Blog Tour: Amethyst, The Shallows by Kellye Abernathy

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AMETHYST, THE SHALLOWS
by
Kellye Abernathy
YA / Magical Realism / Coming of Age
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Page Count: 296 pages
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
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“This is a night for being brave.”
In the aftermath of a devastating sickness that shatters their close-knit beach town, six lonely kids are drawn together during the unpredictable autumn equinox. Among them are fourteen-year-old Lorelei, who yearns to be an oceanographer, and her peculiar younger brother, Tad, who possesses an otherworldly curiosity.
When Lorelei has a strange and almost deadly encounter in a sea cave, her loyal boyfriend, Casey, cannot reconcile her fantastical experience with the rational world. Condi, Lorelei’s best friend, understands ocean magic but isn’t free to share what she knows. Kait, a girl from Ireland, regrets her impulsive move to America–all because of an odd occurrence involving her deceased boyfriend’s lost surfboard. When tides turn and the moon shifts, Isaac, the new kid in town who despises the ocean, is forced to face the truth–a profound and powerful magic lives in the deep.
Guided by a wise surf master, mystical old women known as the Beachlings, and an open-hearted grandmother, six kids embark on transformative adventures that challenge their beliefs about possibilities and the intense nature of love.
Amethyst, the Shallows is the companion novel to The Aquamarine Surfboard.
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Kellye Abernathy’s passions are writing and serving trauma survivors as a yoga teacher and practical life skills advocate. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Kansas. Her home is in land-locked Plano, Texas—where she’s dreaming of her next trip to the sea!
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Blog Tour: Frowns and Gowns by Amanda M. Thrasher

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FROWNS AND GOWNS
The Mischief Series, Book 5
By AMANDA M. THRASHER
Children’s Chapter Book / Fantasy / Fairies
Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Page Count: 236
Publication Date: September 12, 2023
Embark on a Magical Adventure with Lilly, Boris, and Jack!
Get ready to join Lilly, Boris, and Jack on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of mayhem. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of mishaps as these three fairies plan a magnificent magical ball, only to encounter an unforeseen disaster! Experience the magic of friendship with Lilly, the quick-witted and resourceful fairy, Boris, the mischievous fairy with a heart of gold, and Jack, the troublemaker with a curious, adventurous spirit on their latest adventure.
Throughout, Lilly, Boris, and Jack teach the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. Together with their friends, they’ll overcome challenges, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this enchanting tale!
CLICK TO PURCHASE:
Award-winning author Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England and moved to Texas, where she lives with her family. She writes YA, general fiction, middle grade, early reader chapter, and picture books. She is the founder and CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press.
PROGRESSIVE RISING PHOENIX PRESS
Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.

Frowns and Gowns by Amanda Thrasher is an adorable and whimsical tale about young fairies. The reader takes a journey with the main characters Lilly, Boris, Jack, Ivy, and Pearle. The adventurous group works together to prepare for their annual fairy ball. The girls are excited, while the boys aim to play hide and seek until the event has concluded. Decorations, a long to-do list, committees, volunteering, and so much more must be done before the big day. We journey through as the characters cooperate to accomplish all their tasks. We learn that fun and friendship should be a part of all tasks.

Overall, Frowns and Gowns is a well-written, captivating, and creative children’s book. Though it’s the fifth in the series, this book can be read as a standalone. As a former children’s librarian and school teacher, I love to see books like these on the shelves. The author takes the time to make the book engaging by using descriptive wording to ensure the reader feels transported into the story. Amanda Thrasher has a way with words and storytelling. Any young reader will be quickly engaged in this story and anticipatory of the next books in the series. Thrasher creates a beautiful fairy world that leads the reader to want to explore.

I highly recommend this story for any young reader interested in fairy tales and fantasy. This is a great beginner novel as it is easy quick read.

