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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
STORY
A smooth pace and a lot of sweet description, this story tackles the plot of light conquering darkness. We follow Lydia as she faces the darkness to save her family, even when it seems she is lacking nothing, every ounce of change terrifies her at first. Eventually, she must choose light, or darkness.
The story is easy to follow. I read it in a day where I honestly wasn't thinking well enough to even bother trying to figure out the plot and plot twists. I'm glad I didn't, I liked just watching things unfold. Some things were delightful surprises. I liked the plot, and as calm as it was, there were fun twists. It is written for a middle grade audience, though, so the plot fits that kind of audience.
One thing I didn't particularly like after a while was the POV. While the story tossing in "Dear reader" and making the reader think as if we're truly hearing the story be told is cute and charming (even nostalgic, if you like Narnia), there was a bit much of it. It drew me out of the story sometimes, but not a huge deal.
THEMES
The strong theme of defeating darkness with light is well crafted throughout this story. I loved how it was handled and portrayed. I loved how the characters faced things with hope. I loved the themes of friendship and love, without a bunch of romance, because this was a sweet middle grade novel and the themes were EPIC for the characters' ages.
I really can't recall any quips except one instance where it is said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there are no villains, just heroes with their own opinions. I get this being a middle grade, light read, so it wasn't a huge deal, but I'm still a fair believer in people being evil, BUT this novel was not targeting any specific villain as evil, just Darkness itself, so yes. Not a huge deal.
CHARACTERS
The characters were all well rounded and super sweet. We felt for them, liked them, and wanted them to win. Their motivations were strong and perfect for their ages, too.
I specifically enjoyed Cole, Livy, and Quill. So cute. Lydia was a great main character and her personal journey is so respectable!
CONTENT
Super clean novel. No sensual content, no swearing, no gore, basically, no violence. Mentions of what thought was to be somewhat "magic" but it wasn't. Mentions of a beast and a lion is a threat but nothing super dark happens. G or PG.
OVERALL
I enjoyed this novel of fluff! Can't wait to read more from Florence!
A smooth pace and a lot of sweet description, this story tackles the plot of light conquering darkness. We follow Lydia as she faces the darkness to save her family, even when it seems she is lacking nothing, every ounce of change terrifies her at first. Eventually, she must choose light, or darkness.
The story is easy to follow. I read it in a day where I honestly wasn't thinking well enough to even bother trying to figure out the plot and plot twists. I'm glad I didn't, I liked just watching things unfold. Some things were delightful surprises. I liked the plot, and as calm as it was, there were fun twists. It is written for a middle grade audience, though, so the plot fits that kind of audience.
One thing I didn't particularly like after a while was the POV. While the story tossing in "Dear reader" and making the reader think as if we're truly hearing the story be told is cute and charming (even nostalgic, if you like Narnia), there was a bit much of it. It drew me out of the story sometimes, but not a huge deal.
THEMES
The strong theme of defeating darkness with light is well crafted throughout this story. I loved how it was handled and portrayed. I loved how the characters faced things with hope. I loved the themes of friendship and love, without a bunch of romance, because this was a sweet middle grade novel and the themes were EPIC for the characters' ages.
I really can't recall any quips except one instance where it is said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there are no villains, just heroes with their own opinions. I get this being a middle grade, light read, so it wasn't a huge deal, but I'm still a fair believer in people being evil, BUT this novel was not targeting any specific villain as evil, just Darkness itself, so yes. Not a huge deal.
CHARACTERS
The characters were all well rounded and super sweet. We felt for them, liked them, and wanted them to win. Their motivations were strong and perfect for their ages, too.
I specifically enjoyed Cole, Livy, and Quill. So cute. Lydia was a great main character and her personal journey is so respectable!
CONTENT
Super clean novel. No sensual content, no swearing, no gore, basically, no violence. Mentions of what thought was to be somewhat "magic" but it wasn't. Mentions of a beast and a lion is a threat but nothing super dark happens. G or PG.
OVERALL
I enjoyed this novel of fluff! Can't wait to read more from Florence!
I could tell from the very first line what an amazing book this was going to be.
Millie Florence did an incredible job of weaving a welcoming fantasy world and introducing lovable and timeless characters. Her writing style is beautiful and flowery with lots of gorgeous descriptions and similes. (Jealous!) the whole thing is intensely quotable.
But what I think I loved most about this book was the theme. It’s all about growing towards the light. It’s all about overcoming the darkness. About hope. It’s very powerful and touching.
Overall I totally loved it and I can’t to read more of her stories! 10/10 recommend.
Millie Florence did an incredible job of weaving a welcoming fantasy world and introducing lovable and timeless characters. Her writing style is beautiful and flowery with lots of gorgeous descriptions and similes. (Jealous!) the whole thing is intensely quotable.
But what I think I loved most about this book was the theme. It’s all about growing towards the light. It’s all about overcoming the darkness. About hope. It’s very powerful and touching.
Overall I totally loved it and I can’t to read more of her stories! 10/10 recommend.
