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You guys! I am screaming in 90s kid delight!
I have literally spent the last few days recovering from this last read. I have not finished a book that fast in quite some time. I guess all I needed to get me out of my reading slump was to just read a thriller. That should have been a no brainer. I am on the TikTok app and I found an account that shared vintage Goosebump books. I followed this account long before I realized it was an account of an Author. I saw Author E. Reyes share his books soon after I began to follow his content. The book that struck me instantly was the cover of The House on Moon Creek Avenue. The vintage look of the cover was so appealing to my inner 80s/90s kid heart. I ordered the book right away and as soon as it came in, I ripped it open and began to read.
This review does not have any spoilers but I totally wish I could share them!
The MC is named Cindy, and she is a single mother of a little girl named Mallory. She had a bad relationship with the child's father, so she left him to venture out on her own. With the help of her father and Uncle she was able to move into her Grandmother's former home. The story is set up much like a scary story used to be set up back when spooky stories were so good! She moves in and everything is fine, que in the 70s rock music. There is smiling and dancing. A feeling of eeriness starts to sink in when you realize that the new home is not all that it seems. The house is full of spirits and many of them are so scary that I had to make sure that I did not read the book before bed after the first day. I had forgotten how some of my books that I read carry on into my dream life. Let's just say I had some un-invited guests in my dreams like the Lady in The gown. This is one of the many spirits that cause Cindy to seek the help of well known paranormal investigators. As you continue to read the story you get to know Cindy and her family. You also get to know her love interest and her daughter Mallory. I love how the author managed to write different POV 's but still managed to hold my attention span. I could not get enough of the jump scares a long the way and the images that Author E. Reyes created. He certainly has a vintage flare about his writing and I very much loved reading his work. The end of the story was just as good as the beginning because I was unable to guess what was going to happen next. I tend to always guess the ending of stories and sometimes that is not always a good thing. I finished this book in a day and a half. This is a fast read for me because of my other duties but I was so thrilled to have a book that I could not wait to escape too.
If you enjoy thrillers and stories of the paranormal, and a feeling of nostalgia then this book is the book for you. I truly feel this Author is going to be one of the writers I find myself coming back to time and time again. Keep supporting the indie authors in your community and online. They truly hold gifts that the world needs to see! I will be doing grade sheets for all of my reviews for now on. Author E. Reyes does a wonderful job at making his books look like horror books of the 90s. IF you love the Goosebumps and Stephen King, Reyes is a one of a kind too!
Here is the grade sheet for this fantastic read:
To find out more about the Author check out the information below:
https://www.amazon.com/E-Reyes/e/B01HUDDA5G/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
https://horror.org/latinx-horror-interview-with-estaban-reyes/
There is just something about a book sometimes when I am reading it that tells me that I am about to go on the most wonderful adventure. I do not know if maybe it is the way it is written within the first few pages or just a gut instinct. I seem to know when I am about to read a good story, even if I have not read the book all the way through. This fact was defiantly the case for Compass of Vinland by Dani Resh.
Book Blurb:
The book starts off with the Main Character Wren Larkin feeling completely isolated from his Father and his family in general. He takes comfort in his bird friends and taking care of plants. His home is also very unique in fact. The home he lives in resembles a shoe. The story is truly fascinating for a reader ages 10-12. The adventures the story unfolds will hold the attention of any child around those ages and adults alike. I am an adult and I found the story really enjoyable. I loved getting to know the characters that the author created for the reader. Maria is a wonderful female character with compassion and knowledge. And an unexpected friend named Rusty turns out to be a very brave and loyal friend as well despite what their peers and teachers think about him. Wren comes to realize that his family (without giving spoilers) is from Vinland after discovering a secret shoe workshop under his house. The best part about discovering this insane workshop is that Wren finds three pairs of MAGICAL SHOES with the names of Wren, Maria, and Rusty on them. It is then that he realizes that their friendship is not just happen stance but for a true purpose. Without giving the entire story away I can tell you that the book has been so fun to read from start to end. I did not want the story to end at all and I am so glad that the Author is planning to make this a series. I could not get enough of Vinland. The world building is perfect for the age the book was written for and is not too hard to understand. I found the book to be an easy read and full of action. I do not think there was a moment in which I was not captivated by the events that were unfolding page after page. I did not know what to expect when the Author sent me the book to review. I came into this book with an open mind and I did not even read the back of the book to get a sneak peek. I just dove right in! (I love doing that from time to time! I love the surprise.)
If you are a reader who enjoys adventure, magic, friendship, good versus evil, and a new world full of vast possibilities to explore than this book is the perfect book for you this summer! Author Dani Resh truly created a magical story here and I hope that many readers find the same love for this book as I have. I just could not get enough! I do not want to give too much away so I will close with this information, maybe a little sneak peak of what is yet to come.
There is a moment in the book in which I could not place the book down. I was so invested in wanting to know what was going to happen to Wren and his buddies. I had to keep turning the page, that I kept accidentally reading to fast over sentences. I would catch myself having to go back and re-read the pages. I just LOVE when a book makes me want to read what happens next so badly that I truly skip things in excitement. This is why I absolutely love reading books for this age group as they are always so jam packed with adventure and curiosities. There are some darker elements to this book and so that is why the age group is listed as 10-12. (magic, some violence, loss, and struggle)
I hope my predictions are right about this book, I think this book is going to do wonderful things to the readers of the world. This book is worth checking out, and who knows...maybe you will find that with this book the shoe fits? (Pun intended)
More about the Author and how to find this book:
"Compass to Vinland: Book One of the Magic Shoe Series is Dani Resh's first novel. Having been born on Friday the Thirteenth, she has always been drawn to the more mysterious elements of life. The pull of the unknown has inspired both her visual and literary work. She enjoys collecting strange things from even stranger places and will never grow tired of the gothic music of her youth. She lives in Michigan with her husband, daughter, and son in a house that is hidden by an army of pine trees. To learn more, please visit her website at daniresh.com. --This text refers to the paperback edition."