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Blog Tour: To Rescue a Witch by Lisa A. Traugott

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TO RESCUE A WITCH
by
Lisa A. Traugott
Historical Fiction / Action & Adventure / Witch Trials
Page Count: 398 pages
Publication Date: March 1, 2024
It’s 1739. An abused girl accused of witchcraft must be defended by a man married to an actual witch.
William MacLeod, a fierce Scottish lawyer with a kind heart, takes on a daunting task—rescue young Annaliese from the clutches of her tormentors in the untamed wilds of Virginia colony and deliver her safely to her aristocratic father in London. But lurking in the shadows are enemies eager to expose MacLeod’s own wife, Fiona, as a witch with a dark secret.
Their perilous journey takes an unexpected turn when their ship wrecks, and Annaliese’s haunting nightmares and unexplained Devil Marks trigger suspicion among the crew. Tension peaks when MacLeod must become Annaliese’s unwavering protector in a witch trial, where Fiona’s clairvoyance and a murder are unveiled.
To Rescue a Witch navigates themes of betrayal and redemption, in a spellbinding narrative that blends history, magic, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit.
Lisa A. Traugott is an award-winning author and World Championship public speaker semifinalist and spoke five lines on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She lives in Austin with her husband, two kids, and English bulldog, Bruno.

Website ◆ Blog ◆ Facebook ◆ AmazonGoodreads ◆ BookBub ◆ Instagram

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.

To Rescue a Witch by Lisa A. Traugott is a compelling historical fiction novel. The book is based in the Virginia Colony in the 1700s. The book takes us on the journey through the life of a barrister, William MacLeod, as he sets out on a voyage to retrieve Annaliese, the daughter of an aristocrat in London. During his travels, William encounters fights, a choppy sea, a rambunctious nine-year-old, and pushback from members on the voyage with him. In London, secrets start to unravel as the wife of the aristocrat starts digging for information and Fiona, William’s wife, awaits her husband’s return. You can’t trust everyone. Will William make it home to his wife and family, or die trying to deliver the girl?

Lisa A Traugott did a fantastic job with the writing of To Rescue a Witch. The book starts with the perspective of Annaliese at her current home with her Pa and brother. The book then transitions to William serving justice on a ship practicing illegal activities. We then see Lord Hallewell ask William to retrieve his daughter Annaliese and former mistress Eleanor and bring them to London. William agrees and starts work to begin his long journey. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of William, Annaliese, Lady Margaret, Lord Percy, and Fiona. Each chapter allows the reader to view each character’s story told from their perspective. The author does a phenomenal job with the language, character development, research, and building of the plot. To Rescue a Witch is filled with drama, action, secrets, family, relationships, and a lot of shocking twists. There was a point in this novel my jaw was dropped open in shock because of the plot turns. The emotional connection, and the reactions I felt to each character enhanced my reading experiences as the plot thickened and the story continued to develop.

Overall, this is one of the best historical fictions I have read. As a history major, I loved the details and the time the author spent researching to ensure accuracy. I also loved the variety of the text styles between different narrators, perspectives, and the journal entries. I read this book in one sitting because it was so captivating, I could not put it down.

I recommend this book for adults who are interested in a thoroughly-researched and well-developed historical fiction novel.

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RIP the SKY by Mark Packard

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RIP THE SKY
by
Mark Packard
Speculative Fiction / Fantasy / Science Fiction
Publisher: Bluestreak Publishing
Page Count: 317 pages
Publication Date: August 21, 2023
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After a shocking courtroom tragedy, a disturbed Vietnam veteran and the vindictive judge who sent him to prison become an unlikely pair of time travelers in a chaotic multiverse. The fallen angel who rescues them wants to guide them to a radiant new life. But first they must return to the scene of a ghastly crime.
Billy Worster was a naïve teenager ill-prepared for the gruesome realities of war. The sole survivor of a deadly massacre in a Vietnamese jungle, he avoided certain death only because he ran away when the shooting started. Riddled with guilt, he comes home to a dusty Texas farm with post-traumatic stress disorder and the crazy notion that he can fly in and out of parallel worlds.
As Billy struggles with addiction and questions his sanity, he is arrested on a drug charge and ends up in the courtroom of Judge Madeline Johnston, a bitter old judge tormented by a dark secret surrounding her father’s death. She callously tosses Billy into prison, but when a greedy executor files a lawsuit to steal his inherited land, Billy is hauled back to her courtroom in chains, where a stunning twist of fate launches them into the sky on an odyssey of discovery and healing.
Spanning forty years from the jungles of Vietnam through infinite, parallel worlds, Rip the Sky examines how the power of forgiveness can lead us toward a better life, no matter how many worlds we may live in.
Mark Packard spent the last 38 years as a trial attorney and is now retired from the courtroom and working as a mediator. In a life before lawyering he was a journalist and regrets waiting far too long before returning to his roots to write his first novel, Rip the Sky. Though he knows he should have jumped off the merry-go-round years ago, he hopes to hang around long enough to craft a few more tales. Connect with the author:


