Kirstin PulioffRezensionen

{My Thoughts} – Alex is a teenage girl that is going through a rough point in her life. Things at school seem to be picking up and turning into something more. She has a date to homecoming with one of the hottest guys in her class and she has one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for named Natalie.

Alex and her family are getting ready to move because her dad got a new job. Alex doesn’t want to move and for the past few months has made it very clear to her mother. She has made life difficult with her teenage angst. However, the date for moving has been moved closer then expected and while Alex is throwing a tantrum about the unfairness of it all her best friend Natalie is waiting downstairs outside the door to be let in. It appears that Natalie already knows they are moving and she decided to come over to help Alex pack and have one last sleep over.

While they are packing up Alex’s closet they run across a game called DreamScape that they use to play all the time when they were younger at their sleepovers. Apparently they’d played it hundreds of times and knew the game inside and out, which I must say is quite a feat. Anyways, they play the game they beat the game and Natalie goes to sleep. Alex has problems trying to fall asleep and she decides to play the game again. Only this time it isn’t like when she was playing with Natalie. This time everything is different.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I am a gamer girl myself and I have often wondered what it would be like to be in the same kind of position or situation that Alex had found herself in. I also enjoyed the fact that there was so much more to take back from this book then just the initial adventure. It was more a book of a girl finding herself in a world where she was lost and unsure of what she really wanted or who she really was. I think that it was creatively and strategically written and that it is well worth the read. I look forward to reading more work by this author in the future.

{My Thoughts} – Alex is a teenage girl that is going through a rough point in her life. Things at school seem to be picking up and turning into something more. She has a date to homecoming with one of the hottest guys in her class and she has one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for named Natalie.

Alex and her family are getting ready to move because her dad got a new job. Alex doesn’t want to move and for the past few months has made it very clear to her mother. She has made life difficult with her teenage angst. However, the date for moving has been moved closer then expected and while Alex is throwing a tantrum about the unfairness of it all her best friend Natalie is waiting downstairs outside the door to be let in. It appears that Natalie already knows they are moving and she decided to come over to help Alex pack and have one last sleep over.

While they are packing up Alex’s closet they run across a game called DreamScape that they use to play all the time when they were younger at their sleepovers. Apparently they’d played it hundreds of times and knew the game inside and out, which I must say is quite a feat. Anyways, they play the game they beat the game and Natalie goes to sleep. Alex has problems trying to fall asleep and she decides to play the game again. Only this time it isn’t like when she was playing with Natalie. This time everything is different.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I am a gamer girl myself and I have often wondered what it would be like to be in the same kind of position or situation that Alex had found herself in. I also enjoyed the fact that there was so much more to take back from this book then just the initial adventure. It was more a book of a girl finding herself in a world where she was lost and unsure of what she really wanted or who she really was. I think that it was creatively and strategically written and that it is well worth the read. I look forward to reading more work by this author in the future.

Well written short story with excellent scene setting in a dystopian world akin to Nazi concentration camps. I felt that the book ended too quickly and felt myself wanting more.

The Battle for Princess Madeline Continuing the story of Princess Madeline and her royal family, The Battle for Princess Madeline was a short and sweet read. I didn't have the opportunity to read Madeline's first story, but I can absolutely say that this reads as a standalone just fine! All the characters are introduced well, and we are even given a look into the past to catch us up a bit.
 
I enjoyed following Madeline on her adventures. She's a witty and vibrant heroine. One that readers will love! I especially loved how stubborn she was when it came to handling whatever needed to be done. I'm still not entirely sure whether this was written for Middle Grade or Young Adult readers, but I will say that the writing is simple enough to transcend both reading levels. I found it a little slow at times, but then again the descriptive writing here is important to the overall story.
 
I'd like to go back and read the first book to see how Madeline and her brother grow up. The one thing I really wished for, honestly, was more book! This is a very short read and it seems like a few things were rushed. I wanted more insight into the characters and their dilemmas. Truth be told, I'd happily read more pages if it meant seeing more into the world that Kirstin Pulioff builds. One of wizards, magic, and bravery.
 
If you are a fan of Fantasy reads, or have a young reader who loves brave heroines, this is a read you should absolutely check out.

An adorable story

This is a sweet middle-grade read. A bit predictable, but pre-teens should find themselves engrossed in the tale. Adventure and magic with exiled wizards, a courageous knight, and a misunderstood princess.