Photo taken by @kidlettephoto on Instagram
Bubbles In Heaven by Chandra A. Clements
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Star Review!
I find the idea of using bubbles to float up to heaven to deliver a message to be EXTREMELY clever and useful in allowing the children to speak freely to their beloved pets. When losing a best friend like a pet, it is very important for children to be open about their feelings. Allowing them to use bubbles to talk to their pet can help them with the grieving process. My son and I really loved this book and plan to get our own set of bubbles. We plan to have many conversations to our sweet Mama dog and will get our own bubbles to deliver the messages to her for us. The book did have a few big words and concepts for a child under the age of 6 to understand but it was not too distracting to take away from the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet with their children. This book can be used as a wonderful tool to help a child grieve and honor their beloved pet. Well done to the Author and Mom who wrote this book with her two children. Thank you for thinking of all of the other children who may be going through the same hard time. We will honor our sweet Mama dog this weekend with bubbles.
A huge thank you to the Author and her sweet children for creating this beautiful book!
Want to find more from this Author?
Chandra A. Clements can be found with the links below:
Hello Readers! My son and I had the pleasure of reviewing a fantastic Children's Book written by Kayce Smith called, "What Can Hayes Be?".
Kayce Smith is a mother like me, who loves her son and wants all of the wonderful things for him in this life. Her heart created a book out of love and the book is so instrumental in teaching children to believe in themselves, it was an honor to read it to my own son. Each page is full of beautiful illustrations displaying Hayes, the main character in different careers of life. He is sporting a prosthetic leg that does not stop him from doing any of the activities he loves. The story explains that the prosthetic leg can come in multiple colors like red and blue. The images on each page kept my six-year-old son engaged and entertained. He loved watching Hayes attempt new adventures without reservation. I especially liked the touch of the Shriner's bear in each photo. Hayes is seen doing karate, surfing, and even floating in outer space. What an amazing thing to have little eyes see!
We rated this book a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5!
As a mother it is very important to me what a child reads and watches. I feel like positive messages for children at such a young age can help them develop positive thinking. My son was able to see that a child was able to be anything he wanted to be even with an extra special prosthetic leg. He was happy for Hayes and wanted to know more of what all he could do. Not only was I encouraging my son to aspire to be whatever he wanted to be but I was also educating my son to learn all he could about all kinds of people. This story hit home because my Grandfather was paralyzed in a car accident when he was newly married. He had two choices after his accident and that was to allow the disability of not being able to ever walk again place limits on his life. Or he could take his disability and work hard to make sure that did not define who he was. Over time he became a leader for young men and those who were injured in the military looking for guidance. He went on to compete in wheelchair races and other competitions. He won many medals and inspired so many people due to his strong work and determination. He used his disability to raise awareness and use it as a teaching tool not as a limit to his life. Kayce Smith wrote this book for her love of her son and wanting to teach him that he too could be all that he wanted to be in this life. Not to mention how amazing it is to use this book and their journey to inspire other children with prosthetics that they can overcome anything life throws at them. We will cherish this book in our library. I also would like to donate one of these books to our local Library and Children's Hospital.
Thank you, Kayce Smith, for such a remarkable read! Thank you for the encouragement and the wisdom. If you would like to know more about Haye's journey please follow her Instagram page @whatcanhayesbe. And if you would like to support the Shriner's Childrens Hospital who helped them during their journey, that would be something that the Author would appreciate.
Her is her website: What Can Hayes Be?
Feel free to check out our reading of "What Hayes Can be?" On YouTube! There will also be a live reading of this story on Friday 4 PM Est. Please follow my Author Page on Facebook @AmandatheBookwitch.
There are not many books written these days that take me back to how it feels to be a child again. Some books try to write the words but many fall short of achieving their goal. Recently, I ordered a book simply because the description and cover looked intriguing. I had no idea how much I would love the book or how much the book would inspire me. I finished this book faster than I expected too. I fell in love with the writing of a fellow Author and story.
What is the book about?
The BookWanderers by Anna James is written for ages 8 to 12 years old. The book takes place in London in a special bookshop called Pages & Co. Tilly who is the main character has a special connection to this bookshop as it is owned by her grandparents. Tilly does not have many friends in her life and so she finds a comfort in the books and stories inside the bookshop. But one day while she is reading one of her favorite books, her favorite characters start showing up inside the shop! Yes. You read that correctly. Characters like Alice from Wonderland and Anne of Green Gables came exactly into the bookshop and sat right in Tilly's favorite chair! Tilly then begins to realize reading is becoming more real as the adventures she is embarking on are happening before her in real life. Soon enough she realizes that not only can she meet characters in the bookshop while reading but she can actually wander INSIDE of the stories themselves. Tilly's new friend Oscar comes a long for the journey as Tilly learns how to book wander into stories and exciting adventures. But with every adventure comes a hint of danger as Tilly soon discovers can be found at a turn of the page. Once Tilly begins to learn more about her ability, she realizes that there are more secrets than she expected about the whereabouts of her mother. Soon Tilly is on a mission to solve the mystery of what exactly happened to her mother many years ago. This book specializes in the magic of books and the power of the imagination.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars!