 
Picture2

Mark Packard’s

Playlist to Rip the Sky

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“Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Universal Here, Everlasting Now” by The Fireman

“Go Insane” by Fleetwood Mac

“S.O.B.” by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

“Dream Weaver” by Gary Wright

“Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“Oh My Love” by John Lennon

“Power of Gold” by Dan Fogelberg, Tim Weisberg

“Smiling Faces Sometimes” by The Undisputed Truth

“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Keb ‘Mo’, Rebirth Brass Band

“Way Down We Go” by KALEO

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult

“Fix You” by Coldplay

“Within You Without You” by The Beatles

“#9 Dream” by R.E.M.

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Blog Tour: War Girls

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War GirlsGenre: Fantasy

Shelf Location: Young Adult

Rating: ★★★★

Release Date : October 15, 2019

This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an advanced reader copy.  #partner #penguinrandomhouse #penguinteen 

AUTHOR BIO 

Tochi Onyebuchi is a writer based in Connecticut. He holds a BA from Yale, an MFA in screenwriting from Tisch, and a JD from Columbia Law School. Tochi is the author of Beasts Made of Night and Crown of Thunder.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther-inspired Nigeria.

The year is 2172. Climate change and nuclear disasters have rendered much of earth unlivable. Only the lucky ones have escaped to space colonies in the sky.

In a war-torn Nigeria, battles are fought using flying, deadly mechs and soldiers are outfitted with bionic limbs and artificial organs meant to protect them from the harsh, radiation-heavy climate. Across the nation, as the years-long civil war wages on, survival becomes the only way of life.

Two sisters, Onyii and Ify, dream of more. Their lives have been marked by violence and political unrest. Still, they dream of peace, of hope, of a future together.

And they’re willing to fight an entire war to get there.

Acclaimed author, Tochi Onyebuchi, has written an immersive, action-packed, deeply personal novel perfect for fans of Nnedi Okorafor, Marie Lu, and Paolo Bacigalupi.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This book is great for those interested in a post apocalyptic world set in Nigeria. The author does an amazing job telling this story. You can tell he spent time working to develop his characters and the emotions between them. I loved the aspect of having two female leads as the main characters in this novel and the bond the two sisters shared. It is as if you feel their emotion seeping through the pages as you read it. The moment the two sisters were torn apart from each other after a raid of their camp truly showcased the impact the Nigerian Civil War had on the two. The beginning starts off a bit slow but it picks up toward the center with action, turmoil, and battle. The storyline continues to develop and has a little bit of a lull towards the end. Overall, it is still an enjoyable read. The author spends time creating the image of a post apocalyptic technology based world filled with humans with electronic limbs and a devastated climate.

If you’re interested in a fantasy novel based on the same concepts of Black Panther, then this is your next read. See below for purchasing links and don’t forget to share your thoughts online.

PURCHASING LINKS

CLICK HERE TO PREORDER YOUR COPY NOW!

THIS BOOK RELEASES ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

Happy Reading! Comment below any book recommendations or your thoughts on this book! You can reach by clicking the Contact link at the top of the page or email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com.

 

Happy National Roald Dahl Day!

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

img_3688Genre: Fantasy

Shelf Location: Children, Juvenile

Rating: ★★★★★

This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copies used in those are finalized copies sent to me in collaboration with Ronald Dahl Day. #partner #penguinkids #roalddahlday

AUTHOR BIO 

Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian, and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and many more brilliant stories. He remains the World’s No.1 storyteller.

BOOK DESCRIPTIONS 

THE BFG

The BFGA beautiful, collectible hardcover edition of The BFG from the World’s No. 1 Storyteller!

