Early Book Review: The Spell Thief (Little Legends) by Tom Percival

The Spell Thief is the first book in the Little Legends series by Tom Percival and is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. Jack (of the beanstalk fame) and his magical talking chicken, Betsy, have always been great at making new friends. But when Jack spots Anansi, the new kid in town, talking to a troll in the Deep Dark Woods, everything changes. Everyone knows that trolls mean trouble, and Jack will do anything to prove to the rest of his friends that Anansi is a troll spy. Even if that means using stolen magic!

The Spell Thief is a nice transitional book, good for those on harder easyreaders and easy chapter books. The characters are already well known to fairy tale fans, and the illustrations are fun and charming. Even readers that are not fully versed in fairy tale lore will quickly catch on and enjoy the story. Anansi is the new boy and town and Jack is a little jealous of the attention he is getting from his friends and the fact that his worries are ignored by those same friends. Jack gets so caught up in proving he is right that he changes, and almost loses friends, old and new. While the story was interesting I found the lessons of jumping to conclusions and judging others to be a little heavy handed, as was the point about obsession. It was still a good read, and I think many of the target audience will enjoy it, but I did not love it. I think including Anansi might also spark some interest in fairy tales that young readers might not know yet, and exploring a wider variety of tales.

The Spell Thief is a short read that will interest many transitional readers, and spark some interest in fairy tales and the rest of the series. 

Early Book Review: The Fairy’s Assistant by Sasha L. Miller

The Fairy’s Assistant by Sasha L. Miller is currently scheduled for release on November 2 1016. Hayden typically enjoys his life, he gets to travel, he has a fairy in his pocket, and he helps her bring happiness to people who would otherwise go overlooked and continue suffering. The only problem is that magic is illegal and there's a certain stubborn, handsome knight determined to prove that Hayden deserves to be locked up. Between dodging the stubborn knight and the odious nobles he's currently working for, helping his fairy get a woman to a ball is going to be more difficult than their missions usually are.

The Fairy’s Assistant is a fun twist on the Cinderella style fairy tale. It started a little slow for me, but quickly captured and held my interest. Hayden is an all-around good guy. He is not afraid of hard work, does his best to stay out of trouble, and does everything he can to help the fairy Lily help others- even though he cannot understand a word she says. Sir Sydney, a very determined knight of the realm is on his trail in search of illegal magic users. Hayden gets a sable hand job in order to assist Lily's plan to help a woman named Renee find happiness. Everything is more than it seems, and so are the characters. I liked the personalities and depth of the characters, and the way that the romances happened very naturally, and if I was unaware of the LGBTQ label on the description I might have guessed the final pairings of differently. The major wins here were the complexity of the plot twists and the well written characters. The one thing I think I was missing was some world building. I wanted a little bit more information about the why's of magic being illegal and so on. However, the story over rode those issues enough that I was still a happy reader.

The Fairy’s Assistant is a wonderful novel, that I enjoyed more than I was expecting after a slow start. I am inspired to read more by the author, and hope that this world is revisited in other books they have either already written or that are yet to come. miller has a new fan. 

Early Book Review: The Magician’s Key: The Secrets of the Pied Piper 2 by Matthew Cody

The Magician’s Key by Matthew Cody is the second book in the Secrets of the Pied Piper trilogy. It is scheduled for release on November 8 2016. The first book was The Peddler's Road, which I gave four stars. You do need to read the books in order to understand the characters and storyline. There is a third book promised to conclude the series.

On the Summer Isle, siblings Max and Carter discovered the magical land where the villainous Pied Piper led the children of Hamelin centuries ago. But only Max made it back.  Now she is determined to rescue her brother. To do so, she will have to find the one and only key to the Summer Isle. That key is controlled by Vodnik, a dastardly magician and soul stealer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.  Meanwhile, Carter must overcome his own troubles back on the Summer Isle. He’s been separated from his friends and left with a very untrustworthy companion: the Pied Piper himself.  Struggling desperately to find each other, Max and Carter encounter a bashful trollson, a daring elf, a seafaring hobgoblin, and the ever-loyal kobold Bandybulb. As their paths converge, they prepare for the most important quest yet: to send the children of New Hamelin home.

The Magician’s Key begins shortly after The Peddler's Road ends. Max in back and searching for a way to save Carter and her friends still on the Summer Isle, while those left behind are struggling with a changing world, the Piper, and Baba Yaga. Everyone has dangers and decisions to face, and most of the hardest moments come when least expected. Betrayal and loyalty and major  components to the story, and keep everyone guessing. I felt like I got a much better understanding of the Piper, Carter, and some of the New Hamelin children but felt like Max's adventures did not offer nearly as much insight. There were many satisfying moments, and plenty of excitement. However, this book did not appeal to me quite as much as the first book in the series. I feel like this book was mostly just the set up for a grand conclusion. It was still an enjoyable read, but since I enjoyed the first book so much, and the other books I have read from the author, I felt a little let down. None of this will stop me from reading the next book, and looking forward to it.