Living in the Glen with a family composed of fairies, a philosopher, and the trouble making Zs, Lydia Green has never had a reason to worry. But when Darkness suddenly takes over, it's up to Lydia to taken it head first. Chasing after the Zs through a valley, enchanted library, and a forest full of Darkness truly puts her to the test.
This was probably the best "light overcomes darkness" story I've ever read! Full of innocent magic and loveable characters facing real fears, Millie wrote a beautiful story. This makes me want to go to the Glen myself so I can learn bravery from these characters.
This was probably the best "light overcomes darkness" story I've ever read! Full of innocent magic and loveable characters facing real fears, Millie wrote a beautiful story. This makes me want to go to the Glen myself so I can learn bravery from these characters.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
STORY
A smooth pace and a lot of sweet description, this story tackles the plot of light conquering darkness. We follow Lydia as she faces the darkness to save her family, even when it seems she is lacking nothing, every ounce of change terrifies her at first. Eventually, she must choose light, or darkness.
The story is easy to follow. I read it in a day where I honestly wasn't thinking well enough to even bother trying to figure out the plot and plot twists. I'm glad I didn't, I liked just watching things unfold. Some things were delightful surprises. I liked the plot, and as calm as it was, there were fun twists. It is written for a middle grade audience, though, so the plot fits that kind of audience.
One thing I didn't particularly like after a while was the POV. While the story tossing in "Dear reader" and making the reader think as if we're truly hearing the story be told is cute and charming (even nostalgic, if you like Narnia), there was a bit much of it. It drew me out of the story sometimes, but not a huge deal.
THEMES
The strong theme of defeating darkness with light is well crafted throughout this story. I loved how it was handled and portrayed. I loved how the characters faced things with hope. I loved the themes of friendship and love, without a bunch of romance, because this was a sweet middle grade novel and the themes were EPIC for the characters' ages.
I really can't recall any quips except one instance where it is said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there are no villains, just heroes with their own opinions. I get this being a middle grade, light read, so it wasn't a huge deal, but I'm still a fair believer in people being evil, BUT this novel was not targeting any specific villain as evil, just Darkness itself, so yes. Not a huge deal.
CHARACTERS
The characters were all well rounded and super sweet. We felt for them, liked them, and wanted them to win. Their motivations were strong and perfect for their ages, too.
I specifically enjoyed Cole, Livy, and Quill. So cute. Lydia was a great main character and her personal journey is so respectable!
CONTENT
Super clean novel. No sensual content, no swearing, no gore, basically, no violence. Mentions of what thought was to be somewhat "magic" but it wasn't. Mentions of a beast and a lion is a threat but nothing super dark happens. G or PG.
OVERALL
I enjoyed this novel of fluff! Can't wait to read more from Florence!
A smooth pace and a lot of sweet description, this story tackles the plot of light conquering darkness. We follow Lydia as she faces the darkness to save her family, even when it seems she is lacking nothing, every ounce of change terrifies her at first. Eventually, she must choose light, or darkness.
The story is easy to follow. I read it in a day where I honestly wasn't thinking well enough to even bother trying to figure out the plot and plot twists. I'm glad I didn't, I liked just watching things unfold. Some things were delightful surprises. I liked the plot, and as calm as it was, there were fun twists. It is written for a middle grade audience, though, so the plot fits that kind of audience.
One thing I didn't particularly like after a while was the POV. While the story tossing in "Dear reader" and making the reader think as if we're truly hearing the story be told is cute and charming (even nostalgic, if you like Narnia), there was a bit much of it. It drew me out of the story sometimes, but not a huge deal.
THEMES
The strong theme of defeating darkness with light is well crafted throughout this story. I loved how it was handled and portrayed. I loved how the characters faced things with hope. I loved the themes of friendship and love, without a bunch of romance, because this was a sweet middle grade novel and the themes were EPIC for the characters' ages.
I really can't recall any quips except one instance where it is said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there are no villains, just heroes with their own opinions. I get this being a middle grade, light read, so it wasn't a huge deal, but I'm still a fair believer in people being evil, BUT this novel was not targeting any specific villain as evil, just Darkness itself, so yes. Not a huge deal.
CHARACTERS
The characters were all well rounded and super sweet. We felt for them, liked them, and wanted them to win. Their motivations were strong and perfect for their ages, too.
I specifically enjoyed Cole, Livy, and Quill. So cute. Lydia was a great main character and her personal journey is so respectable!
CONTENT
Super clean novel. No sensual content, no swearing, no gore, basically, no violence. Mentions of what thought was to be somewhat "magic" but it wasn't. Mentions of a beast and a lion is a threat but nothing super dark happens. G or PG.
OVERALL
I enjoyed this novel of fluff! Can't wait to read more from Florence!
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book with such pure and innocent magic as one finds in Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. As we grow older, we tend to forget that fairy tales exist, but Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen, reminiscent of the leather bound storybook tucked next to the fireplace at my grandma’s house, restores a part of your heart you didn’t realize needed restoration.
Warning - Mild spoilers ahead! (Nothing that will ruin the book!)