I am giving this book a five stars or more rating simply because it is truly one of a kind. The Author is extremely talented. I would so much to say that she should be at the level of J.K. Rowling herself. I say this because the way the magic is written in this story is very similar. The world building was done so well that it did not take much for me to be hooked. Tilly is such a smart and curious girl who isn't scared to find answers. The ability to travel inside of a story while you are reading it and meet the characters is such an amazing idea! In fact, I am a bit jealous I did not come up with the idea for this story first. The story goes into the rules of BookWandering and how much of a responsibility it is for Book Wanderers to respect the gift. Tilly gets to take her new best friend Oscar a long for the ride and he is such a loveable character. He reminded me of a younger Ron Weasley. In my head, to be honest that is who I pictured for Oscar. I hate to keep comparing this book with Harry Potter but I cannot help it. The same excitment that I got when I first read Harry is the same excitement that I felt when I began this story by Anna James. The story mentions how important reading is and how special it is to hold a book in your hand. As a writer like myself, for children especially it is very important to write books that matter. I feel that Anna James wrote this to remind children that reading is a wonderful superpower. The characters inside her book are relatable and enjoyable. I absolutely had to get the Audible version of this story as well and I do not regret it at all. When I followed the story with Audible there were moments I would get lost inside the story myself. Hearing the narrator, Aysha Kala, bring Anne of Green Gables to life was remarkable. I could literally see her red hair and freckles in my mind! I have not read Anne of Green Gables in many moons but this story brought back that familiar feeling. The feeling of joy and pure love for a story. As a child reading comes naturally and without judgement. You simply embark on a stories adventure and you do it because it is enjoyable. I needed to be reminded of that feeling. I have noticed while on Instagram or Tiktok there are many challenges for reading many books. I think sometimes the fun of reading is zapped out of us because of the pressure the social world places on the act of reading itself. When I met Tilly for the first time inside Pages & Co., it was as if I was coming back home to an old version of myself. I saw myself in Tilly. The book has so many quotes that I had to highlight to remind myself why I write and read in the first place. The way Anna James wrote about reading in this book was truly magical. I felt like I was experiencing the love of reading for the first time as an adult. I know this book was written for children, but I truly think this book should be read by those who love to read no matter the age. Everyone from time to time, needs to remember what it feels like to be inside a good story. To be so involved with the adventure and the characters that you forget where you are and how much time has passed. That is when you know you have read a fantastic book. I ordered the rest of the books in the series because I must know what happens next for Tilly. Also, simply because I don't want the adventure to end. I don't want this feeling to ever end.
Thank you, Author Anna James, for reminding me why I write for children and why I read at all. You truly gave me the inspiration I so desperately needed. I think I am a bookwanderer too.
To find out more about the adventures of Book Wandering and the Author Anna James check out this Video Below!
The last few weeks have been an emotional hell for me to be honest. I want to always stay true and honest with my readers. The parents who trust my reviews and the writers who come to me for inspiration. You need to know that I am a person behind a screen who struggles with mental health. I suffer from undiagnosed depression and anxiety. I have consulted therapy many times and I have had wonderful revelations in doing that method of treatment. However, that is not a cure all for the symptoms. I often have times in which I am full of energy and passion for the hobbies that interest me. And then there are times in which I have no energy at all. This can be a HUGE issue as a homeschool Mom of two and aspiring author. It puts a huge holt on my progress and my consistency. This also leads to my depression which then leads to my anxiety. It is a cycle that I hate to be on at times. Last week for instance was a huge black hole for my mental health. I was suffering from extreme self-sabotage. Self-Sabotage refers to the behaviors or thought patterns that hold you back and prevent you from doing what you want to do.
Some Self-Sabotage Behaviors include:
- Procrastination
- You focus on your mistakes
- You are fearful
- You have poor boundaries
- You put what is comfortable before what is healthier
- You are always ready to argue even on topics that do not matter
- You don't ask for help when you need it even when you have had enough, or burned out
Basically, my mind was telling me all of the negative self-talk it could because I was feeling weak physically and mentally. I was feeding into it by continuously believing the negative thoughts in my head. I had no energy to pursue my book, my blog, my social media or teach. I had no want to do anything at all but sleep. I felt like I was failing everything. Not only was I self-sabotaging but I was also allowing dark thoughts to enter my mind as well.
"Why bother writing your book? You will be old when it is done."
"What is the purpose of this stupid dream? Who are you trying to be?"
"You are not capable of pursuing the dream into completion, why do you bother?"
"You are not deserving of achieving this so stop while you are ahead."
"No one cares about you. You have no friends."
"If you were gone, only your husband and children would miss you. The rest of the world does not care who you are."
"You are a fool. Just stop trying to be so much."
