Category: Book Review

Book Review, midnight pearls

Book Review: Midnight Pearls

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Midnight Pearls
Author: Debbie Viguie
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 2006
Pages: 208
Series: Once Upon A Time
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
In a quiet fishing village seventeen years ago, one lone fisherman rescued a child from the sea. He and his wife raised the girl, Pearl, as their own daughter, never allowing themselves to wonder long about where she came from — or notice her silver hair, usually pale skin, and wide, dark blue eyes.Pearl grows from a mysterious child into an unusual young woman, not always welcomed in the village. As all the other girls her age find husbands, she has only one friend to ease her loneliness. One very special, secret companion: Prince James.
But their friendship is shaken when trouble erupts in the kingdom — a conspiracy against the royal family combines with an evil enchantment from beneath the sea. Now, just when Pearl and James need each other most, bewitching magic and hints about Pearl’s past threaten to tear them apart…forever.

My Thoughts:
I love a retelling of a classic tale. This is Midnight Pearls: A Retelling of “The Little Mermaid” by Debbie Viguié. I love retellings because I know where the story is going, but I’m not always sure how it will get there. I was actually kept on my toes with this story. Pearl must learn more about herself and her past to save her future. Of course, there’s a prince involved. 

Happy Reading!

Book Review, fablehaven

Book Review: Fablehaven

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Fablehaven
Author: Brandon Mull
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Release Date: June 2006
Pages: 351
Series: Fablehaven #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

 My Thoughts:
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is the first of five books in the Fablehaven Series. The main characters Kendra and Seth are young, I think 11 and 13. Kendra and Seth find a magical world when they discover their grandparents are caretakers of Fablehaven, a magical creature preserve. It’s fun and entertaining. I love the whole series. The books have some scary creatures and action so those might not be suitable for kids under 10 or 12. I’ll leave that discretion to you the parents. It’s a great read for adults and teens though. My husband loves the series too.

Happy Reading!

Book Review, ella enchanted

Book Review: Ella Enchanted

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: August 1998
Pages: 272
Series: none
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
How can a fairy’s blessing be such a curse?
At her birth, Ella of Frell was given a foolish fairy’s gift—the “gift” of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it’s hopping on one foot for a day or chopping off her own head! 
But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. She goes on a quest, encountering ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, fairy godmothers, and handsome princes, determined to break the curse–and live happily ever after.

My Thoughts:
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is the book that started my love of reading. I didn’t read much growing up. I worked harder NOT reading the books assigned in high school English than to just read the books. In college I studied Early Childhood Education and took a children’s literature class. Ella Enchated was the first book I was assigned to read in the class. I LOVED IT!! I’ve been in love with children’s books ever since.

Ella Enchanted is a re-telling of Cinderella. I like how Ella doesn’t fall in love with the prince right away. They meet when they’re young and have a wonderful friendship for a few years. It’s very different from the movie made in 2004. Fun movie, but VERY different from the book.

What book started your love of reading?

Happy Reading!

Book Review, my fair godmother

Book Review: My Fair Godmother

Kathryn Cooper
Title: My Fair Godmother
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Walker Books
Release Date: January 2009
Pages: 311
Series: My Fair Godmother #1
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, sophomore Savannah Delano wishes she could find a true prince to take her to the prom. Enter Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar: Savannah’s gum-chewing, cell phone–carrying, high heel-wearing Fair Godmother. Showing why she’s only Fair—because she’s not a very good fairy student—Chrissy mistakenly sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. Finally she sends Tristan, a boy in Savannah’s class, back instead to turn him into her prom-worthy prince. When Savannah returns to the Middle Ages to save Tristan, they must team up to defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious and undeniably sexy Black Knight. Laughs abound in this clever fairy tale twist from a master of romantic comedy.

My Thoughts:
This book is one of my favorite Teen Romantic Comedies. Janette is a wonderful author! She writes books that make me laugh out loud with light-hearted love stories.

My Fair Godmother is the story of Savannah and her fairy godmother, Chrissy, who hasn’t finished fairy godmother school so she’s only a “fair” godmother. Chrissy isn’t the best at granting wishes. She continues to send Savannah back into fairy tales that aren’t as wonderful as they originally seemed. Of course there’s a cute guy involved, and I’ll let you find out for yourself how that turns out. I love the Medieval Times meets modern teenager twist. Fun fun read!

Happy Reading!