The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. It’s lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants–rather than the BFG–she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her!

 The main character, Sophie, found a place where she can help. She’s surprised when she sees the giant and realizes he won’t eat her. She must work together with the BFG, the gentle beast, to put an end to the other giants. They must work together to try to make the world a safer place. This book is written in a way that captivates the reader and truly engages them throughout the entire novel.

Purchase a copy of this book here!

 

The Witches

The WitchesA beautiful, collectible hardcover edition of The Witches from the World’s No. 1 Storyteller!

This is not a fairy tale. This is a story about real witches. Grandmamma loves to tell about witches. Real witches are the most dangerous of all living creatures on earth. There’s nothing they hate so much as children, and they work all kinds of terrifying spells to get rid of them. Her grandson listens closely to Grandmamma’s stories–but nothing can prepare him for the day he comes face-to-face with The Grand High Witch herself!

Purchase a copy of this book here!

 

Matilda: Be Outrageous

Matilda Be OutrageousAm I a phenomenon? It is quite possible that you are.

Reimagine Dahl’s beloved classic in this gorgeous, hand-lettered gift book perfect for Matilda fans of all ages! Featuring the best and brightest lines from Roald Dahl’s magical story, this book displays the iconic quotes in whimsical and artful calligraphy, while reminding readers to be, first and foremost, outrageous!

Highly illustrated, with quotes, lines, and passages from one of Roald Dahl’s most beloved books, this gift book presents a whole lot of big ideas from one precocious little girl. Each spread features the most memorable lines from Matilda, rendering them in gorgeous and whimsical calligraphy — making this a must-have for any Dahl collection!

This book is filled with empowering phrases that highlight important words of encouragement for young girls. It is written in a way that is easily understandable for the youth. I highly recommend this for young girls as a gift.

Purchase a copy of this book here!

Happy Reading! Comment below any book recommendations or your thoughts on this book! You can reach by clicking the Contact link at the top of the page or email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com.

 

This Time by Azaaa Davis

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

40778146Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: Kinle: 205
Release Date: October 1, 2018
Author: Azaaa Davis
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is a finished print copy. Special thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.

Goodreads Synopsis

Not even death can stop her.

Legendary demon hunter Nadira Holden has been torn from her next life and resurrected in present-day New York. The demons she once battled have made peace with humans. Or, so they claim. But brawls between demons and humans are becoming more frequent, and human leaders are disappearing.

Tasked by the shadowy organization that trained her, she must battle her own personal trauma and once again fight for the souls of mankind. Will Nadira remain a beacon of light to those fighting for humankind? Or will she lose her humanity to the darkness within?

Fight with demon hunter Nadira Holden in a new dark fantasy series that combines monster-slaying action, family drama and steamy romance. A complex heroine with inexhaustible courage and a terrifyingly changed world for urban fantasy fans of Vampire Hunter Anita Blake and Succubus Georgina Kincaid.

Final Thoughts

This book follows the journey of a demon hunter who seems to have awaken in a strange predicament. The beginning of the novel starts of strong with a great opening scene with Nadira waking up trapped in a box. The beginning of the book does not disappoint as it will have you holding your breath as events start to unfold.  As the story continues to progress, I noticed even more thrilling action scenes as the main character comes to terms with who she is. This entire book is packed with action, turmoil, confusion, revelations, and split second decisions made by Nadira, the main character.

Overall, this book takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you read and learn more about Nadira. The author did a great job with this storyline and with the development of each character. The backstory of the main character is captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about how Nadira become a master demon hunter. Nadira does face many challenges in this novel but in the end she seems to try her best to the pieces of her life back together and fill in the missing pieces of her memory. This book is based in a world where Demons and Humans coexist, in a sense. However, this did not come easy and a life was given up for this to occur. Whose life was sacrificed for peace?

The ending scene does not disappoint as it is filled with as much action as the rest of the book. You will be captured from the moment you open this novel and I am sad it took me so long to finish it. I combed through this novel once I got past the first few chapters and had hope for the main character, Nadira.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in a fantasy novel with a hint of romance. This book is a bit mature for young ages but would be great for older teens due to some violence scenes. It is more suited for young adults or adults. Take a journey through the world of demons, vampires, and humans with magic powers to help Nadira find something that has been stolen and help her figure out where she belongs.

