Imagine to my delight and surprise to find out that not only is there one book set in the wonderful land of Oz, nor 2 or 3…but 14!!! And that’s just fImagine to my delight and surprise to find out that not only is there one book set in the wonderful land of Oz, nor 2 or 3…but 14!!! And that’s just from the amazing L. Frank Baum! There are about 40 books altogether in the series from other authors who took up his mantle, but I think Baum’s mantle could never be replaced.
A classic tale from it’s colourful and miscellaneous characters (there’s a glass cat, a patchwork girl, a very hungry tiger and so, so much more!) Each book is strapped with a clear morale to the story; self-love, kindness, hard work, loyalty… the list goes on just like this series. I love the blend of old, familiar characters with vibrant new! The creation of all the different inhabitants in the land blow my mind (in a good way) that sometimes I can’t even begin to imagine them as described.
The bottom line really is in this zany, imaginative, colourful world is - there is no place like…Oz! (followed very closely behind by home)
A mystifying and enchanting Arthurian read that focuses of Guinevere and her story as a changeling. This would have to be my favourite Arthurian retelA mystifying and enchanting Arthurian read that focuses of Guinevere and her story as a changeling. This would have to be my favourite Arthurian retelling that has been written!
Camelot was brought forth with a new life and vibrancy. White has taken the familiar legend and created something different with a feminist spin. It's Guinevere's time to shine, and she is given so much more depth and characters than the "cheating queen" portrayal. She is magical, and strong, vulnerable, and compassionate. Mordred was unexpectedly charming, and I tried so hard not to fall for his character because I know he is supposed to be the villain from the original tales, but the author wrote him so deliciously grey it was hard not to be taken in. And my sweet dear Arthur was written as the benevolent young king that I love. However, I am not a fan of Lancelot being a woman. It would be the exact same if Guinevere was a man. Certain gender swap roles work but for me in this case it didn't. (Personally, for me). What I love most with certain retellings is how plausible the characters are while being fresh and exciting too!
There are layers upon layers of twists and unexpected turns. Enchantments and secrets collide in this dazzling adventure, brimming with magic, mythology, and deceptions. The ending was brilliant and gob smacking, leaving me on the verge of "OH NO BUT OH YES!"
A wonderfully whimsy classic, full of conundrums and curiosities. There’s something about Alice and the world of Wonderland that just captures my hearA wonderfully whimsy classic, full of conundrums and curiosities. There’s something about Alice and the world of Wonderland that just captures my heart, especially the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire cat. The characters are eccentric and odd, but are juxtaposed with ‘nonsensical’ wisdom that make them so lovable and creative.
Reading is as child was pure bliss, full of adventure and colour. Reading it as a teenager it was an escape from reality to another world where old friends awaited. Re-reading it as an adult though, there are so many themes that resonate with today, and the ‘madness’ of our own world, that Alice can be channelled in trying to deal with the world and society. All in all, it is all of these reading experiences above every time I re-read.
My Barnes & Noble edition beautifully compliments these classics, with a bright blue leather cover and gilded pages, as well as featuring added extras, notations, and poems as an added bonus.
This is a pure, delightful read of childhood, a mad romp down a rabbit hole!
There are no words to describe how much this series holds a place in my heart. It is my top favourite series of all time. I can’t tell you how many tiThere are no words to describe how much this series holds a place in my heart. It is my top favourite series of all time. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve held this book to my chest and hugged it.
C.S. “Jack” Lewis (We share the name Jack eeep!!) did something extraordinary, the fact that he was able to create a magical fantastical whilst still firmly believing in his beliefs is commendable, combining faith and magic together seamlessly.
Now I’m not Christian, far from it, and yet I love this series with every fibre of my being. The world is so magical and pure. To me it really celebrates nature and the creatures who reside within the land. I love EVERY single character! They are layered with subtle complexities and personalities, making them all stand out characters without overpowering the story, and have such strong character growth.
"One day you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again" – this literally speaks volumes of the series (also alluding to Susan as well) If you read it and enjoyed it as a child, you will enjoy it as an adult too. We are swept along this journey from how Narnia became to how it ended. Each story is mixed with the elements of light and dark, fear and hope, good and evil.
The first 2 movies (my absolute favourites) were such a credit to the books, capturing the books’ essence, except the 3rd one, we don’t talk about the 3rd one.
The magic will continue throughout time and in people’s hearts.
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.
Right from the start, this book has become one of my favourites!
It's like if The Chronicles of Narnia and Wildwood had a child, it's so infused with rRight from the start, this book has become one of my favourites!
It's like if The Chronicles of Narnia and Wildwood had a child, it's so infused with rustic folk magic and pure of heart wholesomeness. I love the earthy undertones of the story that projects the beauty of nature and how vital it is to save the earth whilst still creating a magical and heartfelt story. Linsteadt magnifies the beauty in the simple things, something that is so important in teaching people, young and old alike, especially in today's society
The author has SUCH a vivid imagination and beautiful storytelling technique that I was utterly swept away in Tin and Comfrey's journey to find the Elk of Milk and Gold along with the two lovable hares (not rabbits!) Myrtle and Mallow. I loved every single Wild Folk creation; they were raw and beautiful, and described in such clarity it was a feast for the imagination!
This books touches your soul with comfort. A breath-taking quest of wildness and magic....more
It is a truth universally acknowledged that is book is amazing. This was my first ever Jane Austen read, and what really surprised me was how incredibIt is a truth universally acknowledged that is book is amazing. This was my first ever Jane Austen read, and what really surprised me was how incredible witty she was as a writer! I was not expecting myself to be chuckling as much as I did, nor to find just how engrossed I became in the story. A true literary classic that is a joy to read.