Lovely right? I was WONDERFUL company. My own mind was betraying me and I was getting sick with the flu at that time as well. Not to mention around that time I felt really de attached to those in my life. As if I was pushing them away because I thought they were pushing me away. I did not do many chores during this time, nor did I bother to make sure I was taking care of myself. Depression made her way in right away and I just could not bring myself to get out of the bed. I remember laying there for a long time wondering if I was doing the right thing by homeschooling my children. I told myself that they deserved better than I could give them. I felt ashamed that I was feeling so heavy in my head and not as present as I wanted to be for their education. I lost a friend during this week as well which took me for another loop. The abandonment that I already felt seemed to intensify in my heart and I fell apart in my husband's arms. I told him all I wanted was for someone to tell me that I was loved and that it would all be okay. You guys my husband had no idea what he was getting into when he married me, but I tell you he is a keeper. He held me. He held me and let me cry. Usually, he is a fixer. He wants to solve my problems and help me work them out. But this time all he did was what I needed him to do, and it was such a relief to finally admit all of the thoughts that were lurking in my mind. I was embarrassed to say the least, and worried that he would commit me. I was scared that he would be scared of my thoughts and worry about me too much. We both agreed that therapy is something that I need to stick with as there is so much that I need to work on. Moments like last week remind me that mental health does not have a cure, it is merely something that is treated. I noticed that while my mind was entirely too weak to do much that I needed to take some items off my plate so that I could rest. I took a social media break for a week or two. I kept my phone away as much as I could and devoured books instead. My children took a small break from school and continued their daily work when I was able to bring myself out of the fog to focus on helping them. And guess what? They came back into their schoolwork recharged and focused! Both have done an outstanding job this week. During my social media break I had time to focus on my mental health and healing. The flu crept up on me, but I really think it was the product of stress and the drop in my mental health. Sometimes the body feels what the mind does because as soon as I started to see the sun again, the sickness started to leave.
Speaking of seeing the sun, I remember the exact moment I started to wake up out of my own self-sabotage prison. My morning cup of coffee was sitting beside me, and my eyes were dripping wet from tears. I remember praying to God and asking him to help me. "Duale" (Pain in Spanish.) I just kept repeating it over and over. I did not have the strength at the time to tell him what was on my heart just that my mind was attacking me, and I needed help. That was when I opened my bible to a scripture that I had highlighted once before.
Jeremiah 32:17
God was speaking to me. I knew it in my heart that he was trying to tell me to STOP. Stop trying to handle it all alone. Even the intrusive thoughts. I can come to him with those too. I can come to him when my mental health gets too heavy for me to bare. The tears came streaming down my face and on to my page. And in that moment, I felt the love of God wash over me like a warm embrace. I released the pain that I had kept locked inside and gave it all to him to hold. He wants me to trust him with my darkest thoughts. He wants me to trust that he can pull me out of my own mind and into the present. Into the present and into Joy. All I had to do was release my pride and admit that I needed his help. Admit that I needed my husband's help too. Homeschooling can be a huge gift, but it is also such a heavy thing to carry alone. There are days I am so tired that cooking and cleaning seems to be a far-off notion. Forget writing my book, that seems impossible. For what energy will I have for writing when I have so many other important responsibilities? (See how quick those negative thoughts can creep in?) There are times in my life in which asking for help is going to have to be something I do often. I cannot manage it all on my own. God was very clear that morning that Nothing is Too hard for Him. That he can carry those thoughts, he can carry my pain, he can carry my fears, and he can hold me.
I am not a religious person, but I do believe in God and his power to provide comfort in time of restlessness. And strength in times of weakness. He has done this for me so many times in my life that even on my darkest days I still have him to talk too. Losing a friend during a very dark time in my life truly does hurt the heart. However, I was able to take that pain and give it over to the Lord to heal. He has been working on my heart to forgive and the hardest part...to let go.
Self-Sabotage is a very real thing. It can leave you feeling worthless and alone. The work you really want to do seems to be neglected and time feels like it is running away from you. I totally get that my friend. I feel this way often. Try to give yourself some grace in these moments, allow the thoughts to come visually in your mind. And then visually open a door and let them back out. We will get to those things we want to do, a day at a time. You are more than capable of accomplishing the goals you set, despite what your negative thoughts tell you.
Find something to fight for. Find someone to push yourself out of bed for, though I hope that it is you.
Practice plenty of self-care when these thoughts start to creep in. Find things small to do for yourself like an aroma bath with lavender to calm your anxiety. Treat yourself to a nice cup of warm lemon tea and ginseng for energy and a clear mind. Take a walk under the bright sun and allow the warm sun to touch your face. Close your eyes as the wind passes you and allow it to comfort your heart as it tries to heal. Grab a book that provides you company during a time in which talking is too much. Find beauty in the stillness of this time and know that this sadness will not last forever.
For my witchy friends: During my time of sadness, I did an intention prayer/spell when I cooked soup. I created the soup with mushrooms, beef broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, celery, and carrots. As I stirred, I repeated the mantra, "With this soup I pray for all toxins to leave my body, and all toxic people to show themselves." I also found comfort in the smells of lavender in a hot bath, it seemed to calm my anxiety. I drank a lot of lemon tea and I felt like it lifted my mood. I also tried making my own rose water and writing down the steps in my book. I found peace in creating meals and working with herbs. Sometimes it is good to focus on something small. It made me feel a little better each time my attention was on something mundane. I was sick for a total of almost two weeks and three days. As soon as the dark cloud in my mind lifted, my body followed suit. The body feels what the mind feels. Be easy on yourself. Rest as much as you need.
