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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
Shadows of Winterspell by Amy Wilson is a middle grade fantasy story in which we meet Stella, a sprite who has been hiding from what she is and who her family are her whole life until she decides that she wants to go to school and her world is turned upside down.
Stella grows so much in this novel and although I was very suspicious of a few characters in this book, I adored the relationships Stella had with Yanny, Zara, Peg, Nan and Teacake. She is such a strong young girl and I think her character was written beautifully, she was so real and believable, I was so proud of her at the end.
The premise is a really unique one. For years, the forest and the fae have been I suppose prisoners of the Shadow King, an evil, sad and grieving King who has turned his world to shadow. His shadows destroy the forest and the fae are trying to fight back, but they are struggling.
Nan, Teacake and Peg were such amazing characters too, really unique, but I really liked getting to know them, even though I was a little bit suspicious of them at one point! Zara is also a fabulous character, she takes everything in her stride and genuinely shocked me in the end! I can’t say much about Yanny, but I did like reading about him and learning about his family.
Overall, this book was lovely! It took me by surprise and I have to say that Amy Wilson is an author that I will read again! The writing style was easy, fluid and beautiful, it really kept me in the story and I found that it went hand in hand with the setting and the characters.
I gave this book 4 stars, just a few issues with the ending and a few little blips in the story, but I was immersed while reading it and I think it would be a marvellous pick for anyone aged 8 and up!
Stella grows so much in this novel and although I was very suspicious of a few characters in this book, I adored the relationships Stella had with Yanny, Zara, Peg, Nan and Teacake. She is such a strong young girl and I think her character was written beautifully, she was so real and believable, I was so proud of her at the end.
The premise is a really unique one. For years, the forest and the fae have been I suppose prisoners of the Shadow King, an evil, sad and grieving King who has turned his world to shadow. His shadows destroy the forest and the fae are trying to fight back, but they are struggling.
Nan, Teacake and Peg were such amazing characters too, really unique, but I really liked getting to know them, even though I was a little bit suspicious of them at one point! Zara is also a fabulous character, she takes everything in her stride and genuinely shocked me in the end! I can’t say much about Yanny, but I did like reading about him and learning about his family.
Overall, this book was lovely! It took me by surprise and I have to say that Amy Wilson is an author that I will read again! The writing style was easy, fluid and beautiful, it really kept me in the story and I found that it went hand in hand with the setting and the characters.
I gave this book 4 stars, just a few issues with the ending and a few little blips in the story, but I was immersed while reading it and I think it would be a marvellous pick for anyone aged 8 and up!
Truly charming. A warm sort of atmosphere. I'll definitely want to read more.
This was so very magical! Highly recommend! The story is just as beautiful as that STUNNING cover!
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A perfect winter read for me. Magical, female independence, friendship, adventure, a search for identity... It has it all!
Stella has been brought up by her grandmother because her mother died from the plaga and her father haunts the forest of Winterspell because of his grief and loss. His shadows now endager the lifes of fae and magical creatures living in Winterspell.
Her grandmother is keeping her extremely safe inside their little cottage, just on the outside of the now dangerous forest.
Stella learns about her magical history and spells to protect her life and house.
A little catch, Stella's grandmother is a ghost, brought back to the living in order to take care of Stella, just as her mother wanted.
But Stella soon gets tired of her protective environment and wants to explore the human world. Behind her grandmother's back, she enrolls in the local school in search of human contact and learning more about the world. On her first day she meets Yanny and Zara who quickly become her best friends. But Stella carries the secret of her magic with her and it's hard for her to hide. Although, soon she discovers Yanny also has his secrets and the three of them are bound to go on the adventure of their lives to save Winterspell.
Eventhough this is a book written for middle graders, I absolutely enjoyed it myself. The language is very clear, the characters all bring importance to the story and Stella's feelings are clearly depicted for everyone to understand. Even bigger metaphores like depression, the environmental and identity crises are writtend down beautifully. In short, I recomend this book to everyone who loves to read about magical, fantastical creatures in a cozy and wintery setting.
Stella has been brought up by her grandmother because her mother died from the plaga and her father haunts the forest of Winterspell because of his grief and loss. His shadows now endager the lifes of fae and magical creatures living in Winterspell.
Her grandmother is keeping her extremely safe inside their little cottage, just on the outside of the now dangerous forest.
Stella learns about her magical history and spells to protect her life and house.
A little catch, Stella's grandmother is a ghost, brought back to the living in order to take care of Stella, just as her mother wanted.
But Stella soon gets tired of her protective environment and wants to explore the human world. Behind her grandmother's back, she enrolls in the local school in search of human contact and learning more about the world. On her first day she meets Yanny and Zara who quickly become her best friends. But Stella carries the secret of her magic with her and it's hard for her to hide. Although, soon she discovers Yanny also has his secrets and the three of them are bound to go on the adventure of their lives to save Winterspell.
Eventhough this is a book written for middle graders, I absolutely enjoyed it myself. The language is very clear, the characters all bring importance to the story and Stella's feelings are clearly depicted for everyone to understand. Even bigger metaphores like depression, the environmental and identity crises are writtend down beautifully. In short, I recomend this book to everyone who loves to read about magical, fantastical creatures in a cozy and wintery setting.
I really wish this book was longer, or a series. I missed the world building aspect and the climax was much too short. So much could have been expanded. Still a lovely story of friendship and believing in yourself.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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 book has to be the definition of cozy. the food, the animals, the magical forest, the mythological creatures!! so cute.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book so much - I don't get the negative reviews for it at all. I flew through this one in one sitting and was just utterly hooked to the story and the world. I loved the simplicity of the world and yet it felt fully formed and established. Whilst it's a middle grade story it never felt young; the story was fleshed out with the plot and the characters actions and motivations.
It was whimsical, magical, and just delightful! Definitely a book i'd recommend for a nice bit of easy reading.
It was whimsical, magical, and just delightful! Definitely a book i'd recommend for a nice bit of easy reading.
This was the Middle Grade Marvels pick for November. I had actually never heard of this book of the author before it won the poll! I decided to give it a go for two reasons.
1. I love discussing books with the MGM folks! It makes the whole reading experience that much more fun.
2. Dat cover
1. I love discussing books with the MGM folks! It makes the whole reading experience that much more fun.
2. Dat cover