The Magician’s Key is a good follow up to The Peddler's Road, but was not as compelling in the story or action. It was still a solid read, and I am glad I read it. However, like many second books in trilogies it felt more like a bridge between books than a full story in itself. I sill plan on reading the third book, and trust this author not to disappoint with the conclusion. 

Book Review: Baba Yaga by An Leysen

Baba Yaga is a picturebook that was written and illustrated by An Leysen. Once upon a time, in a land far away from here, lived a girl named Olga. Olga lived with her father in a beautiful house, and they were very happy together. Until Olga’s father one day fell in love again but his new wife was cruel and mean. And her sister Baba Yaga, who lived in a dark forest, was even meaner. Baba Yaga was a real witch! There was a rumor she was fond of children on her plate! One day Olga’s stepmother sent her to Baba Yaga. What was she supposed to do now?

Baba Yaga is a retelling of the classic Slavonic myth. Olga is a sweet girl put in a bad situation, a common start to fairy tales world wide. I have heard different tales about Baba Yaga over the years, and I found this version to be simple enough to share with younger readers than most of the versions I have read. The illustrations are lovely and add a great deal to the atmosphere of the story, and included details that enrich the story. This would be a wonderful addition to a classroom unit of fairytales and legends, or just for sharing. It is a little text heavy, which is necessary to tell the story, so I would label this an older picturebook or one to share.

Baba Yaga is a wonderful version of this classic tale. I think the illustrations are what really sold it to me, with their soft ethereal feel. A delightful book for sharing a fairy tale that some might not be familiar with.

Early Book Review: The Truest Heart (Fairy-Tale Matchmaker) by E.D. Baker

The Truest Heart is the third book in the Fairy-Tale Matchmaker series for middle grade readers by E.D. Baker. It is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2016.I highly recommend reading the series in order, I think picking up the story here will leave readers frustrated and confused. Start with Fairy Tale Matchmaker and then The Perfect Match before reading this installment. They are all quick, fun reads, so it is worth the effort.

Born to be a tooth fairy, Cory Feathering has been busy proving there's another life meant for her, one of matchmaking! She's already helped Marjorie Muffet and Goldilocks find true love, and now it's Mary Lambkin's turn. When Cory has a vision of Mary with one particular boy, Cory knows exactly what to do. But it's Cory's own personal life that needs help. The Fairy Guilds are constantly hounding her, furious that she's abandoned the guild she was born into in favor of choosing her own path. They won't stop until justice has been served. As Cory prepares to fight for what she believes in, she must decide once and for all if she's prepared to take on the responsibility of her biggest role yet, one that will change her destiny forever.

The Truest Heart is a quick, fun read that ties up many of the loose ends of the series, while still leaving me wondering where our characters might do next. The trial between Cory and the guilds is underway and their shady efforts to scare her are ramping up. Meanwhile Cory is just trying to live her life- playing in her band and matchmaking as needed. As the danger ramps up Blue and his friends help protect Cory, and we meet a wider variety of fairy tale creatures. I liked the combination of Cory struggling to do the right thing along the discovery that some of the creatures involved are no as they seem.

The Truest Heart is a fun and heart warming addition to the Matchmaker series. There is plenty of resolution for the larger story arcs that have moved the series along, but enough room for more to come. A perfect balance to make readers satisfied but still eager for more.

E. D. Baker is the author of the Tales of the Frog Princess series, The Wide-Awake Princess series, The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker series, and many other delightful books for young readers, including A Question of Magic, Fairy Wings, and Fairy Lies. The Frog Princess was the inspiration for Disney’s hit movie The Princess and the Frog. She lives with her family and their many animals in Churchville, Maryland. 

Book Review Summons (Fable Rangers #1) by A.L. Brown

Summons is the first book in the Fable Rangers series by A.L. Brown. This is a middle grade book that offers a fantasy story with pieces of stories you might think you already know. Twelve-year-old Casey doesn’t think life could get any more unfair. Plans for her special basketball tournament are tossed aside by her sister’s wedding plans.  All she wants is an escape, but she never imagined she’d be swept away to a world of Mother Goose rhymes, fairy tales, stories of Arabian Nights, and oh, by the way, all but one fairy godmother has been kidnapped. Casey learns she’s been summoned as the Fable Ranger to lead the search and rescue of the missing wish-makers. But she’s not the hero they want. In the world of fairy tales, damsels aren’t meant to swoop in and save the day. Now all Casey wants is to go home, but the veil between worlds is on lockdown. Taking fate into her own hands, she embarks on an airship flight to find the phoenix tears that can open her way home. Her journey would’ve gone as smooth as the perfect layup if it weren’t for that pesky bounty the evil Dovetail has placed on her head. If Casey fails, the Arabian Nights will disappear forever and she will be trapped in a world unraveling one fairy tale at a time.