We will push through the darkest days, to appreciate the light. Please know you are not alone; I am here beside you learning my way through mental health. If you want to try therapy, I truly have been lucky to find comfort in Betterhelp.com. Sometimes talking to someone who does not know you makes all the difference in the world. You can always reach me by email: Amandatheblogwitch@gmail.com.
We are worthy. We are worthy. And we are ENOUGH.
-A. Bookwitch
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| Mr. Maloof by Danielle Marietta Pub date is 3/1/22, Pre-orders are up for grabs! |
My son and I were gifted this book from the sweet Author, Danielle Marietta. This book is beautiful from the cover until the end. The illustrator Sarah Jane Docker did a fabulous job with the design and the illustrations. This story was an absolute treasure to read with my son Ryder. We enjoyed the moments of genuine laughter as we got to know Mr. Maloof and his tricks. Ryder found it particularly funny as well because he too is a silly kid. He loves to play pranks on his Daddy and sister. I think any child who is playful and full of spunk will enjoy this book too. As a parent, I felt especially touched by this book because of it's message. The simple reminder that no matter how old you become, it is perfectly okay to remain silly. It is more than okay to be yourself, despite the age or the social expectations. I needed this reminder as a Homeschool Teacher and Mom. I needed to be reminded to be goofy with my kids and let loose a little. To enjoy the little moments in life that pass us by. To take wonder in all of the new adventures that my children embark on with me by their side. To laugh from inside of the heart and play often. Life can be so serious at times and children these days tend to grow up a lot faster than most. I feel this book teaches a very valuable lesson for the child and the parent alike. I will keep this one in my Homeschool library for many years to come and pass it down to my grandchildren one day. I will also be ordering two more, one for each of my nieces.
I highly encourage you to go ahead and Pre-order your copy On Amazon or wherever books are sold, so that you can add this gem to your home library. I promise you will not be disappointed. Danielle Marietta does not disappoint. She is in touch with her inner child, and it shows. I absolutely love her writing style and so does my son.
Thank you, Danielle Marietta, for this AMAZING read! We cannot read to add more of your books to our school. (I will be adding the book reading of, Mr. Maloof, from our Classroom to yours via our debut Youtube Channel. Stay tuned for more updates!)
Danielle is originally from Seattle but has been living in the DC metro area for the last 15 years. While studying at Howard University she met her husband. And although Danielle has always enjoyed writing, she did not take it seriously until she spent hours on end reading to their three children. She writes for them.
To catch up on any latest news, giveaways, and more subscribe to Danielle Marietta's Newsletter. Below is a link to her website to check out her other publications!
Author | Danielle Marietta (daniellemariettabooks.com)
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| The Cruel Prince by Holly Black |
(I will try not to post spoilers. Read at your own Peril.)
I wanted to hate this book with every fiber of my being you guys. I am normally one that tries to swim against the current. The person who usually does not agree with masses and I like it that way. You can call me a "Reading Rebel" if you must. However, I read this book by Holly Black because I trust many of my Bookstagram friend's opinions. And in the case of The Cruel Prince, I am so happy I did because I am OBESSESSING! This book came out in 2018 and has been a huge hit on Booktok and Instagram for the last year or so. IT is almost as if someone has resurrected the love of YA Fantasy and this book is right smack in the center of it all.
The Cruel Prince offers the readers a very STRONG and BOLD female lead character, named Jude. You start the story off with the mass murder of her father and her mother at the hands of someone named Madoc. Jude and her sisters Taryn and Vivienne witness Madoc killing their parents. The first chapter explains more about their transition from the human world into Elfhame. They then go with the Grand General Madoc as he assumes responsibility over all three girls. Madoc is a faerie who is also the father of Jude's sister Vivienne, whom I thought the book was going to be about. However, the book does not center around the daughter who is actually part magic. It centers around the human girl, Jude. Once I realized the story was about a human girl living in a world of Fae, I knew I was in for a wild ride. The girls are then trained by Madoc as the Fae are trained in battle and other skills. The eldest Vivienne has no interest in learning, but the other two girls were always receptive. Jude wanted to know how the Fae fought and how they lived. She never wanted to be a victim of her circumstance, nor did she ever truly trust her foster father Madoc. IT was as if every day she woke up in Elfhame, surviving to get to the next day. She endures bullying from her peers and other Fae like: Valliran who basically almost kills her, Nicasia who is a jealous fae, and Carden who she despises most of all. The story gets thicker in its plot and it makes you see how the fae are so cold and undependable.
I loved this book because of Jude's persistence despite how others would feel and react. She never backed down or gave up. Through her heart break and betrayal of her sister Taryn and Locke she kept moving forward. She did not let that moment define her or stop her from her goal. She wanted power and she wanted to be someone feared. I think she just really wanted to fight for her place in the world she was brought up in and did not want her human existence to define what she was capable of. I was surprised with the character Carden, as I hated him most of the book. The read was very easy and very engaging. I was not bored for a second reading The Cruel Prince. I think readers who enjoy a good fantasy, with a strong female trope, and a lot of tension, this book is perfect. I finished the book with a huge question mark because it sets you up for the second in the series, The Wicked King.
And without giving too many spoilers I will say that I did order the ENTIRE SERIES! I will be giving away the first book The Cruel Prince in March, in a GIVEAWAY. Be sure to keep an eye out for all of the Giveaway rules and enter. I highly suggest reading this book with Audible if you love to read books and listen to them at the same time. The experience of reading this way kept my attention and it was enjoyable. The narrator Caitlin Kelly really gave Jude life and truly made me feel like I was sitting there in the room with the characters.
