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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a delightful read about growth and dealing with change. Lydia is struggling to accept that growing up means change, but one day she is forced to face it head on to save two of her family members. While leaving home she makes new friends, starts exploring new places and finally comes to the realisation that although change is scary it is needed to grow and evolve.
This was such an heartwarming story. Lydia was such a compelling MC, I loved to follow her journey and that of all the characters. The world building was so magical and whimsical and I loved every page. The message was also sent in a very comforting way. I would absolutely recommend this book to whoever feels a bit lost in life or to whoever needs a read that feels like a warm hug.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an heartwarming story. Lydia was such a compelling MC, I loved to follow her journey and that of all the characters. The world building was so magical and whimsical and I loved every page. The message was also sent in a very comforting way. I would absolutely recommend this book to whoever feels a bit lost in life or to whoever needs a read that feels like a warm hug.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3 stars
I have mixed feelings on this. It's a really solid book, and you can see the Christian messages spread within the narrative without it being shoved down your throat. It's very easy to read this as simply the light of your own soul instead of the light that God puts in us and still follow the message of the book.
The writing reminds me of older style MG writing, sort of like Narnia, which isn't bad, but the style isn't for me. I like more nearness to the narrator than a lot of older styles gave. If you like that type of style, though, you'll probably connect with the book way more, because it's a very strong rendition of that. It has that sort of deeper meaning hidden in very simple text sort of thing that many of those older books also had.
Bits of the world building really threw me off or didn't feel fully developed. A lot of direct Latin was used in this book, with the language even referred to as Latin, which had me confused because it made the book feel like it was a real-world setting, but then the rest of the world didn't. There were fairies, the darkness, imp/elf/human hybrids. It was just confusing and felt clashing. There were also bits about the Darkness that felt like it could have been explored more, primarily when it comes to the effect it had on one of the side characters.
I was up and down on the message of the book. Did I like it? Yes. It said some really good things, with the Darkness used to symbolize a lot of mental struggles people go through. I loved a part where Lydia feels guilty and selfish for having dark thoughts despite having a good life, and I felt that sooo hard. The dark thoughts also aren't magically cured by the end of the book, which was something I worried would happen. However, some of the messages on how to overcome Darkness felt too simple. I know this is a Christian novel, and I know that through God we can face our own darkness, but... I dunno. Bits of the book seemed to make it sound too simple. Which, like, I know it should be, but we're all human, and this world is unkind, so yes, it helps, but it's far from easy. I sorta wish the message had given more room for that struggle, I guess?
But still, overall, a really good Christian Fantasy MG novel that I'd recommend for people that are fans of the Narnia books!
3 stars
I have mixed feelings on this. It's a really solid book, and you can see the Christian messages spread within the narrative without it being shoved down your throat. It's very easy to read this as simply the light of your own soul instead of the light that God puts in us and still follow the message of the book.
The writing reminds me of older style MG writing, sort of like Narnia, which isn't bad, but the style isn't for me. I like more nearness to the narrator than a lot of older styles gave. If you like that type of style, though, you'll probably connect with the book way more, because it's a very strong rendition of that. It has that sort of deeper meaning hidden in very simple text sort of thing that many of those older books also had.
Bits of the world building really threw me off or didn't feel fully developed. A lot of direct Latin was used in this book, with the language even referred to as Latin, which had me confused because it made the book feel like it was a real-world setting, but then the rest of the world didn't. There were fairies, the darkness, imp/elf/human hybrids. It was just confusing and felt clashing. There were also bits about the Darkness that felt like it could have been explored more, primarily when it comes to the effect it had on one of the side characters.
I was up and down on the message of the book. Did I like it? Yes. It said some really good things, with the Darkness used to symbolize a lot of mental struggles people go through. I loved a part where Lydia feels guilty and selfish for having dark thoughts despite having a good life, and I felt that sooo hard. The dark thoughts also aren't magically cured by the end of the book, which was something I worried would happen. However, some of the messages on how to overcome Darkness felt too simple. I know this is a Christian novel, and I know that through God we can face our own darkness, but... I dunno. Bits of the book seemed to make it sound too simple. Which, like, I know it should be, but we're all human, and this world is unkind, so yes, it helps, but it's far from easy. I sorta wish the message had given more room for that struggle, I guess?
But still, overall, a really good Christian Fantasy MG novel that I'd recommend for people that are fans of the Narnia books!
This was a lovely, hopeful story about friendship and positivity. Perfect for my third/fourth graders.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
I loved this book so much! Millie's writing style shines like in her first novel, Honey Butter, which I also read this year. I adored everything about this book: the cozy vibes, the complex characters, the vibrant settings, and the brilliantly executed plot. If you're looking for a book to read to your kids or for a younger sibling, Beyond Mulberry Glen is the perfect choice. Thank you for writing this, Millie! I really loved it.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Waxwing Books for the Advance E-Reader Copy!
I highly enjoyed this heartwarming adventure! Quirky characters! A whimsical world! A daunting quest! What's not to love?! I loved the hero's journey of our protagonist. An almost perfect middle grade tale!
I couldn't give it a full 5 starts b/c I found the main story meandered a bit before it abruptly jumped into the climax. I would have liked a little different pacing. That being said, the whimsy of this charming world is something I want more of! I'd love to learn more about this world & the stories of other characters we encountered in this wonderful story!
I highly enjoyed this heartwarming adventure! Quirky characters! A whimsical world! A daunting quest! What's not to love?! I loved the hero's journey of our protagonist. An almost perfect middle grade tale!
I couldn't give it a full 5 starts b/c I found the main story meandered a bit before it abruptly jumped into the climax. I would have liked a little different pacing. That being said, the whimsy of this charming world is something I want more of! I'd love to learn more about this world & the stories of other characters we encountered in this wonderful story!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen is an enrapturing tale that is enjoyable for readers of all ages. Her writing style is outstanding especially considering her young age and she has quite the imagination!
*More detailed review coming soon!*
*More detailed review coming soon!*