Summons is a story that many readers will relate to on some level, and enjoy. Casey feels that life is unfair, and that she is the one making most of the changes and sacrifices in her family. When she is sucked into a world of stories through a book she borrowed from her father she finds herself facing much bigger problems than anything she faced at home. Fairy godmothers have been kidnapped, stories are unravelling, and danger is lurking around every corner. When the people she is called to help see that they got a young girl rather than the trained man they expected everyone’s plans are changed. Dealing with gender biases and working to save an entire world, not to mention trying to secure a way home, Casey not only proves herself but comes to some important realizations along the way. The story was fast paced with good character development for both Casey and the main supporting characters. World building was also p[aced well, although the opening with Casey’s family made me wonder if I had missed something prior to the start ofd this story.

Summons is a well written middle grade novel. I think fans of the Lands of Stories, Tale Dark and Grimm, and other fairy tale based series or the Once Upon a Time television series will particularly enjoy the read. Not completely new territory, but it is a well done and entraining read.  

Book Review: The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green by Nicky Kyle is a short but interesting story. The village of Styesville has a dragon problem, and is in sore need of a knight in shining armor to solve it for them. Instead, they get a strange traveler in a ragged cloak they barely even notice at first. Worse still, it soon becomes clear the problem setting fire to their village isn't as simple as a dragon.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a new take on the idea of fearie godmothers and wishes coming true. I liked the twists, and the cloaked figure that leads the show. I did not like that readers do not get to see much, if any character development or growth. We are told how things happen, and some of why, but there is little emotional attachment or pressure felt as the story unfolds. I did like that sexuality was mentioned, but in a way that made it clear that in their world love is not held to gender stereotypes. I also like that the pressures of parents for their children is covered, but again since readers do not get into the hearts and minds of the characters much all of it seemed a little flat. I enjoyed the concept, and the plot, but sadly was not as invested in the fate of the characters as I might have been otherwise.

The Faerie Godmother’s Apprentice Wore Green is a story that offers a nice twist, but does not do a whole lot of character development. The plot was good, but I felt like it could have been so much more. 

Book Review: Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch by Max Candee is a middle grade to young adult novel. The book blends ancient folklore with a coming of age tale about a young witch on the brink of womanhood. Anna Sophia has always known she was different. She didn’t know just how different until now. On the eve of her 13th birthday Anna wonders about her past. She never knew her parents, and all she has to go by is an unbelievable fairy tale her uncle used to tell: that she was found as a baby, tucked among a pack of bear cubs in the wilds of Russia. To make matters even more complex, Anna has discovered that she can see and do things that no one else can. It’s only when Anna receives a letter from her mother that she discovers some of the truths about her past, and begins to uncover the possibilities in her future. As Anna continues to learn more about her secret abilities, she finds out that her neighbors are hiding something of their own: a plot to harm Anna and her friends. Can Anna Sophia use her newfound supernatural powers to stop them? Can she fight back, without endangering her own soul? And maybe, just maybe, is her own secret tied up with theirs?

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is a coming of age story, wrapped up in a magical package. Anna is our orphan recipient of great power and a future that will surly include plenty of danger. She is a good girl, that sometimes finds herself in trouble despite her good intentions. She is missing her Uncle and wondering about her family when adventure comes to find her. The rise and powerful couple that adopts girls on a regular basis is interested in her, but she does not trust them and sees that there is something wrong among those they have adopted. She receives a mysterious package via her solicitor from her mother, and things only get strangers from there. A magical card, a strange carved hand, and the slow realization that she is a witch and so is most of her lost family. The adventure is solid and there is a nice, slow reveal of the details while still keeping the readers on their toes. I really enjoyed the pacing, it let me connect with Anna, and get to know some of the secondary characters as well. A well written story with nice inclusion of folklore, even when characters from those legends are not named as I would expect.

Diary of Anna the Girl Witch: Foundling Witch is the first book in a series, and I am glad that most of the series has been released and is available for me to read now. I am looking forward to following up on Anna’s adventures sand seeing what she discovers about herself and her family as she grows.  

Book Review: Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtiff

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtiff is a new middle grade to young adult novel. Red is not afraid of the big bad wolf. She’s not afraid of anything, except magic. When Red’s granny falls ill it seems that only magic can save her and Red is forced to confront her one weakness. With the help of a blond, porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red goes on a quest to cure Granny. Her journey takes her through dwarves’ caverns to a haunted well and a beast’s castle. All the while, Red and Goldie are followed by a wolf and a huntsman, two mortal enemies who seek the girls’ help to defeat each other. And one of them just might have the magical solution Red is looking for.

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood is a delightful take on the world of fairy tales. red is an adventurous young lady that loves her grandmother deeply and only really fears her own disastrous attempts at magic. It is only when her grandmother is ill that Red considers attempting magic again, and so sets forth on an adventure to do whatever necessary to save her grandmother. I like that Red is a character that is very capable, but also has her own flaws and fallibilities. She is no cookie cutter characters, nor are any of the other characters that she runs across on her journey. Goldie is a unique character that would have tried mt patience as much as she did Red's. The high adventure and twists to well known stories kept my interest high, as did the unusual characters and knowledge that nothing was going to fit preconceived notions. The self sufficiency of the characters and the running theme that nothing is quite what it seems, or what you expect it to be, made the read exciting and fun.

