fantasy
Book Review: Outlaws of Sherwood
The Outlaws of Sherwood
by Robin McKinley
by Robin McKinley
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Robin Hood retellings are always a favorite, and this one is no exception. With a new twist on each of the characters in the band of merry men, the story takes on an interesting dynamic, since Robin is actually not a very good archer, and it is Marian who is better known for her skills with the bow. Little John, Alan-a Dale, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, and Robin’s childhood best friend, Much, all join the Sherwood crew at different times, each with their own story and their own personality.
I love that this book is full of interesting dialogue, hidden meanings behind every glance, and characters with a depth that develops through the changing story. The tale takes so many turns, never changing the basics of the Robin Hood legend, but throwing in new and different details that give it lots of spice. Continue reading
Fantasy and Mystery Books I Want To ReRead
Book Review: The Door to the Lost
The Door to the Lost
by Jaleigh Johnson
by Jaleigh Johnson
5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Rook and Drift are exiles, forced to live in hiding because they possess magic from another world. Rook has the ability to open doors that will transport her to any place she can imagine, but when she opens a doorway to a mysterious snowy forest, a creature comes bounding into her life that will change her forever. Unable to trust anyone, hunted down by a government that hates their other-worldly magic, Rook and Drift try desperately to control the unreliable magic buzzing around their city. The magic of the world is poisoned and twisted, and only Rook and her friends have a chance at controlling the magic before it destroys their city.
I devoured this book, and was utterly fascinated with every scene! The characters, the world-building, the beautiful magic, the masterful writing, the adventure, the mysteries… I loved it all!
Continue reading
Book Review: Crown of Earth
Crown of Earth (The Shield, Sword, and Crown, #3)
by Hilari Bell (Goodreads Author), Drew Willis
by Hilari Bell (Goodreads Author), Drew Willis
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Prince Edoran races across the countryside to save his friend Weasel, who has been kidnapped by traitors to the crown. Joined by the fiery Arisa, Edoran faces cruel bandits, pirates, and mysterious priests, as they search for any trace of their friend Weasel. As he comes to terms with his own inadequacies, Edoran finds that the life of the common people, working for a daily meal, and living in a community all speak to his heart in a new way. In the midst of the political struggle for the magical Sword and Shield, Edoran and his friends discover the true nature of the magic bequeathed with those royal symbols.
I LOVE this ending!!! Such a good ending to the trilogy, and all those loose ends came together wonderfully. The big reveal is the true meaning of the Sword and Shield, and how they work together with the Crown. I was so surprised and happy and delighted with that plot twist! Continue reading
Book Review: Sword of Waters
Sword of Waters
by Hilari Bell (Goodreads Author), Drew Willis
by Hilari Bell (Goodreads Author), Drew Willis
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Arisa, Weasel, and Prince Edoran are searching for the missing fabled sword of King Regalis, and they uncover a secret plot involving a kidnapper, a silent assassin, and a fiery tavern keeper. Unable to trust anyone in the palace, the three friends unravel the mystery of the sword while keeping one step ahead of the traitors in their midst.
I am falling more and more in love with this series! The awkward and adorable friendship between Arisa, Weasel, and Prince Edoran makes me smile in every chapter! I especially like that they don’t always get along.
Book Review: Shield of Stars
Shield of Stars (The Shield, Sword, and Crown, #1)
by Hilari Bell
by Hilari Bell
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Weasel, a former pickpocket, is the trusted clerk of Justice Holis. When the Justice is arrested for treason against the king, Weasel must return to the underground community of criminals searching for the outlaw bandit, the Falcon, the only person who could help him break Justice Holis out of prison. With the help of Arisa, an escaped prisoner, Weasel finds a mysterious old shield, rumored to be the long-lost magical shield of the king. The two set out on an impossible quest, to find the Falcon, restore the shield to the rightful ruler of the land, and save Weasel’s master.
Weasel is an interesting character, and I loved that Arisa is mysterious and full of surprises. Their sturdy friendship felt real and tugged at my heart. They are both tough and smart, but in different ways.
Book Review: Jorie and the Magic Stones
Jorie and the Magic Stones
by A.H. Richardson (Goodreads Author)
by A.H. Richardson (Goodreads Author)
2 out of 5 stars
Jorie comes to live with her maiden aunt in a house by the Tarn, a deep lake with a magical past. She finds out that she is a Chosen One, who can pass through the Tarn to the magical world beneath, where dragons and goblins roam free. With her friend Rufus, Jorie sets out on a quest to recover the three missing magic stones that will bring peace to the land, but an evil enemy is also looking for the stones, and betrayal haunts every step of their journey.
I was disappointed in this book. The story is promising, but the writing lacks polish and badly needs an editor. The spelling is good, but punctuation and sentence structure are riddled with mistakes and typos. The plot is predictable and trite, making the story boring at times. The whole Chosen One/ prophecy storyline is really overdone, and there’s nothing new in this story to add interest to the trope. Continue reading
Book Review: Mary Poppins in the Park
Mary Poppins in the Park (Mary Poppins, #4)
by P.L. Travers, Mary Shepard
by P.L. Travers, Mary Shepard
3 out of 5 stars
Mary Poppins is back again with Jane and Michael for adventures in the Park! An ordinary outing in the park turns into a magical and extraordinary adventure when you go for a walk with Mary Poppins.
I love how Mary Poppins can be stern with the children, but is also kind and loving. She has a no nonsense attitude, but secretly loves to take the children on nonsensical and silly outings!
The writing is enchanting, and has a beautiful charm in its simplicity! I love all the Mary Poppins books! Continue reading
Book Review: War for the Waking World
The War for the Waking World (Dreamtreaders, #3)
by Wayne Thomas Batson (Goodreads Author)
by Wayne Thomas Batson (Goodreads Author)
3 out of 5 stars
Archer and his fellow Dreamtreaders are fighting the final battle. With the Rift tearing their world apart, they will need some strange allies to pull things back together. Kara has taken the Nightmare Lord’s throne, and is throwing the world into chaos in her desperate grab for power. Archer will have to think outside the box to find a way to defeat Kara and her armies before the Rift destroys everything they know.
I continue to love Archer’s character! He grows and changes and becomes more mature in this book. He’s no longer reckless and foolish. He takes responsibility for his bad choices, and puts his own needs aside to focus on helping others. Continue reading
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