It’s like a piece of historical society captured within it’s pages. It was very amusing to read about the social norms and classes as a comedy and a drama novel.
Elizabeth and Darcy both flourish as character developments, each succumbing in a genuine manner to different perspectives. Each Bennett sister is unique and memorable (even Mary and Kitty), as well as all other supporting characters and mains are equally interesting and have their own flair. Mrs Bennett is so frustratingly funny, Jane and Mr. Bingley are too adorable for words, Elizabeth is a soul bestie who slays with her mind, and dear Mr. Darcy (sighs dreamily). The writing style is eloquent and contemporary for its time, full of dry wit, and captivating dialogue. Jane Austen is a worthy figure of inspiration to all writers. She paved the road for future writers to come, especially women for women writers. Her works are not subjected to women readers, I think everyone no matter gender or age, can love and adore Austen’s novels.
This is romance done right! I’m not a massive fan of romance (in particular the mushy, cliché stuff) but when it’s done right in such romantic and natural fashion I thoroughly enjoy it, sometimes having to fan myself and blushing, oh my!
Have a care Dawkins! This is an enduring and beautiful love story to withstand the span of time.
I absolutely adored this book! I devoured it in 2 days. To all children, booklovers, and librarians out there, this is like a love song to bookworms. I absolutely adored this book! I devoured it in 2 days. To all children, booklovers, and librarians out there, this is like a love song to bookworms. This is one of my top favourite series, I can't express how much this book has a special place in my heart. This is a book to be made into memories, gathered around with cups of hot chocolate and blankets with family or fur babies.
It reads like having a favorite old sweater for comfort, wrapped up in the pages like a big warm hug. Some of the best known and well-loved characters of literature are brought to life again, it was like visiting old friends whenever a character appeared. The author really captured the essence of book characters, which not a lot of people can do, as if the characters were literally picked from their stories and put into the Pages & Co. It's adventurous, magical, and full of heart sprinkled with themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
Tilly is one of my favourite heroines, and I love the fact that she has a close and loving relationship with her grandparents, it's a sweet and heart-warming relationship, one that is very close to my heart. The whole mood and aesthetic of the story is just my cup of tea, think, crisp autumn days, warm atmospheric bookshops, cats, magic, and copious amounts of tea, and of course the joy of reading endless books, all bundle together in a neat bow within this book. The illustrations are delightfully whimsical!
Filled with charming characters, constant adventures, strong world-building, curious mysteries, and a smooth fast-paced storytelling, it's one for all ages to enjoy and re-read.
I could read this series forever and still be filled with wonder and delight everytime.
STOP THE PRESS!! This has joined the team of my ultimate favourite series of all time!! It is such a unique and mesmerizing story, one that I cannot fSTOP THE PRESS!! This has joined the team of my ultimate favourite series of all time!! It is such a unique and mesmerizing story, one that I cannot find enough words to gush all over it! I could read 100 more books of the Athena Clubs adventures.
Goss takes beloved classic Gothic literature and mixes it with kick-butt feminism, adventure, mystery, and Victorian monsters! The offspring of famous mad scientists are represented from many classic works. Theodora Goss gives these powerful women a voice! As soon as I read the blurb I was hooked. As soon as I read the first page, my heart was captured. This is my perfect type of story; take a bunch of well-known characters from much loved novels and combining them for a fantastical adventure, as well as some original characters too. I love when the author's connections make such sense it's like that's how the stories have always been, very real-like.
The writing flows effortlessly, as if I am watching it happen before my very eyes. I felt like the characters were right beside me as I read their side comments and banters. Goss has such a constructive and clear understanding of literature, mythology, and fables, a pure triple threat! History and fiction are combined in such a creative and interesting way that also makes sense to the story, it becomes a legitimate recounting.
A found family of 'monstrous' women kicking names and taking butt against the patriarchy and society. Even better is that it is a series (cue happy dancing). Ms Goss please accept my application to join the Athena Club, I will be their librarian haha. A delightful romp that will forever remain in my heart!
A timeless and whimsical classic for all ages. This is a poignant and imaginative tale with some melancholic aspects to it that you don’t realise untiA timeless and whimsical classic for all ages. This is a poignant and imaginative tale with some melancholic aspects to it that you don’t realise until you’re an adult; it’s fun and adventurous when you’re a child but as an adult it can be heartbreaking. Peter Pan taught me that yes we do “grow up” eventually, but that doesn’t mean we have to let go of the joys and wonders of childhood, to seek out our own fun, and enjoy life. What was most touching is the love a mother has for her child (cue tears), it just makes me appreciate more how close me and my mum are. There is always another layer of the depth learnt in every re-read. So take my hand and fly away to land of Neverland, where awfully big adventures await…
This is part of my top 3 favourite series of all time! The golden book children are The Chronicles of Narnia, The Imaginarium Geographica, and The LanThis is part of my top 3 favourite series of all time! The golden book children are The Chronicles of Narnia, The Imaginarium Geographica, and The Land of Stories. I simply cannot get enough of this series! What I particularly like are how relatable the characters are and how much their personalities made sense to their characters. The villains are given a real back story, the princesses are much more human and real, and the main characters truly stand out on their own. There is relevant humour and dialogue without being urban, childish, or bland. Every book has an underlying message that resonates with the times and still will in future generations. Also got to love a good portal magic. To me, (seeing as this is one of my babies) is the best fairy-retelling series ever!