Red: the True Story of Red Riding Hood is a wonderful middle grade novel that will also appeal to older readers. I now need to go back and read Rump (which was already on my to be read list) and keep my eyes peeled for more from this author. 

Book Review: Charmed by Jen Calonita

Charmed is the second book in the Fairy Tail Reform School series by Jen Calonita. I highly recommend reading the first book, Flunked, before reading this one (mainly because it was a fun read). While getting the full picture always makes for a better read, I think new readers could catch up to speed if they want to, but I do not suggest it.

It takes a (mostly) reformed thief to catch a spy. Gilly Cobbler, Enchantasia's most notorious pickpocket, and her friends may have defeated the Evil Queen and become reluctant heroes, but the battle for Enchantasia has just begun. Alva, aka The Wicked One who cursed Sleeping Beauty, has declared war on the Princesses, and she wants the students of Fairy Tale Reform School to join her. As her criminal classmates give in to temptation, Gilly goes undercover as a Royal Lady in Waiting (don't laugh) to unmask a spy before the mole can hand Alva the keys to the kingdom. Dealing with the pros and cons of fame, and the trouble they bring make everything more complicated.

Charmed is a good follow up to Flunked, but not a great one. I liked the amount of conflict about friendship, social expectations, and the issues that being well-known can bring. I like that not every character fit in the mold that they had been cast and proved themselves to be better than assumed. I did not like that I figured out who the mole was so quickly, and how frustrated I was that characters in the book did not catch on. I was annoyed with the main character, but that was because she was acting just like a teenage girl would in her position. Gilly had to balance the good feelings of being admired with the friendships she had forged and her own moral code. She did not always make the right choices, but who does. I did like the realisticness of that, even as it made me cringe more than once. Unfortunately not all the main players got much development, at least not as much as I would have liked. That being said, it was still a good, solid read. However, my expectations and hopes for this series were very high and I think I set myself up for the frustration and disappointment that I felt.



Charmed is a fun sequel, but I do not think it was as good as the first. There was enough action and twists to keep me turning pages, but it did not meet my now high expectations for the author. 

Early Book Review: Far Out Fairy Tales by Louise Simonson, Otis Frampton, Benjamin Harper, Joey Comeau, and Sean Tulien

Far Out Fairy Tales by Louise Simonson, Otis Frampton, Benjamin Harper, Joey Comeau, and Sean Tulien is a graphic novel which is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. This middle grade graphic explores what Snow White would be like if she were raised by robots and how Cinderella's story plays out when she walks the path of the ninja. Readers can play along when three billy goats named Gruff get stuck inside a video game, and chase down the Big Bad Wolf with the help of a superpowered Red Riding Hood! Each fairy tale revision holds true to the spirit of the original while adding a modern twist to the classic tales.

Far Out Fairy Tales is a wonderful collection of new looks at classic stories. I think the book opens with the best of the stories, Cinderella as a ninja. She does not want to marry the prince, she wants to sword train with him. The ending made me particularly happy. Red Ridinghood with super powers granted by an alien hood was an interesting story, but just fell a little flat for me after how much I liked the Cinderella tale. It was still good, but not my favorite. The Billy Goats Gruff in a video game like story made me smile, particularly when the brothers split up and you got the three stories at once on each page. Snow White in a futuristic world with robots and poisoned chocolate rather than an apple was well done, with a neat twist on the tale. Hansel & Gretel & Zombies was unexpected and a twist that was a little sweeter than I expected. Together the graphic collection was great fun, and I thought the illustrations were particularly wonderful. It is a great pick all around.

Far Out Fairy Tales is a fun, bright, and engaging new look at some old favorites. This is a delightful pick for just about everyone, from elementary school right on up- including adults. 

Early Book Review: The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton

The Goblin's Puzzle: Being the Adventures of a Boy with No Name and Two Girls Called Alice by Andrew S. Chilton is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2016. 

The boy is a slave with no name that is now on a quest to discover his purpose and place in the world. The goblin holds answers and more tricks than anyone might guess. he is not to be underestimated or trusted.  Plain Alice is a smart peasant girl carried off by a confused dragon and mixed up on a plot bigger than even she could fully guess. Princess Alice luckily missed being kidnapped, at least the first time around. The unlikely group comes together by chance and face a sinister plot to take over the kingdom, kind monsters, a cruel magician, and dozens of deathly boring palace bureaucrats. Together they just might outwit the villains and crack the goblin’s puzzle.