A charming story that fills the need for adventure and fantasy and belief in the impossible can be possible. The main character deals with quite a few issues such as bullying, his father's death, moving to a new town and starting at a new school, in an honest way that resonates with younger readers. A combination of magic and fun make this quite an exciting read.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.½

I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Excellent — 4.5 out of 5 stars.

A sci-fi/fantasy combo, "Dreamscape: Saving Alex" relies heavily on fantasy elements to tell a compelling adventure between Alex--a real person--and the game's characters.

In summary, "Dreamscape: Saving Alex" is a good romance/adventure novel that will appeal to the fantasy audience.

Note: This review is not in conjunction with The Review Board.

This is a wonderful contemporary story for young audiences. The tempo of the action was so steady that I felt sad when the adventure came to an end. The author's visuals involving the ball, the tournament, and the different locations were striking, and the richness of the cover in the front made me yearn for illustrations in the book to really strike a balance between art and text.

There were slight opportunities here and there for punctuation and misspelling, plus formatting and spacing abnormalities, but nothing that deterred me from the read.

I found King Theodore to be a tough but just king and could relate to his dedication to duty. Although at times Madeline came across as spoiled, I understood how resistant she was at not having a clear choice as it pertained to a mate. Daniel was absolutely alluring, and I cheered they would find their way to each other, even with this path and other elements of the story being predictable.

Other characters, like Madeline's twin brother and best friend, didn't seem to have a very strong role, but hopefully it is because they will have more of a presence in the other books in this series.

Great story, attractive pace, and rich conflict awards this a 4 out of 5 Stars!

“Reality, dream, or insanity, it didn’t matter. I didn’t want to die. That meant one thing. No more messing around. I had to play the game, level by level, until I saved the queen.
There was only one problem. I’d never won without my codes.”
Alexis “Alex” Stone finds herself being pulled in different directions. Her cold mother decided to move up their moving day to the weekend, her crush dumped her for another girl, oh, and she found herself stuck in her favorite childhood video game all in the same day. Like most good heroes, Alex starts out flawed and slightly annoying. She starts in the game with the mentality that nothing is real, but the deeper in the game and the closer to the people she gets the more real it becomes and the line between real and fantasy starts to blur. Alex is eventually faced with the decisions to face her role as the “Golden Hero” or to take her secret shortcuts and leave the rebellion behind and find her own way home.

Arrow is the character that brings the world to life. He’s the leader of the rebellion in Lockhorn and the campaign to save the queen. He’s also Alex’s main romantic interest. Arrow is sweet, but also a natural leader so he’s also naturally concentrating more on the rebellion, but still has time for nice moments.Melody is the strong female character of the book. She’s cheeky with the men in the army but quite deadly with her weapons. I really started to like this character and wish she had more time in the book.

The world of Lockhorn is loosely centered around the game Alex remembers, but much more vivid. The world is full of interesting creatures such as flowers with acidic pollen and birds with razor sharp feathers. Of course, what’s a game without castles with traps, guards, secret passages, and missions? There’s also some pretty standard game items: chests of gold and magic items.

There are a few complaints I have about the book. You would, of course, expect the game to be different when you’re living it, but from what Alex relays it is nearly a completely different experience. Names and places are completely unfamiliar to her even though she still has the game memorized. Also, fireworks marks the end of each level but there’s no structure or design to what a certain objective was to a “level”. Though, admittedly, Arrow states that he is real, so maybe separating Lockhorn the world from the game was part of Pulioff’s plan.

Overall, Dreamscape: Saving Alex is a good ya fantasy that I recommend to gamers and fans of quick-light romances.

www.ReadingBifrost.com

I love reading short stories and this one did not disappoint. Set in a dystopian future, Kirstin Pulioff drew me in with her concise writing style and descriptive imagery. She immediately transported me to the protection camp where Simone and Christine struggle to survive a horrific caste system and deplorable conditions. Without having to explain the back story of the world in which they live, Pulioff created a meaningful story which left me emotionally tied to the characters. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick, thought-provoking read.

A wonderful contemporary tale set in a fantasy realm.

I was immediately engaged, entertained, and found it easy to keep reading straight through, from start to finish. Kirstin Pulioff authored a highly relevant story of a young woman's life with a single parent. Though its setting is medieval or high-fantasy, the story delves into the dynamics of a single parent upbringing, from a teenager's point of view. A very contemporary read with lessons and a message to young teens trying to find their way in today's world.

