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<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Vanished: True Tales of Mysterious Disappearances by Elizabeth MacLeod is a non-fiction book for middle grade readers. The book discusses six stories about mysterious disappearances in chronological order. It starts with the 17th-century in North Carolina with the settlement of Roanoke Island, and ends with a 1990 art heist from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum.

The author could have taken on a negative tone with the subject but instead MacLeod is enthusiastic. The upbeat tone draws the reader into each mystery. Each story is filled with interesting facts and information.With each story there are pictures within the design.

The design of the book is uncluttered, featuring sidebars and appropriate images. The design also includes historical photographs, maps, and posters. These visuals add to the overall effectiveness of the book.

Each story begins with a factionalize vignette, which provides some background information about the disappearance. The ending of each section could have ended with a more smooth conclusion instead of abruptly. The combination of MacLeod’s storytelling and the resources included at the back of the book are sure to engage.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  
Sea Witch Rising
Sea Witch Rising
Sarah Henning | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was excited when this book came up. I like retellings of older stories and couldn't wait to get my claws into this. Evie, a sea witch, who has been villinaised by the sea king after a past that seems to be very similar to the tale of the little mermaid. Alia, a mermaid, in love with a human prince and has a deal to be human in exchange for true love's kiss. Runa, Alia's twin, goes topside to save her sister from her fate. I found it very difficult to get into, but I think this was maybe my fault as I had kept in mind that it was a The Little Mermaid twisted tale and found myself trying to link the two. As soon as I managed to get this out of my head and see it more as a related story in a different time and place, I found it far more enjoyable and I absolutely loved it. At times I was a bit confused as I was missing I formation which is no doubt available in Sea Witch (Book 1) which I have stupidly not read. If you like magical tales (or should I say tails) you will love this.