The Goblin's Puzzle is a fun and unique fantasy adventure. I really enjoyed that it felt a little like reading a classic fantasy quest novel, but still was fresh and new. each of the main characters were well fleshed out, even our nameless slave boy. They all had their own back stories, fears, and hopes while still coming together to work towards a common goal. I like that intelligence, cleverness, and kindness were better tools in the long run for all of the main characters than strength or battle experience. The slow discovery about each of the characters and their developing friendships were very well done, and made me feel like I was meeting them myself and taking part in the adventure. I thought that the pacing and plot was pretty close to perfect. However, even better were the characters that defied convention or stepped beyond my expectations. 

The Goblin's Puzzle is a wonderful middle grade adventure. I enjoyed it so much that I hope there are more books set in the same world in the near future.  

Book Review: The Perfect Match by E. D. Baker

The Perfect Match by E. D. Baker is a fun follow-up to The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker.  I would suggest reading the books in order to have the best understanding of where Cory, Blue, and the Tooth Fairy Guild stand. Former tooth-fairy-in training, Cory Feathering, is coming into her skills as a matchmaker more and more each day. But as she hones her skills, she's still doing odd jobs around town in order to help people who need it. One day as she's house-sitting for the Three Bears, Cory runs into the infamous Goldilocks. The girl with blonde locks wants Cory to help set her up on a date, but typical, no one is quite right for her. Then, Cory has a vision of Goldilocks with a prince who lives far away in a castle. The only problem? He's getting married to someone else. Luckily, the prince is a huge fan of Cory's band and wants them to perform at his ceremony, which means there might still be hope for Goldilocks. Will Cory be able to act fast and match everyone with their rightful love before it's too late?

The Perfect Match is a fun and well done sequel. I do not recommend skipping the first book, because knowing how Cory and her friends got where they are, and the complications with the guilds is important. I really love Cory's outlook on life and her willingness to pitch in and do what needs to be done. she cares about others, even those she does not really know. The action and complications in her world ramp up and build through the entire book, with lots of satisfying solutions but a great deal of build up for what will follow in the series. I was a little bothered by just how much of this book was build up for the next, but the complications of Goldilocks, the water nymphs, and so on keep the story moving along and very interesting. It was well worth reading, I just wish I had the next book already so that I could find out what happens next.

The Perfect Match is a solid read. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, and Baker's work in general, you will enjoy it. I will say that if you are someone that hates carried over plot lines and complications, you might want to wait until the entire series is published and commit to a weekend (or more) of binge reading.

E. D. Baker is the author of the Tales of the Frog Princess series, The Wide-Awake Princess series, and many other delightful books for young readers, including The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker, A Question of Magic, Fairy Wings, and Fairy Lies. The Frog Princess was the inspiration for Disney’s hit movie The Princess and the Frog. She lives with her family and their many animals in Churchville, Maryland.

Early Book Review: The Peddler’s Road by Matthew Cody

The Peddler’s Road is a middle grade novel by Matthew Cody. This will be the first book in his new Secrets of the Pied Piper series, and is scheduled for release on October 27 2015. It is said that in the thirteenth century, in a village called Hamelin, a piper lured all but one of the town’s children away with his magical flute. Today tough, pink-haired Max and her little brother, Carter, are stuck in modern-day Hamelin with their father until they are also led away by the Piper to a place called the Summer Isle. There they meet the original stolen children, who haven’t aged a day and who have formed their own village, vigilantly guarded from the many nightmarish beings that roam the land. Their appearance may be the key to returning the lost children of Hamelin, and to going home themselves. However, in order to discover the secrets of the Piper, Max and Carter will have to set out on a mysterious quest down the dangerous Peddler’s Road.

The Peddler’s Road is the start to another great middle grade series from Matthew Cody. I really enjoyed the characters, Max is a spunky girl with a strong mind but growing through a period of many changes. Carter has always had challenges, and has faced them with intelligence and grace. Getting stolen away to the Summer Isle is no exception. The framework of folklore and magic woven through the story is wonderfully done, with each character getting enough detail and personality to bring them to life. My only complaint with the story is that when it ended I needed more. The story leaves so many loose ends, definitely a cliff hanger that need the sequels to complete the story in my opinion. I love series that give at least some resolution, while still urging readers to keep reading. I dis not feel that I got quite enough of that resolution to keep me happy, instead I got another layer of plot and complication that needs resolution in the future installments. 

The Peddler’s Road is as well written and engaging as I expect from Cody. I really liked the main characters, especially Max, and felt like they all had significant growth in the story. I was not happy with the inconclusive ending, but am likely to read the sequels because I need to know how they solve the huge problems they are facing.  

Book Review: Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell is a twist on Cinderella for mature middle grade readers, young adults, and adults. Nicolette learned to be an inventor at her mother’s knee. Her mom is gone now, and the Steps have turned her into a servant in her own home. On her sixteenth birthday, Nicolette discovers a secret workshop in the cellar and begins to dare to imagine a new life for herself. Could the mysterious books and tools hidden there be the key to escaping her dreary existence? With a technological exposition and royal ball on the horizon, the timing might just be perfect for Nicolette to earn her freedom at last.