Jude has got to be one of my favorite characters in any YA Series, ever. I am drawn to strong female leads who do not back down easy. Characters who fight for what they believe in and for themselves. I despise weak female characters when situations get hard, and I am so happy to have found a book that offers the readers something more. I'd like to think there is a little Jude in all of us. Someone inside of us that never backs down from a fight, and always pushes forward. This book was worth every second of my time. Bring on the Second! Below Author description is my spoiler review!
*Excuse me while I dive into the world of Fantasy*
(Do not come look for me, I will be here for a while.)
Spoilers below!
My small letters to the characters of The Cruel Prince:
First of all. Locke YOU SUCK. How are you going to play Jude like that? Trick her into letting her guard down. And Taryn...that was your sister. I am still really salty about that entire situation. But that is okay because you were both made for one another.
Madoc, you raised all three girls and said that you loved them. You basically took care of Taryn and Jude out of obligation. You trained them how to fight. Taryn may not have wanted to learn but Jude she learned every second you spent with her. Jude never forgot what you did to her family and I am still astonished how you could be surprised that she would turn on you the first second she got. You love bloodshed and war. You never changed in all the years they lived with you. Why would Jude want you as High King of Elfhame? You only bring destruction and death.
Vivienne, I get that you hate Elfhame and Magic. I get that you hate the world you were brought into after discovering your father is a blood obsessed Fae. But you still use magic when it suits you and you could have done a better job as an older sister. I am the eldest sister in my family and I know if that had been me I would have done so much more. You could have mastered all that Madoc could have taught you, gained his loyalty, and saved your sisters from this abuse from others. Instead you acted like a teen who was mad at the world, barely there and barely helpful. But I am grateful for your change near the end and how you stepped up for Jude. Took you long enough.
Carden. Carden. Carden. Carden. Do you love Jude or are you just low key obsessed with her? You treated her like crap and then you actually had to team up with her for the same quest. How can you be so jealous and hateful towards someone and kiss them? You are confusing sir. What was that journal entry about? I will give you this, I like you a lot better than Locke right now but I have my eye on you. Now that Jude tricked you, and you have to maintain the crown for 7 years for Oak. I am curious to see what is next for you and Jude.
Jude. Wow. You literally took a traumatic event and decided to never let yourself be a victim. You endured so much pain and suffering at the hands of fae, and now you have gained the upperhand. you literally have to stay on your A game for 7 years before you can bring your "brother" back to take the throne. The hurt you must feel of betrayal from your sister in yet the yearning for reconciliation must be beating inside your thawed heart. You are scared every second of your life but you do not show it on the outside. The grip on the sword made by your father is so tight, I am surpised blood doesn't drip down from it's blade. You became a spy to Dain who also sucked. But you gained the companionship of spies, like the Ghost, The Bomb ( who reminds me of Luna Lovegood), and the Roach. I am hoping that they have your back as the next book begins. I cannot wait to see what else you are capable of. I hope in the second book you are able to have some sort of happiness.
Balekin,
That's what you get.
Sincerly,
A. BookWitch
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars!
Root Magic is the first middle grade book review for this blog. I chose this book specifically due to it's African Folklore and history. What I did not realize was how remarkable this story would be. Before I get down to the review and my thoughts I want to share the description of the book below so that you have an idea of what the story is about.
"It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn 11 - and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in rootwork.
Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations - especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through."
Root Magic's main character is named Jezebel. The book is based in the 1960's and in the South Carolina. During that time discrimination and racism was very much alive. Jezebel at the very start of the story loses her grandmother. The story begins during her grandmother's aka "Gran's" funeral. I remember listening to the story on Audible while I was cooking dinner. Before I knew it my eyes were leaking tears for Jezebel. I also remembered how I felt when my grandmother passed, and the story started to reach my heart instantly. The story goes on to introduce other characters like her twin brother, Jay and her Uncle Doc. As well as her loving and protective Mother. I got a sense of a close bond between her family right away. The story gets really scary when the local Sheriff Collins comes by as soon as they get home from the funeral. I could sense a very threatening presence and it shook me to my core. I then cried more tears as this Sheriff intrudes on their time of mourning. You can feel the pain in Jeze's voice as the narrator the voice of, Imani parks, speaks on Audible. I was originally reading to know if this was a book I wanted to share to my children as well but then it became clear that this was a book that I needed to read/hear.
During the story integration among schools begins and Jezebel has to attend a class differently than her brother. She is then surrounded by children she has never met before. Early on you learn how lonely Jezebel is and how she struggles to make friends in school. I recalled how much I struggled at a young age as well. I kept mostly to myself and books. I remember how timid and shy I used to be. How often I was quiet and often bullied. Jezebel too experiences similar through a bully named Letty. Letty and her family (and many others) looked down on Jezebel for being part of a family who does "root work". They deemed it old fashioned, and taboo. However, many of the people in the community were seen at Jezebel's Uncle's Cabin for help with all kinds of things like health and other healing needs. Letty enjoyed taunting Jezebel and making her feel less than she was even though Jezebel was kind. Soon Jezebel makes friends with a kind girl named Suzie. They begin sitting together for lunch.