I found myself lost in Lydia’s world on every page. Millie Florence strikes the perfect balance between flowering poetry and compelling prose—she allowed the inventive imagery to exist without compromising the pace of her plot, an equilibrium I rarely find in middle grade fiction. I knew the language Florence was capable of after reading Honey Butter, her first novel, but the growth Lydia Green showcases is astounding. She takes you by the hand and pulls you straight to the heart of her mystical world.
And her world-building is stellar. Without ever explaining the Pendent and apprenticeship process in a typical exposition dump, she mentions it just enough that the reader understands it fully without sitting through a boring page or two. Same goes for the Ranger system. You never feel told about the world—she shows you everything you need to know, just when you need to know it.
Her characters are dynamic, developed, and realistic. She allows them to make mistakes and want things and talk like children and be afraid of things. Lydia is nowhere near perfect, which makes her an excellent character with a distinct arc.
Unlike most middle grade books I’ve read, this plot had no slow spot. It moved along nicely without any instances where I felt like I could skip a few pages. The reader can tell that it was well-planned and carefully considered. In the very few instances I could feel it starting to slow down, Florence threw you something new and picked it right back up again, which, personally, I love in a book.
I only had one issue with this book, and it’s extremely nit-picky, but I did find myself somewhat distracted by the common use of passive voice. This isn’t an issue that bothers everyone, and it in no way mitigate my feelings about this book, but I felt I should mention it, mostly because there isn’t anything else I could say about this book that makes it less than perfect. There were just a few instances when it interrupted my visualization, but once again, it’s a very individual issue that not everyone will find.
But perhaps my favorite part of the book was the Darkness. I don’t know if it was intended or not, but I found the Darkness to be a wonderfully handled symbol of mental illness. Florence presented it as something disquieting, sure, but not as something that lessened one’s value. While Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen has a myriad of quotable moments, this is the one that sticks in my head the most: “The Darkness found you, you didn’t find it. It just happened, and it’s not your fault.” The personification of the Darkness helps the reader understand what Florence means by it better, but also identify with it. We all have our own Darknesses, but Florence is right: they are not our faults. I read that line while freaking out about something totally unrelated, and it sat in my chest like a cup of warm tea. It made me feel so much better.
I found myself a child again between the pages of Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. This is a book meant to be read under a big tree and a cloudless sky, or by the window during a daytime thunderstorm, clutching a mug of hot tea. It’s a book for when you feel hopeless, or for when you feel content, or for when you don’t know how you feel but know you want to feel something else. It’s ethereal, convivial, refreshing, and—above all—pure magic.
Warning - Mild spoilers ahead! (Nothing that will ruin the book!)
I found myself lost in Lydia’s world on every page. Millie Florence strikes the perfect balance between flowering poetry and compelling prose—she allowed the inventive imagery to exist without compromising the pace of her plot, an equilibrium I rarely find in middle grade fiction. I knew the language Florence was capable of after reading Honey Butter, her first novel, but the growth Lydia Green showcases is astounding. She takes you by the hand and pulls you straight to the heart of her mystical world.
And her world-building is stellar. Without ever explaining the Pendent and apprenticeship process in a typical exposition dump, she mentions it just enough that the reader understands it fully without sitting through a boring page or two. Same goes for the Ranger system. You never feel told about the world—she shows you everything you need to know, just when you need to know it.
Her characters are dynamic, developed, and realistic. She allows them to make mistakes and want things and talk like children and be afraid of things. Lydia is nowhere near perfect, which makes her an excellent character with a distinct arc.
Unlike most middle grade books I’ve read, this plot had no slow spot. It moved along nicely without any instances where I felt like I could skip a few pages. The reader can tell that it was well-planned and carefully considered. In the very few instances I could feel it starting to slow down, Florence threw you something new and picked it right back up again, which, personally, I love in a book.
I only had one issue with this book, and it’s extremely nit-picky, but I did find myself somewhat distracted by the common use of passive voice. This isn’t an issue that bothers everyone, and it in no way mitigate my feelings about this book, but I felt I should mention it, mostly because there isn’t anything else I could say about this book that makes it less than perfect. There were just a few instances when it interrupted my visualization, but once again, it’s a very individual issue that not everyone will find.
But perhaps my favorite part of the book was the Darkness. I don’t know if it was intended or not, but I found the Darkness to be a wonderfully handled symbol of mental illness. Florence presented it as something disquieting, sure, but not as something that lessened one’s value. While Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen has a myriad of quotable moments, this is the one that sticks in my head the most: “The Darkness found you, you didn’t find it. It just happened, and it’s not your fault.” The personification of the Darkness helps the reader understand what Florence means by it better, but also identify with it. We all have our own Darknesses, but Florence is right: they are not our faults. I read that line while freaking out about something totally unrelated, and it sat in my chest like a cup of warm tea. It made me feel so much better.
I found myself a child again between the pages of Lydia Green of Mulberry Glen. This is a book meant to be read under a big tree and a cloudless sky, or by the window during a daytime thunderstorm, clutching a mug of hot tea. It’s a book for when you feel hopeless, or for when you feel content, or for when you don’t know how you feel but know you want to feel something else. It’s ethereal, convivial, refreshing, and—above all—pure magic.