Mechanica is a retelling of Cinderella with a touch or steampunk and extra fairy magic. Nicolette has lost her mother, who made magical, mechanical creations for both work and beauty. After her death Nick's father remarried and it was not long before she lost him as well. Then she was left to care for the house and the Steps herself, thankfully she had access to the machines and magic left behind to make things manageable. When she gains access to her mother's workshop on her sixteenth birthday everything gets better. She just might have found a way to escape and buy her family's home from the Steps- she can create and sell her own works. In the process she learns more about herself, her mother, and the larger world. Making friends and facing danger Nick just might have found a fairy tale ending, but is it what she really wants? I really enjoyed the dynamic of Nick and the friends she makes- although I did shh the big twist about them coming a mile away. What I found more interesting was that even though her new family is not exactly nice to Nick, there are moments when we can see each of the members as more than their cruel side. We are given glimpses that make them human and multifaceted despite their inhumane treatment of others. I also liked Nick's slow growth in understanding and worry about the work and magic she has involved herself in, and that through out everything being honest and true to herself prevails over some choices that would have made her life much nicer, at least on the surface.

Mechanica is more than a simple retelling of Cinderella. It is a coming of age story, a story about prejudice, a story about hard work, a story about determination, and a story about hope. While I could have done without a small bit of the story (love *cough* triangle) it is such a small portion of the larger story that it was easy enough to ignore. On top of it- the cover is awesome!

Some people are complaining that it sounds like a knock off of Cinder, but since I have not read Cinder (and the author sold this manuscript before Cinder was published) I cannot speak to that.

 

Book Review: The Hunt For Snow (Fairytale League #1) by S.E. Babin

The Hunt For Snow is the first book in the Fairytale League series by S.E. Babin.  Snow’s past is shrouded in mystery. Mild cryptozoologist by day, private investigator by night, Snow is dead set on one thing, staying far away from the Huntsman who haunts her dreams. When she shows up to a conference for those from the Enchanted Forest with her two best friends in tow, things start going awry right away. Mere minutes after arriving, they find themselves thrust back into the world they’ve tried so hard to avoid. Now, along with the help of her friends, Snow is struggling to stay one step ahead of the queen who wants to destroy her, and the Huntsman who wants to possess her at all costs. 

The Hunt For Snow started of quickly, almost making me thing that I had missed something even though this is the first book in the series. However, the world and character building quickly fixed that feeling. Snow is a tough character, she tries not to care, and because of her past relies a bit to much on weapons and fighting. However, she is quick thinking and really does care about her friends and anyone that depends on her. The relationship between Snow and the Huntsman is extremely complicated and full of anticipation and hard choices. The Huntsman has a hard road, and is stranger than most would expect, even given his reputation. I liked the twist on most of the characters. Cinderella and Belle kept me happy through the majority of the book, and I was interested in seeing how all of the changes and stories would intertwine. The twists and turns, complications, and character developments kept up from very early in the book to the final pages, leaving readers hanging, but engaged through the entire read. While Snow is not my favorite main character, the story and extended cast have me interested to see the series through. 

The Hunt For Snow is a read that keeps readers turning pages and interested. The story is solid and fast paced. I would recommend grabbing the second book to have handy, so that you are not left completely hanging when this book ends, although who is to say that it wont end with a cliff hanger as well.

Book Review: Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs by Davide Cali, Raphaelle Barbanegre

Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs is a picturebook retelling written by Davide Cali and illustrated by Raphaelle Barbanegre. Part of the story stays the same, Snow White is on the run from an evil witch when she comes across some dwarfs in the forest. The 77 dwarfs agree to take her in and keep her safe if she will help them with their chores. However, doing all the chores and caring for 77 dwarfs is more work that she was quite prepared for.  In time Snow White decides to take her chances with the witch. 

Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs is a funny book that will strike a chord with parents, maybe more so than the children they share the story with. Snow White is glad o be safe, but doing all the work for 77 little men is much more than she bargained for. Instead of falling into the clutches of the witch she has 77 breakfasts to make, 77 lunches to pack (don't forget the juice boxes!), 77 pairs of pants to mend and a whole lot of dishes with each task running until the next begins. Some days parenting feels like this, and there are days work might feel like this, and when you combine the two it can get overwhelming. Children might enjoy the story because of the wonderful artwork, or the story itself, which is wonderfully done. They might also relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed depending on age and activities they might be involved in. However, readers of all ages might enjoy Snow's decision to face the witch. I have days where I just might envy Snow her choice.

Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs is a delightfully funny retelling of the classic tale. The illustrations are bright and full of life. I think this book can appeal to a broad audience, and will make readers of all ages smile, and perhaps appreciate the effort others put into daily life a wee bit more. 