The story goes on to grow with Jezebel and her brother Jay as they being to learn the family's legacy. Root work with their Uncle Doc. You could almost picture his cabin in the mind's eye. The creaking cabin floor, the cobwebs in the corners, the smell of all kinds of potions and herbs. I began to understand some of what root magic was and how much it helped others. There was a time when only white people could go to the hospital or see doctors. Root Workers stepped up and helped when no one else would. I was very sad to hear how many people who practiced this type of magic were looked down on for it. They truly were holding many communities up and helping carry on their traditions. The story goes on to follow Jezebel as she comes into her power. Her twin brother Jay seemed to feel as if he was falling behind her. Jezebel seemed to grow into her power a lot quicker. I also noticed that there is a noticeable difference in what changes girls go through versus what boys do. In school Jezebel is called a "witch" and Jay isn't terrorized as Jezebel is. She begins growing in her abilities and many times she is almost killed or hurt by something who wants the power she maintains. Without giving too many spoiler alerts, the story goes on two have a few exciting moments. Some left me wide awake at 3 a.m. and fighting to keep the night light on.
You also notice the southern tones in the book. There are things spoken and thoughts that are clearly a southern thought. Being from the south I totally understood the concept and that is why this book felt more real.
This story felt like a special gem to read. I felt like the writer herself was telling me a story from the heart. One of love of family, Gullah-Geechee culture, and African folklore that is often times misinterpreted as evil or taboo. I felt a closeness with Jezebel and my younger self. When she was scared, I too became scared. I cried multiple moments for the pain Jezebel's family had to endure at the hands of a racist Sheriff. It was a very powerful story because of the many levels of subject matter. I was deeply touched at the level of bravery Jezebel had and the love her family shared together. That despite all of the scary things happening at that time they remained together and faced the world hand in hand. All the while trying to preserve the Gullah-Geechee culture and it's practices for their families. I gave this book a five-star rating because I feel I am a better person having read this book. The Author's Note at the end was especially knowledgeable and I felt like I needed the education. I want to learn more about the Gullah-Geechee culture and the folklore as well. I will be following the Author Eden Royce's journey from here on out. What a great book she has written. My heart was touched, and I bought the book for my Homeschool Library. I DID NOT feel like it was too scary to read for middle grade.
This story has:
- Supernatural Elements
- Monstrous creatures
- Bullying amongst peers
- Growing up during the deep south's racism and the fear that goes with it.
- Loss of loved ones.
- The growth of a young girl and her journey.
- The love and strength of family.
Thank you so much Author Eden Royce for writing such an amazing book. And for sharing the Root Magic culture and knowledge with us readers. I cannot wait to read anything else you write. This book will have a permanent home on our Homeschool Library Shelf.
-A. BookWitch
Author Eden Royce is a Southern Gothic writer from Charleston, South Carolina.
Did you know she is a Shirley Jackson Award nominee? WOW! Her middle grade book, Root Magic is a Walter Award Honoree. WELL DESERVED!
Fun fact: She loves to roller skate! How fun!
Author of Southern Gothic Fiction (edenroyce.com)
You can find a copy of Root Magic on Amazon and wherever books are sold!
Here is an Author Interview as well to hear more from Author Eden Royce:
Five Star Review! 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hey, readers! It is time for another great book review! Grab your tea and your cozy spot. Let's dive in!
I was truly excited to read this new book by Sonja F. Blanco. I am drawn to most YA Fantasy books about magic and witches. (Go figure, right?) What I did not expect was to be hooked on this book from the start. Usually, it takes me a few chapters in to get interested in a read. This was NOT the case with this read. But first let me give you a bit of a summary from the Author.
Dark secrets. Dangerous power. And a fate bound to a forest entwined with magic.
Eighteen-year-old Sara is not normal, and she’s losing her grip on hiding her inexplicable power. Hunted by a dark witch and facing devastating losses, Sara finds refuge in Ware Woods—a spellbinding forest protected by witches, shapeshifters . . . and thorny secrets. Here she discovers true magic and an electric connection with Thomas, a wickedly charming and equally headstrong witch from a dangerous family.
But Sara is an outsider who has brought darkness and a fatal prophecy to the forest. To prove she belongs in Ware Woods, Sara is tested and pushed to master new magics, all while concealing the monstrous force that makes her undeniably different.
As the dark witch closes in on her and an insidious blight threatens Ware Woods, Sara must release her full power—and either save the forest and everyone she loves or destroy everything.
