Deva Fagan

I read this as part of my Nebula reading packet. This book is a finalist for the Norton Award.

Fable lives near the Mirrorwood, a wall of thorns that contains a cursed kingdom. Fable has also endured her own curse her entire life--she has no face, and must steal someone else's every few days or she gets weak and begins to waste away. Other people who are "Blighted" might have animal characteristics or magical powers, which is why there are Blight hunters who kill people who are cursed. Fable's large family loves her and has kept her hidden--until now. A Blight hunter with a young apprentice find her, and Fable is stunned when she flees and ends up on the other side of the thorns--right along with the apprentice who was supposed to kill her.

The book is a fun read, though pretty predictable all the way through. Even so, Fable is a great character, and I just adored her loyal talking cat, Moth.… (mais)

What an amazing adventure! Nightingale thrills readers with a story of magic, mystery, and a hair-raising battle against a supernatural villain.

There are many things I love about this book. The story is told from the perspective of Lark, and you feel completely in her shoes and immersed in her world. At first she is distrustful and just trying to survive, but the momentous changes in her life lead her to become someone very different, and it’s wonderful to experience her transformation.

(💫For my full review and to find out what book you should read next if you liked The Great Fox Illusion check out my book blog: https://newkidonthebookreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/27/review-nightingale-by-de... )

The story is fast-paced and keeps you wanting to know what’s going to happen next. The theme of fighting injustice, no matter who you are or where you’re from, is particularly powerful. The background world of Gallant feels real – even the magical “aetherium” which is dug up in the mines and has so many strange uses seems like an actual substance. Reading the book, you almost feel as though you are walking down the kingdom’s streets – or rather, with the help of Sword, flying over them!… (mais)