To purchase your copy of this novel, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578412160 for access to Kindle version and print copy. 

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed my honest opinion of this novel!

Enjoyed this review or have book suggestions? Leave a comment below!

Contact me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com for book reviews.

The Boy, The Bird, and The Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

CoverTitle: THE BOY, THE BIRD, AND THE COFFIN MAKER
Author: Matilda Woods
Genre: Children’s Fantasy Fiction
Pages: Print 189
Release Date: May 4, 2018
Rating: ★★★★.5

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Description:

Friendship and magical realism sparkle on the page in this heartwarming, delightfully eccentric illustrated middle-grade gem from an extraordinary new literary voice. Perfect for fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Penderwicks.

Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker and widower, spending his quiet days creating the final resting places of Allora’s people.

Then one afternoon a magical bird flutters into his garden, and Alberto, lonely inside, welcomes it into his home. And when a kindhearted boy named Tito follows the bird into Alberto’s kitchen, a door in the old man’s heart cracks open. Tito is lonely too–but he’s also scared and searching for a place to hide. Fleeing from danger, he just wants to feel safe for once in his life. Can the boy and the old man learn the power of friendship and escape the shadows of their pasts?

With a tender bond that calls to mind The Girl Who Drank the Moon, charming characters reminiscent of The Penderwicks, and the whimsy of A Snicker of Magic, this is a novel to curl up with, an extraordinary work of magical realism that makes the world feel like a warmer and happier place. Complete with dazzling interior illustrations, a gem from start to finish.

Author Bio:

Matilda Woods (www.matildawoods.com) grew up in the small town of Southern Tablelands, Australia. She graduated from Monash University with a Masters of Social Work. Matilda splits her time between writing middle grade fiction and working as a youth social worker. The Boy, the Bird, and the Coffin Maker is her debut novel. She currently lives in the same small town where she grew up, with her four chickens, three dogs, two cats and one bird.

Final Thoughts:

This entrancing middle grade read follows the life of a boy, a bird, and a coffin maker. Alberto has been making coffins since the death of his family. Allora, once a thriving town, is merely a place of silence. Sickness has taken over many lives and in the wake of death, silence is imminent. Alberto continues to make coffins in hopes of giving back to the dead. One night, Miss Bonito is brought in. She was found in her home in a still warm bed. As the weeks follow after her funeral Alberto starts noticing food items missing. Who is the their in his home? Did Miss Bonito really die alone?

Overall, this was such a great book. I loved the interaction between characters and the turmoil between the thief and Alberto. I would have liked for more of a backstory on Miss Bonito and more explanation about Mister Bonito. The author did a great job portraying the challenges of diseases during a time where there was no cure. I assumed the story was written in a time before medicines were popular. It was a bit harder to tell the setting and time frame of this novel. The text had me wanting more. I would recommend this book to any middle grader looking for a good read pertaining to families, friendships, and unlikely relationships with animals. Birds are free, are you?

Interested in me reviewing your book or have suggested reads? Email me at librarielbookreviews@gmail.com

Flower Moon by Gina Linko

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Title: Flower Moon
Author: Gina LinkoGina Linko
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction
Pages: Print 242
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange  #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The  copy used in this review is a finished copy. 

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Tempest and Tally Jo Trimble are mirror twins—so alike they were almost born the same person—and they’ve been inseparable since birth. But it’s the summer they turn thirteen, and it seems like everyone can tell something is changing between them.

Pa Charlie, whose traveling carnival is the best part of every summer, is watching them closer than ever. Digger, who sneaks poor kids onto the carnival rides for free and smiles faster than anyone, seems to be fixing for a fight. Even Mama is acting different, refusing to travel with the carnival this year even though her own twin, who she hasn’t seen since childhood, will be there.

And Tally and Tempest are the most different of all. There’s a strangeness between them, a thickness to the air, an unseen push and pull, and it’s getting stronger. It starts as a feeling, but soon it’s sputtering and sparking, hurling them backwards, threatening to explode.

