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Mr. Maloof by Danielle Marietta Illustrated by Sarah Jane Docker

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

 

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, Review

 

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.)




Amazon.com: Holly Black: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle


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









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Root Magic by Eden Royce

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

 


                       

                              ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!

To follow the Author Eden Royce and future projects/updates please go to her website below!

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:

https://youtu.be/xHiMw_lTgUE

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Witch of Ware Woods by Sonja F. Blanco

Thursday, February 3, 2022

 


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
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.


Stay in the Loop with all of her updates, emails, and more below:

Join Sonja's mailing list to receive exclusive content, new release updates, and a chuckle (or two).

Learn more at www.sonjafblanco.com or skip straight to https://sonjafblanco.com/subscribe/

Connect with Sonja on social media at @sonjafblanco




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