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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Grotto Under the Tree in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
To be honest, I really didn't know what to make of this book when I first received the tour invite in my inbox. It sounded interesting, so I thought I'd take a chance on it. Luckily, the book turned out to be likable.
Sara and Sebastian are both in 5th grade and are best friends. While in school, the learn the legend of the big, old oak tree that sits outside their classroom window. During a storm, the oak is damaged. When Sara and Sebastian are walking by the now damaged oak tree, the notice a hole that leads them into a grotto filled with beautiful and magical beings. However, there are also dangerous beings in this grotto. Little do Sara and Sebastian know that they've just got themselves into a dangerous war between these creatures underground. Will Sara and Sebastian make it back home in one piece?
I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I love the magical feel of this picture! The grotto under the tree on the cover is breathtaking! The cover definitely suits the book.
The title is very straight forward. The whole setting is the grotto under the tree, so I think this is a fantastic title for this book.
I thought the world building, for a middle grade novel, was done fantastically! It's so easy to get lost in this magical world thanks to the author's great descriptions! In fact, I wanted to visit this grotto under the oak tree!
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with, and I was thinking that I had made a mistake in agreeing to review this book. Luckily, without even realizing it, the pacing picked up, and I was enthralled with this story.
The book definitely has an interesting plot. I love, love, love the idea of a grotto under a tree. There's not many subplots, but I think this is because it's a middle grade novel. I was quite happy there wasn't many subplots though. The use of mystical creatures as well as a traditional figure was interesting. I even like the way the author made up his own type of mythical creatures. The best thing about the plot was the life lessons found throughout the novel.
I liked the characters. I thought they sounded like they were really sweet. I would've liked to know more about them such as what they were like when they were in their normal existence. I did like the way they looked out for each other no matter what happened. It was touching to see how they were willing to sacrifice their own life for the other's many times. It was obvious how close these two were.
The dialogue was mostly written well for a middle grade novel. However, there were some words in there that I think tweens and younger teens might struggle with. Also, there were times when the children spoke that made them seem more like high school kids rather than elementary kids. Oh, and I found it annoying how the book had to mention every time they held hands or rested their head on each other. It got a bit repetitive. Other than that, the dialogue flows really well and suits a middle grade novel! There's no swearing although there is mild violence.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree is a very amusing read which will transport you into a magical realm. With only a few minor issues, this is a novel that children will thoroughly enjoy.
I'd recommend this to children aged 10 - 13 who would love to be transported into a magical and mystical universe!
(I received a free ebook of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
To be honest, I really didn't know what to make of this book when I first received the tour invite in my inbox. It sounded interesting, so I thought I'd take a chance on it. Luckily, the book turned out to be likable.
Sara and Sebastian are both in 5th grade and are best friends. While in school, the learn the legend of the big, old oak tree that sits outside their classroom window. During a storm, the oak is damaged. When Sara and Sebastian are walking by the now damaged oak tree, the notice a hole that leads them into a grotto filled with beautiful and magical beings. However, there are also dangerous beings in this grotto. Little do Sara and Sebastian know that they've just got themselves into a dangerous war between these creatures underground. Will Sara and Sebastian make it back home in one piece?
I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I love the magical feel of this picture! The grotto under the tree on the cover is breathtaking! The cover definitely suits the book.
The title is very straight forward. The whole setting is the grotto under the tree, so I think this is a fantastic title for this book.
I thought the world building, for a middle grade novel, was done fantastically! It's so easy to get lost in this magical world thanks to the author's great descriptions! In fact, I wanted to visit this grotto under the oak tree!
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with, and I was thinking that I had made a mistake in agreeing to review this book. Luckily, without even realizing it, the pacing picked up, and I was enthralled with this story.
The book definitely has an interesting plot. I love, love, love the idea of a grotto under a tree. There's not many subplots, but I think this is because it's a middle grade novel. I was quite happy there wasn't many subplots though. The use of mystical creatures as well as a traditional figure was interesting. I even like the way the author made up his own type of mythical creatures. The best thing about the plot was the life lessons found throughout the novel.
I liked the characters. I thought they sounded like they were really sweet. I would've liked to know more about them such as what they were like when they were in their normal existence. I did like the way they looked out for each other no matter what happened. It was touching to see how they were willing to sacrifice their own life for the other's many times. It was obvious how close these two were.
The dialogue was mostly written well for a middle grade novel. However, there were some words in there that I think tweens and younger teens might struggle with. Also, there were times when the children spoke that made them seem more like high school kids rather than elementary kids. Oh, and I found it annoying how the book had to mention every time they held hands or rested their head on each other. It got a bit repetitive. Other than that, the dialogue flows really well and suits a middle grade novel! There's no swearing although there is mild violence.
Overall, The Grotto Under the Tree is a very amusing read which will transport you into a magical realm. With only a few minor issues, this is a novel that children will thoroughly enjoy.
I'd recommend this to children aged 10 - 13 who would love to be transported into a magical and mystical universe!
(I received a free ebook of this title from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
Chris (1 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Books
Oct 18, 2017
Fun novel for all ages
What we have here is a well told origin story which does a good job of getting readers wanting more. We have the story of Harry Potter who live with his aunt and uncle. He is treated badly. One day he discovers he has magical powers and is invited to study at Hogwarts school of magic. There he learns about his parents and his past with an evil wizard. This is a great start to an adventure.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Dragon of the Month Club in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
One look at the cover and it makes you think that this is a kiddie book, but the saying; "Don't judge a book by its cover" rings true here.