Early Book Review: Princess in Disguise by E.D. Baker

Princess in Disguise is the forth book in the Wide-Awake Princess series by E.D. Baker.  It is currently scheduled for release on March 31 2015. Annie and Liam's wedding day looks as if it's going to be perfect. Then everything starts to go wrong. Liam's father doesn't show up, members of the wedding party come down with strange afflictions, Annie's gown is ruined, a storm floods the castle grounds, and an unknown king lays siege to the castle.  Only Annie and Liam can get past a magical fog to find Moonbeam, but even after they find her, it’s up to them to discover who cast the spells that ruined the wedding, and why the unknown king wants to conquer Treecrest.

Princess in Disguise holds up to the action and adventure of the previous installments of this series. I will admit to feeling like I missed a book or some details from the series when I first started reading, and it is because I did somehow miss reading The Bravest Princess, which was recently released. Even with the gaps in my knowledge, I caught up quickly and really enjoyed the read. Anne and Liam face troubles and step up to solve the problems. Each conflict they face is defeated with wit, grace, and courage rather than brute strength or violence. I find that rare in adventure stories and really like that about this series. Anne's unique power of magic immunity again plays a big role, and I liked that we finally saw what Liam's magical talent was as well. Another great story from Baker to capture the imagination and entertain.

Princess in Disguise is a wonderful middle grade fantasy adventure for fans of E.D. Baker. Anyone that is current with this series will find this another must read. If you have missed previous books in the series I do recommend reading the backlog first, not only so you understand all the players, but also because they are simply good reads.

Authors of Young Adult Fantasy You Need to Read; And Have Your Teens Read, Too

Novels intended for the young adult market are increasing in quantity, subject matters and in some cases quality. Many of the authors writing fantasy in this market are simply a pleasure to read, while still challenging the reader to think and grow. Here are some of the authors that everyone, teens and adults alike, can enjoy.

Tamora Pierce is a prolific young adult fantasy writer that has released a number of related series and is still going. Her first novel was Alana; The First Adventure which was the first book in the Song of the Lioness quartet. This first series was geared towards slightly younger group, nine to twelve year olds. Then came the Immortals quartet, Circle of Magic quartet, Protector of the Small quartet, Circle Opens quartet, the Trickster series (only two books), Will of the Empress, Melting Stones, and finally the Beka Cooper series. All of these books happen in the same universe, the same counties with intersecting storylines, but still each book or series can be enjoyed without having read all of the books.

Pierce's main characters tend to be young women, though there are male main characters in the two Circle quartets. All of her characters are realistic, with doubts and questions about the world, and really come to life as you read. The reader really does care what happens, not just to the main characters, but all the smaller characters and the worlds of the books as a whole. Additionally, most of her books can me found in Full Cast audio format, which is a simply amazing way to get a reluctant reader, or long distance commuter to enjoy her writing. If you read and enjoy her work then I suggest also trying Maria V Snyder, Shannon Hale, and Robin McKinley.

Neil Gaiman is another contemporary writer that is great for both young adults and adults to read. Some of his best works, in my opinion, include Coraline (made into a major motion picture), Graveyard Book (winner of the 2009 Newbury Award), American Gods, Neverwhere (made into a miniseries on BBC), and Mirror Mask (made into a motion picture). He is also know for

the Sandman graphic novels and Stardust (made into a major motion picture). He also collaborated with Terry Pratchett on Good Omens. Gaiman has an imagination that I am both envious of and glad that I don't have on dark, spooky nights. He always makes me very concerned for his characters, and I like that many of the characters are flawed, like real people, even when faced with things well out of the ordinary. For those of the audiobook set, Gaiman narrates his own audio books and he does a phenomenal job with inflections and pauses just where they should be. Authors I'd recommend are Terry Pratchett and Garth Nix.

My third recommendation is Madeleine L'Engle. Most of us have heard about the Newbury Award winning A Wrinkle In Time series, but have you read it? It is a fantastic set of books, and was just a small portion of her work. She wrote at least sixty books before passing away in 2007. Many of her works combine fantasy with some science. Her work was consistently entertainment while touching and easy to connect to for ever person that has ever just not fit in, and isn't that everyone? Other authors you might enjoy include Margaret Mahy, Lois Lowry and Kate DiCamillo.

There are still several authors of this genre that are just amazing, but to list them all, and tell you anything about them, would take up too much space. However, I can't seem to leave this topic without also recommending Lloyd Alexander, Holly Black, Charles de Lint, Rick Riordan, and Michael Buckley.

Early Book Review with Quiz, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked by Jen Calonita

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked by Jen Calonita is the first book in a new young adult series. It is currently scheduled for release on March 3 2015.  The series starts with the premise that Cinderella's wicked stepmother, Flora, has founded the Fairy Tale Reform School with the mission of turning the wicked or criminally mischievous into upstanding members of Enchantasia. Gilly might only be 12, but she has a history of petty theft and she's not too sorry about it because she steals to help support and feed her family. When she lifts a hair clip, she gets tossed in reform school-for at least three months. Fellow students Jax and Kayla help her learn that there is more to this school than its advertised mission. There's a battle brewing and she starts to wonder: can a villain really change?