When Tally learns that she and Tempest may not be the first twins in their family to be separated by whatever this force is, she realizes she’ll have to find a way to stop it—or she might lose not only her sister, but everyone she loves.

Final Thoughts: 

This book started slow from the beginning. We learn about the twin sisters who Tally Jo and Tempest. Both are called mirror twins or identical twins in this story. There is some sort of pull between the two siblings but halfway through this novel and I am not sure what that pull is exactly. You learn more about the relationship between the two sisters in the beginning of the novel and learn how Tally Jo is mourning the loss of a connection she once had with her twin sister. Tempest is finally brave enough to have her own voice and try out new experiments. While Tally Jo continues to get into trouble trying to defend her sister and shield her from what she deems as harmful situations. Tally Jo has good intentions of protecting her twin sisters, although Tempest doesn’t always see it that way. Tempest is more interested in her experiments rather than her sisters antics. As both grow a part, Tally Jo starts to notice a force that is keeping the two from getting closer and reestablishing the connection they once had. The root of this mystery lies within the relationship between her mother and her mother twin sister Aunt Giana. Tally Jo must uncover many secrets with the help of Dibbler and find out the real reason her Aunt isnt in the picture. She must do this while still trying to figure out the how to save the relationship with her sister.

ARC Review!: Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines

Posted on by LibrAriel Book Adventures

cover.jpgTitle: Unicorn Rescue Society: The Creature of the Pines
Author: Adam Gidwitz , Chris Lenox Smith, Jesse Casey
Genre: Children’s FantasyFiction
Pages: Print 176
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from Penguin Young Readers partner in exchange for my honest review.  The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from the publisher, some quotes may have been changed prior to publishing.

Description:

A fully illustrated, globe-trotting new middle grade fantasy-adventure series about mythical creatures and their cultures of origin, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale.
Elliot Eisner isn’t exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he’d much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot’s very first day. Along with a new friend–brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux–Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.

Unicorn Rescue Society is an exciting and hilarious new series about friendship, adventure, and mythical creatures from around the world by Newbery Honor-winning author Adam Gidwitz teamed up with Mixtape Club founders Jesse Casey and Chris Smith, and Hatem Aly, illustrator of The Inquisitor’s Tale.

Author Bios:

Adam Gidwitz is the author of the critically acclaimed, New York Timesbestselling Grimm trilogy. He spent six years researching and writing his Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor’s Tale, including a year living in Europe. Adam lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY. Find Adam online at adamgidwitz.com or @AdamGidwitz.

Chris Lenox Smith is the Creative Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Chris is a two-time winner of the ADC Young Guns Award for animation and music composition, his work spans across media, from short films and commercial work to musical scores that marry influences from the precomputer era with modern techniques.

Jesse Casey is the Managing Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Drawing from his twin backgrounds in computer programming and printmaking, Jesse’s work embraces contemporary technology as a means to recreate the craft and artistry of classic film and animation.

ILLUSTRATOR
Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. Find him online at metahatem.com or @metahatem.

Final Thoughts:

Unicorn Rescue Society is a book that will take anyone on an adventure through a forest. In this imaginative tale, two young students make some unlikely friends as they discover the real secrets of the Pines. It’s Elliot’s first day of school, and he has already been roped into an adventure by his new best friend, Uchenna. Uchenna is spunky, outgoing, and not afraid to go on experience. The author did a fantastic job capturing my attention and portraying teachers in a different light. The two adventurers become friends with the teacher they feared the most, Mr. Fauna. But, Mr. Fauna harbors many secrets about the Pines and the mythical creatures that lie within. The two must learn who to trust and learn new ways to protect their newfound friends. I recommend this book to anyone in elementary. This adventurous novel takes any reader on a mythical journey through friendship, trust, and the Pines.

Question: What mythical creature would you like to meet?

-I would actually like to meet a mermaid. I would love to get a selfie with one. It partly has to do with my name being Ariel but, also I think mermaids are interesting creatures. I would also like to meet a Pegasus and see if it will take me on a ride.-

Comment your answers below! I’d love to hear your responses!

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