Tag: middle grade fantasy

Book Review: Unlocked (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8.5) by Shannon Messenger

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 764 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 17th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Book 8.5 in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series delivers what fans of the series have been begging for! Told in an exciting new way, the saga continues with plenty of huge reveals and shocking new twists—plus a complete series guide with beautiful color and black-and-white illustrations and other awesome bonuses!

In this extra special installment of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, the story picks up right from Legacy’s particularly devastating cliffhanger. But chapters alternate between Sophie and Keefe’s perspectives to give readers deeper insights into both beloved characters. New powers will be discovered. Hard truths from the past will come to light. And all of your favorite characters will find themselves tested in ways they never imagined.

And that’s not all!

Unlocked also includes a comprehensive guide to the world of the Lost Cities, featuring new character and world details that have never been revealed before—plus fun bonuses like Keeper-themed recipes, a detailed map of the Lost Cities, gorgeous full-color illustrations, and so much more!

KEEFE.

That’s pretty much why I loved reading this.

Otherwise, I’m not sure of the necessity? I did have fun revisiting characters and events. And it’s set up in a great way. I think this would appeal to younger audiences rather than it did for me (I still love the BOOKS in this series). There’s fun recipes, and did really love the colored art too.

I enjoyed the novella and LOVED getting Keefe’s perspective. It is a critical read before the next book and had some tidbits that I can’t way to see unfurl.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical violence

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Book Review: Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) by Shannon Messenger

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 797 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 5th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Illusions shatter—and Sophie and her friends face impossible choices—in this astonishing eighth book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

Sophie Foster wants answers. But after a lifetime of lies, sometimes the truth is the most dangerous discovery. Even the smallest secret comes with terrifying new responsibilities.

And Sophie’s not the only one with blank spots in her past, or mysteries surrounding her family. She and her friends are part of something much bigger than they imagined—and their roles have already been chosen for them.

Every clue drags them deeper into the conspiracy. Every memory forces them to question everything—especially one another. And the harder they fight, the more the lines blur between friend and enemy.

ILLEGAL CLIFFHANGER ALERT.

I am still enjoying this series 8 books later and I love that for me.

KEEFE. He’s still my absolute favorite and I love him so much and I need him to have all the happiness. All the happiness. EVERYTHING HE WANTS OKAY.

The plot was steady here and I am so flippin’ grateful we finally got some answers to Sophie’s history that were much needed. I was super surprised by the who’s and what’s and I hope we get the rest of the information I neeeeeed.

I did think that this was a bit too long. A few scenes felt repetitive and I was stuck on a merry go round waiting for the next something to occur. I do love these characters and the found family aspects they give each other. How adults and teenagers are working together to benefit everyone. I’m continually curious about the antagonists dynamics and I can’t wait for those reveals to be forthcoming.

The cliffhanger left me on edge. Gotta get the next book in my hands ASAP.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical altercations, small battle scenes, kidnapping, medical experimentation

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Book Review: The Blameless (The Blameless #1) by E.S. Christison

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 300 pages
Author: E.S. Christison
Publisher: Wildling Press
Release Date: July 7th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Briana, Princess of Predonia, has lived a happy and sheltered life. Then, in a single night, her kingdom is overthrown and centuries of peace are abruptly shattered. Fleeing for her life as her kingdom burns, Brie is rescued by Flinton, Derek, and Kove, three powerful protectors who pledge to teach her how to fight and use the powerful magic that has awakened within her. Brie finds sanctuary in the mountain stronghold of the Blameless, people who receive magical gifts from the gods after performing acts of unparalleled selflessness. Among them, Brie’s grieving heart slowly learns to live and laugh again. With the help of her new friends, she strives to master her growing powers so she can avenge her family, take back her place as the rightful heir to the throne, and free her people from the clutches of a tyrant. But can one girl change the tides against an evil that has conquered an entire kingdom?

Thank you to the author for sending me a gifted copy.

SOLID MIDDLE GRADE.

I know this isn’t my usual fantasy grade level, but I was sold on the idea and I think it is great for this age group. Keeping that in mind as I read led to a good reading experience and I’m excited for book two.

Briana, our lovely FMC, was wonderful. I loved that she acted and responded appropriately for her age group, but that it also didn’t bring on any annoyance. She’s going through a lot of growth and processing very hard things. I also loved that she wasn’t immediately good at everything, I liked seeing her learn new things and how to handle her power.

Her found family group was full of the kindest souls. I loved seeing them all together and enjoyed the lighter dynamics they brought to the table. There’s great father-like figures and friends Briana’s age that she’s able to connect with.

I enjoyed the plot and getting some snippets of the antagonists point of view to see inside his mindset too. There’s plenty of action and moments that keep those pages turning.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle Grade Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low-moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of family, small battle themes, weapons, physical and magical violence

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Book Review: The Tarnished (The Blameless #2) by E.S. Christison

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 372 pages
Author: E.S. Christison
Publisher: Wildling Press
Release Date: November 22nd, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Princess Briana has escaped imprisonment and is on the run. Her beloved Predonia is in upheaval as the villainous Vaylec tightens his grip on the Blameless, tearing the kingdom apart in search of the girl who’s evaded him. To regain her people’s freedom, Brie must turn her back on her friends and her new home as she and her uncles race to uncover the secrets of Vaylec’s mysterious and growing power. There is no safety nor rest for the usurped heir to the throne, and Brie must dig deep inside herself for strength to take action as her world crumbles around her.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy!

SOLID SEQUEL.

This was another enjoyable read for The Blameless series. And one of my favorite aspects is that it really is great for the middle grade/young YA audience. There’s some heavy themes but nothing overly gory/detailed and I really love the FMC.

Briana is committed to helping her kingdom and doing the hard things to get there. I love seeing her work and train to be the best person she can be. There’s mistakes made along the way and I love how sincere apologies are given and you can see the heart of those surrounding Bri.

I love all of the side characters and the big found family. Getting the point of view from the antagonist really amps things up too. Plenty of action, intrigue, what will happen next and some good fun moments to give the cast a breather. It’s a good series and I look forward to reading the next book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle grade fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, small scale battle scenes, weapons and physical violence

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