic quest...
Does this book slightly confuse me? Yes. But I love it with my whole heart.
This has to be my FAVOURITE Christmas read of all time! I know, big statement, but this was absolutely delightful and creative and empowering!
This is This has to be my FAVOURITE Christmas read of all time! I know, big statement, but this was absolutely delightful and creative and empowering!
This is a story of magic and true friendship, wrapped up in a big Christmas ribbon and decorated with tinsel. Blanche and Rinki's friendship was the absolute highlight, especially with the meaning that everyone has their own path to follow, encourage and support one another on this path, and ultimately friendship can withstand the length the time.
Set in Victorian London at Christmas time, this is a quirky and whimsical tale rather than the more sober and tragic Christmas stories set around that time. The author has infused the plot with the utter joy and wonder of the season. All the christmasy details were PERFECT and some had me chuckling out loud. But what I really, truly loved was the empowering, and subtle message of girl power, feminism, and supporting one another, probably the best MG book I've read that delivers this in such an important and wholesome way, it gave me so much joy and positivity.
Hilarious and full of charm and wonder! This is a festive adventure to come back to year after year! I know I will and I will had to do it with a mince-pie celebration feast. If you think you know the story of Santa, think again...
This such a charming and delightful adventure that is filled with laugh out loud moments and unexpected twists and turns that leave you gasping. A truThis such a charming and delightful adventure that is filled with laugh out loud moments and unexpected twists and turns that leave you gasping. A truly enchanting book.
The whole Kingdoms and Empires world is filled to the brim with creativity and magic. I loved every moment I journeyed with Bronte throughout the different lands, encountering colourful and imaginative characters and creatures along the way. There are so many characters and yet they all fitted perfectly throughout and each had enough ‘spotlight’ to be introduced. The aunts are such zany and empowering women, showcasing the many avenues of accomplished women, whether they are a queen, or a stay at home mum, or a sorceress, or a captain of a cruise ship, they are all diffent and positive role-models.
Even though it is a thick book and might seem daunting for younger readers, it has short chapters, easy to read writing, charming illustrated pages, and an engrossing story that you practically whizz right through it. Bronte is an exceptional and likeable heroine that you feel attached to her immediately. Family really is the strongest theme of the book, especially being depicted as ‘there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ family’ and all family dynamics are different and should be cherished as they are.
Kelly Canby’s illustrations are so sweet and quirky that they compliment the book as a match made in heaven!
I love that at the end we are treated with a little teaser of a sequel because I can’t get enough of this world and what else it has to offer.
Journey through the Kingdoms and Empires with Bronte Mettlestone as your guide for one grand adventure…and possibly more!
4.5 Once again another book in this series devoured!
As with all of his books Colfer employs a strong sense of morals and life lessons which are instru4.5 Once again another book in this series devoured!
As with all of his books Colfer employs a strong sense of morals and life lessons which are instrumental for children to learn, as well as adults. Humanity was really highlighted, the good, the bad, and what can make it better. Environmental issues was also raised and it married perfectly with issues of mankind. I strongly urge younger readers to read Colfer's books to showcase how we can become better and protect the planet. Kindness always wins.
The world continues to expand with Colfer's imagination, the characters continue to grow and remain true to themselves. I loved the inclusion of LGBTQI+ relationships within teenagers, and that it's targeted at a younger audience. We need more representation in middle grade novels. Ryder and Gobzilla are fantastic and lovable as new characters.
Would have liked to have seen Coral introduced and Rosetta re-introduced in the Fairy Council, as well as other familiar characters that could have been incorporated. If this is the final book then it leaves a bit of disappointment in that regards, but if it's not then there is plenty more to discover. But in saying that surely it cannot be the last book as there are still some questions to be answered to tie it together with TLOS (view spoiler)[ How does the Snow Queen get resurrected? Why does Xanthous leave the Demon Throne? How does the albino fire find Hagetta? etc. (hide spoiler)]
There's plenty of action, cute romances, jaw-dropping mysteries, tenacious heroes, evil villains, and an abundance of magic that conjoins science and sorcery to create a whole new magical tale.
Even though I love LOTR, I do prefer The Hobbit book. It’s much simpler, quicker, and is utterly whimsical. A grHigh praise to the father of fantasy!
Even though I love LOTR, I do prefer The Hobbit book. It’s much simpler, quicker, and is utterly whimsical. A grand adventure awaits through the pages of this book, filled with memorable characters that stay close to your heart. The writing captures you with its sweeping imagery, unable to let go until you finish the entire book. Dragons, elves, dwarves, treasure etc. what more could you ask for? A traditional fantasy adventure at its finest.
You can tell between the writing styles of the two books (LOTR + TH) by their intended target audience. The Hobbit was created for Tolkien’s son, in which case the story is shorter and straightforward compared to LOTR which was intended for adults and was also combined with his research at Oxford, making it much more in depth, detailed, and expanding over three novels.
I had to get a cover that matched the beauty and magic of this read, therefore finding this beautiful light green cloth bound edition, gold edges, and stunning illustrations by Jemima Catlin.
The ending is bittersweet.
A perfect read for children to dip their toe into fantasy novels as well as the great classics. An utter joy to read.
4.5 This was such a fun new fantasy series to become your next addiction! A gripping adventure that is like Hogwarts meets X-men but with Elves.
The ch4.5 This was such a fun new fantasy series to become your next addiction! A gripping adventure that is like Hogwarts meets X-men but with Elves.
The characters are so strong and lovable! Dex is my favourite character! He such a cute awkward little bean! I also like the integration of regular adult characters in middle-grade which we don't see that much of in the genre. My only gripe was how heavy the whole 'chosen one' trope was lathered on Sophie, it washed out her personality so I'm hoping down the track her identity grows and develops.
The world is utterly magical, like the Nevermoor series, and you just know there are so many more places just waiting to be explored and the creatures are so fantastical and unique.
There are some really sweet and special moments that warm your heart, funny escapades to make you laugh, and their are others that make your heart ache (view spoiler)[ I'm looking at you Grady and Edaline (hide spoiler)] While others have pointed out some similarities, I really enjoyed Messenger's imagination and storytelling, finding it to be a delightful adventure with plenty of mystery and magic. Whilst I am not a Harry Potter fan (please don't hate me) this filled the HP void in a way, but still retaining its own individuality.
A brand new and exciting world! I can't wait to 'light-leap' into the next one!...more
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