A.S. Mackey

I DNF'ed at 44%.
Let me explain. The book was not bad at all, there were many things that I enjoyed. I really liked seeing all the bookish references to Narnia, Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, and a variety of other books. I also liked seeing autism in Christian middle-grade fiction that is not portrayed as a 'problem' needing to be 'solved'.
However, what I found lacking was a plot. Maybe it is just not the right time for me to read this book but I was not seeing the point of it. Whenever I put this down, it was harder and harder to find the want to pick it up again. It just didn't immerse me in the story.
Another little thing that bugged me was the repeated use of the phrase, "(s)he let out the breath (s)he didn't know (s)he'd been holding". Take note that I read from an ARC and that it could be different in the final copy but it was disappointing to see this very common 'easy-button' phrase used so often.

Rating: 3/5
Language: n/a, I didn't finish but I am fairly confident that it will not have any
Romance: none up to 44%
Spiritual: the Novus Fabula is very much an allegory for Christ
Violence: the children's father was tortured, mother died

*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.… (mais)

This is an imaginative, delightful, enchanting read I could not put down. I enjoyed all the book quotes that kicked off each chapter. Like this one, “I’ve left a bit of myself in every bookstore and library I’ve had the pleasure of occupying – Elisabeth Joyce Gott.”

I loved Piper’s passion for the written word and the creativity of her brother Phoenix, who developed a secret language for them to communicate. Phoenix had stopped speaking when he was about 5 years old. No one knows why. He also was autistic. Piper was very protective of her brother. “The mystery of autism had caused Phoenix to go silent years ago...”

The children have lost their mother in a horrible accident and their father had gone missing overseas business adventure. They were headed to their Aunt Beryl whom they met once, when Piper was three years old. Now her and her brother were sent to live with her forever. The author pulls readers into this magical story through Piper and her brother Phoenix as they uncover some pretty amazing things. A talking book for one. I liked how the author broke through the third wall and talked directly to the reader pulling them into the magic of its pages as well.

Mr. Green helps Piper with all her books. That’s when Phoenix makes a wonderful discovery that changes everything. Phoenix tells Piper to read a book that he’s found. She was surprised but starts to read and has an experience she’ll never forget.

Piper tells Mr. Greene, “…The magic lives within its pages, and the words will still be able to reach inside and change the reader. I imagine that very few people would be immune to it.”

This book is just plain fun. I recommend it for everyone who loves books!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org… (mais)