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked is a solid begin to a series that has promise. There are strong characters and many possible follow up story lines to keep people reading. Gilly is a thief with a good heart. She steal to put food on her family's table, and while she resents the wealthy for the way their choices have affected her family, she is not malicious.  When she enters the reform school is expecting the worst, but finds friends and some good intentions as well. Of course there is also a mean girl, because what school related novel can be without one? There is danger, mystery, and many layers of action to keep readers guessing. While some of the twists were not incredibly surprising, it was a fun and entertaining ride. The ending left me satisfied with a conclusion, but it also left enough room and interest for me to be curious enough to be on the lookout for the next book. 

Fairy Tale Reform School: Flunked was a solid middle grade to young adult book. There are many adults that will enjoy the book as well. Anyone that likes books with a hint of magic, twists on characters you think you know from fairy tales and nursery rhymes, and coming of ages stories will find something to interest them here. There is character growth and some fun adventure as well as moments of drama, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to seeing where this series will go from here.

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Jen Calonita is the author of the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series and other books like Sleepaway Girls and Summer State of Mind, but Fairy Tale Reform School is her first middle grade series. She rules Long Island, New York with husband Mike, princes Tyler and Dylan, and Chihuahua Captain Jack Sparrow, but the only castle she’d ever want to live in is Cinderella’s at Disney World. She’d love for you to drop her a line at jencalonitaonline.com or keep the fairy tale going at http://books.sourcebooks.com/enchantasia/

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Excerpt from Flunked: Fairy Tale Reform School-

There’s a boy up there, standing on the crystal chandelier! He has slightly curly blond hair and is wearing a uniform—­a navy sweater vest over a white shirt with khaki pants—­but his boots are muddy. He’s stepping on priceless crystals with cruddy boots? Is he insane?

“Jax! What are you doing up there?” Kayla whispers heatedly.

“I’m cleaning the crystal for Flora,” Jax says and rolls his eyes. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m making

a break for it.”

Kayla applauds. “Yay! This time I know you can do it.”

I shade my eyes from the light bursting through the stained-­glass window next to the chandelier Jax is perched on. “Busting out? Why?” I ask Kayla. “I thought you said this place was cool.”

Jax laughs loudly and looks at me. I feel slightly stunned. I’ve never seen violet eyes before. “FTRS was fun for a while, but strange things have started happening and I don’t want to be here when something bad goes down.”

Strange things? What kind of strange things? Why does Kayla suddenly look pale?

“He’s exaggerating,” Kayla tells me, but she doesn’t sound convincing.

Drip. Whatever Jax is holding is leaking. Kayla and I move out of the way so we don’t get wet. “Grease,” Jax explains to me. “It lubes the window.” He swings the chandelier, and as it nears the window, he uses a fork to try to pry the window open. “A few more tries and I’ll have it.”

“Then what are you going to do, genius?” I ask. “You’re two stories up.”

Jax’s eyes gleam. “I’ve jumped from higher spots before.”

“It’s true,” Kayla says to me. “Jax once jumped from the gym to the dining hall turret. That was three stories up. We call him the Escape Artist. One time he even managed to break into Azalea and Dahlia’s rooms and borrowed their keys to the indoor pool so the whole dorm could take a midnight swim.”

“Impressive,” I tell him. “And I thought I was good at tricking obnoxious royals.”

“She stole a dragon’s tooth clip from one this morning,” Kayla fills him in.

“Nice,” Jax says. “Your first pull?”

“No, I’ve been doing it for a while,” I brag.

“Me too,” Jax says. “My father is a farmer. You can only get so far trading vegetables. I needed to kick things up a notch.”

For some reason, I don’t think any of us are going to make the transformation Headmistress Flora is looking for. “Why do you want to break out so bad?”

“I’ve got places to see, and Enchantasia isn’t one of them.” Jax swings the chandelier so hard the crystals clang together. The window latch pops open, and I watch Jax leap from the chandelier to the tiny window ledge. I’m in awe. Jax looks down at us smugly before pushing open the window. “Are you sure you two don’t want to join me?”

“There’s no time for us,” Kayla says. “Get out of here. Wait!” Her eyes widen. “You deactivated the alarm on the window, right?”

“There isn’t one,” Jax insists. “If there was, I wouldn’t be able to do this.” But when Jax lifts the window, we hear:

EEEEEE! EEEE! EEEE! Unauthorized exit! Unauthorized exit!

The shrieking sound is so intense that Kayla and I cover our ears. Within seconds, Flora is out of her office and running toward us.

Swoosh!

I feel something brush past me and I whirl around. When I look up at Jax again, a large, muscular man with a long mane of hair is hanging on to the window ledge, his furry hands pulling Jax back by his shirt. How did the man get up there without a ladder?

“Mr. Jax,” the man says in a low growl, “we really must stop meeting like this.”

Fairy Tale Reform School Quiz Link: Fairy Tale Reform School Quiz

If you get sentenced to Fairy Tale Reform School, it will help to have an ally. Take the quiz and find out who your mentor would be.

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