When I began to read, Witch of Ware Woods, there was no real expectation. I came into the book with a small idea of what it was about. The beginning of the book became really clear that it was not just a normal quick read. This book was something so much more. It is not often that I find myself in my old teenage reading feels. A young girl sitting back reading a fantasy book without any knowledge of the world she is about to enter. A young heart eager for knowledge on falling in love, self-confidence, and balancing life. I remember that feeling being young and getting into more detailed books of love and fantasy. The main character (MC) Sara was so relatable from the very beginning. Her constant battle between her abilities and her need to figure out if she was evil was intriguing. I kept reading every day after the kids went to sleep. I wanted to read this book for myself and for my daughter who is thirteen. I Eventually it became so intense I began to just read for the fun of it. You know that moment when a book has your full undivided attention. The more I read of the story the more I began to remember a part of my old self. The young teenage girl I used to be who could not stand to close a book. The girl who hated to stop to eat because she just "had" to know what was going to happen next. This book made me feel that way again. It reminded me of why I enjoy reading as a hobby. It reminded me why I write and why it is important I never lose sight of the young girl in my heart. Her magic that she was capable of doing was astounding and very intense. I enjoyed reading how she would learn to use them and discover any new ones that lay under the surface. I think my favorite part of the book initially was when she first got to Ware Woods. Sonja did an amazing job at building this forest and visually creating this world for her characters. I can tell that she spent time on creating each section of the forest until every inch of it was just as real to her as it was for us the reader. The description of the trees and the homes were so vivid I could almost see them in my mind's eye. She basically did what a painter does on a canvas, but she did so with her words. I most enjoyed reading about each relative and person who lived inside the forest. It was very reminiscent to Twilight, when Jacob's family was introduced. But to me this story does a better job with a back story for everyone. It's as if Sonja understands exactly how important it is for the reader to know everyone and how deeply connected, they are. I think that is why she chose trees as the main focus because trees are deeply rooted and connected to the Earth. They are strong and steadfast. They provide shelter and comfort on rainy days. Family that is there for you with love so big can do the same thing. Family that is strong like an Oak tree for example, can make anyone fight for their home and for those they love. Sara continued to fight with the monsters within herself through the book, but it was not written in a way that would be annoying or repetitive. The buildup of her frustration within herself and her situation was a natural one which made the book more believable. The pain she felt during a really hard time in the book was also just as raw as loss would be. Loss is dirty, it is messy, it is anger, and it is pain. Sara felt all of those things and she pushed through them. I appreciated that message within this book as well, and I think young readers will find comfort in the story line. Now, I cannot write a review without addressing the love interest of the book.
Thomas! Someone go get me a spray bottle of water, because those pages were steamy! Now wait a minute, steamy for a YA Fantasy steamy. There was a wonderful amount of chemistry, flirtation, and such between Sara and Thomas but I feel like it was done in a very tasteful way. Even the steamiest scene was done eloquently, and I feel like it would be okay for my daughter to read in a year or so. The way the relationship develops over time for those two is equally as entertaining as it is captivating. The way she wrote Thomas's dad was an amazing addition as well as his sister. I enjoyed watching her fight back towards Kane, and her ability to stand up for herself. I found myself wanting to know more about them and what was going to happen. Every day was a new discovery and a new lesson. As a parent I would rate the love interest part of the book about a PG rating. It wasn't as inappropriate as most and that was very refreshing. I like books my daughter can safely read off the YA shelf in our library.
If you are looking for a YA book with a good villain, well this book has that too. When reading the book, you begin to feel a darkness looming the pages. I felt like something big was coming and Sara the main character did too. The villain in this book was written so well that I truly hated him. Like I LOATHED him. What a jerk guy. I cannot tell you more than that without spilling the tea too much and ruining a good surprise. There was also Kane which was Thomas's father. He was not the kindest person in book, and he gave me Snape vibes. His distrust in Sara most of the book and his harshness towards his children made me furious at times. I did not understand how he could have been so cold. Alas, this is true with most of the people of the world, isn't it? Last and final villain
review was the evil, dark witch that seemed to lurk in the shadows. I will not provide any more information other than the fact that she was really nasty. However, just like life, everyone is not going to be kind, or easy to be around. As far as villains go, I believe the ones in this forest were stellar. But in a very good way.
 |
| Me, literally loving this book. |
review was the evil, dark witch that seemed to lurk in the shadows. I will not provide any more information other than the fact that she was really nasty. However, just like life, everyone is not going to be kind, or easy to be around. As far as villains go, I believe the ones in this forest were stellar. But in a very good way.
The battle of good versus evil in this book was HOLY RABIES! Talk about holding my breath and flipping pages! I could not read this book fast enough. I was actually getting mad at myself for not being able to read as fast as I wanted to know what was happening next. I remember getting angry and upset during certain highs and lows. If the Author wanted to wrap me up into a bundle of feelings, well she succeeded. I was a freaking mess! At once point my kids came into the room and asked me if I was okay. LOL Yes, Mom is okay. Mom is just worried about Sara and her not DYING! If you like a book that has good imagery and heated emotions of conflict than this one is totally it. I felt it all. And I liked it.
Overall, Witch of Ware woods gets a FIVE STAR RATING. If I could give it more than that I certainly would do so! Sara was an inspiring character, and it was a joy watching her grow. There were times that I wanted to reach into the book and scream at her. All the while I kept reaching for the book to keep reading. It is not often that you find a book that reminds you of who you used to be before the world got heavy. This book was a refreshing read in such a way that it lit a spark inside my heart. I needed this book to stumble on to my path. I needed the reminder that all good stories start with a little magic and a lot of love. Sonja embodied both of these in a very beautiful way. I recommend this book to anyone looking to feel that feeling again. That joy of reading and the quest to find out more. This book does all that and more. I cannot wait to see what happens next in the series.
You guys can mark me down as Ware Woods fan for life.
Sonja, thank you again for the spark I needed and the honor of reading your book. May you always find comfort in the rubies of life. And the people in it that make it worth fighting for.
With Love,
A. Bookwitch
More about the Author:
Sonja F. Blanco and I met on Instagram many moons ago. We share similar witchy passions. We both enjoy trees and nature. She is truly someone that I've come to look up too and admire. She grew up in New England where she ran barefoot through the woods, chased lightning bugs, and tapped maple trees for syrup.
Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular.
At 5’2” she is often caught climbing tables, chairs, and small children to reach the upper shelves. She likes coffee and tea equally, both of which most certainly contributed to her diminutive stature. She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so.
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