Ayana and Tyler stumble upon a book sitting on a dusty shelf in the library that changes their lives as the book is all about how to summon dragons. However, they screw up and something magical happens, and they are transported to a different world that is full of adventure.
This delightful read captures the imagination and keeps you turning the pages.
{I requested a copy of this book for reviewing purposes and made no guarantees of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
Ayana and Tyler stumble upon a book sitting on a dusty shelf in the library that changes their lives as the book is all about how to summon dragons. However, they screw up and something magical happens, and they are transported to a different world that is full of adventure.
This delightful read captures the imagination and keeps you turning the pages.
{I requested a copy of this book for reviewing purposes and made no guarantees of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated Princess Ben in Books
Mar 4, 2019
Princess Ben is not your average Princess. She isn't interested in learning how to behave like a queen and her less than skinny figure isn't putting her their either much to her Aunt's dismay. What do you do when your mother has been killed, your father is missing and you've become next in line for the throne. Misbehave of course. It's because of this attitude that she discovers a whole other side to the castle and to what she's capable of!
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. This is actually the first princess book I've read. I only wish there had been more of the magical side of things in the story but I still loved it.
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. This is actually the first princess book I've read. I only wish there had been more of the magical side of things in the story but I still loved it.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Forbidden Thirteen (Forbidden Legacy, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
13 is a number that can be both good or bad for someone. For Aria it tends to bring out her powers. Yup powers... See she is actually magical and doesn't know it until two hot guys show up and show her the way. You may be wondering, but no this isn't a 2 guys 1 girl story. Sure a love triangle is inevitable but it does get resolved.
In that time we get an adventure, magic, romance, and plots upon plots. One can never know till the end who is on which side and where to put your trust.
Truly this was a well written and inviting story with all the fantasy elements one could want.
In that time we get an adventure, magic, romance, and plots upon plots. One can never know till the end who is on which side and where to put your trust.
Truly this was a well written and inviting story with all the fantasy elements one could want.
Sophie Ann Susan Phillips (2 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Jun 7, 2019
The movie was really good i loved it cinematic ally and visually it was excellent it was a film I was so excited for and the whole cast is incredible. (1 more)
Johnny Depp is the best person to play Grindelwald and Jude law as a young dumbledore is just out of this world. All actors in the movie are magical and out of this world.
The good and the bad
The film is incredible and the 3rd film is highly anticipated but they better bring back Johnny Depp and Jude law
Maris (8 KP) rated The Cruel Prince in Books
Jun 10, 2019
Absolutely stunning! magical, mystical creatures, and a dark truth. I loved this story and is one of my top favorite reads of 2018.
Are main character Jude is a mortal living in the Fey world with her twin sister. They are bullied from other creatures. Holy Black did a wonderful job writing this story were I could visualize the whole story in my head like a movie.
This lovely gem is such a dark, twisted story that the ending had me shocked. I can not wait for the second book as I need to have more from this story.
Catch my full book review on my book blog
https://vivamariesbooks.blog/2018/09/13/the-cruel-prince-by-holly-black/
Are main character Jude is a mortal living in the Fey world with her twin sister. They are bullied from other creatures. Holy Black did a wonderful job writing this story were I could visualize the whole story in my head like a movie.
This lovely gem is such a dark, twisted story that the ending had me shocked. I can not wait for the second book as I need to have more from this story.
Catch my full book review on my book blog
https://vivamariesbooks.blog/2018/09/13/the-cruel-prince-by-holly-black/
Another Potter
Harry Potter. The small boy with the lightning-shaped scar and the broken glasses made my childhood days magical and filled with hope that someday my letter to Hogwarts would come.
Alas my dream never came true, although every time there is post I secretly pray there is a piece of parchment sent to me by the wizarding school, apologising for it being late (11 years late!) that there was a clerical error made by one of the owls but if I would accept they would love to have me at Hogwarts.
Naturally, I would not say yes the first time...I do love being chased!
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2016/11/another-potter.html
Alas my dream never came true, although every time there is post I secretly pray there is a piece of parchment sent to me by the wizarding school, apologising for it being late (11 years late!) that there was a clerical error made by one of the owls but if I would accept they would love to have me at Hogwarts.
Naturally, I would not say yes the first time...I do love being chased!
Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2016/11/another-potter.html
AT (1676 KP) rated One Piece, Volume 01: Romance Dawn (One Piece, #1) in Books
Sep 25, 2018
Before I finally started reading One Piece, I knew it was wildly popular. The books and merchandise are all over, and have been for years. I guess I can see why it's popular now. The story is silly and hilarious! Such a fun break from reality. Luffy is a young man that has the simple goal of becoming the king of pirates. He's clueless, has no sensible fear, is randomly looking for a pirate crew to call his own, and oh yeah. He ate some magical fruit as a child and is now a rubber man! The premise makes sense, but the situations and characters along the way in his journey make it all funny!
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated Akata Witch (Akata Witch, #1) in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Loved it! Not sure why I didn't pick it up sooner, it's absolutely wonderful! I really enjoyed the cultural details and mythology of Nigeria as well as how the author used physical abnormalities and learning disorders such as albinoism, scoliosis, and dyslexia as an indicator of strong ​magical abilities. I also thought the characters were well developed and relatable. My only issue was with the climax. There was such a strong buildup for an ultimately underwhelming ending. Overall, I found it to be a wonderful story that fans of Harry Potter will likely enjoy. I can't wait to read Akata Warrior to see what happens next!
*Thanks to First to Read for the arc!*
*Thanks to First to Read for the arc!*