Princess Madeline faces some harsh truths about growing up. She's rebellious against her father's authority and direction of her life. She makes a foolish, brave escape, hoping for freedom from her father's control. Instead, she has turned the entire kingdom on its head, and risked her own life in the process.

This is a story of decisions, consequences, and responsibilities. Madeline and her father, the King, both learn that what matters most in all the world is keeping our loved ones close.

Highly recommended. And I am on to the next installment, The Battle for Princess Madeline!

**I recieved a copy of this novella for purposes of an honest review.

This is by far one of my favorite series EVER for kids. This is the 3rd book in the trilogy. This is a clean series that is free of profanity and sexual situations. This is a series that is also a smart book. Which means to me, that the author does not dumb down the story line or situations. She allows the reader to use their imaginations and allows them to see the good and bad in the world. There is something for everyone in this series!!! Pulioff is a natural storyteller. This series is a gift she has given to her readers. I am so glad their are authors out there writing stories like this. Pulioff is a force to be noticed and has set the bar high in this genre! 5 stars

This was a very nice story that was badly let down by the editing. Far too many howlers for me to fully enjoy. I'm stretching it to 3 stars, but it could be so much more in a second edition.

All is well in the Kingdom of Soron; at least, that’s what everyone thinks. The village has been rebuilt since Prince Paulsen’s disastrous attack the previous autumn, and preparations are under way for the Spring Faire – a very important occasion. Princess Madeline is also preparing for her upcoming wedding to Daniel, and the prospect of establishing a new home in the North. The wizards, now welcomed back after their timely assistance during the previous troubles, have a new role to play. Madeline has been having strange dreams, and the Elder Wizard, in fact her Uncle Elias, is trying to teach her to harness her magical powers, inherited from her mother. Then things turn horribly upside-down, as we have been warned via the prologue, where Lord Hawthorne (hunting for dragons’ eggs) stumbles upon a rare clutch of these magical eggs. Amazingly, a green dragon appears and begins to ravage the kingdom. The fiery attack ends with King Theodore being badly burned to the point where he insists on Madeline’s marriage to Daniel right away; and he appoints Madeline’s twin brother Braden as King of Soron. The dragon is fast becoming a huge and dangerous problem. Will Madeline and Braden be able to decipher the clues left by their mother that spoke of the Age of Dragons? And why is the dragon suddenly attacking the kingdom?

Kirstin Pulioff has cleverly sown the clues to the final book in the first and second books, where seemingly innocuous items hold the key to solving the mystery of the green dragon. Braden, somewhat neglected in books one and two, comes into his own and pulls the readers’ focus as he takes charge of the kingdom, and finds the path of love not as smooth as he had hoped. Madeline has really grown up here, and her thoughts on resolving the kingdom’s dilemma differ greatly from her brother’s. Her way is based on love, reason, reconciliation, and truth. The wizard Elias also has a lot to teach both the characters and young readers and his words of wisdom are beautifully woven into this rich fantasy tapestry. Again the author’s gift for description stands her in good stead as the dragon, in all its flaming fury, is brought vividly to life in the pages of this magical fairy tale. Princess Madeline and the Dragon is well worth the wait as there is something for everyone: romance, love, enchantment, magicality, wizards, action, adventure, and of course … here be dragons!

This story grabbed me from the very beginning and wouldn't let go. There was mystery, suspense, and surprises throughout the story. I hope Pulioff revisits this world again because I would be interested in reading more about this location and these characters.

In book two of the Princess Madeline series we’re back in the Kingdom of Soron, in the midst of the Fall Festival. Apart from the fun and activity of this festive event, there is a special significance: Princess Madeline’s betrothal to her Champion Knight Daniel, who saved her during her previous escapade. Princess Madeline is starting to grow up as well, and apart from making her tutor’s life a misery with her questions, is taking a great interest in the kinds of things necessary for running a kingdom and being responsible for people. It seems that nothing will spoil this idyllic time, except the reappearance of the sly Prince Paulsen, making outrageous demands on King Theodore. Paulsen demands Madeline’s hand in marriage and when the king reminds the prince that although he rid the country of brigands, he did not actually save the princess himself, this leads to terrible events. War ensues, and at the same time Madeline must decide how she can help save the kingdom. The banished wizards risk the wrath of the king by appearing, with messages, clues, and advice. While Theodore and Daniel face Paulsen’s ravaging troops, Madeline makes her own decisions.

Kudos to author Kirstin Pulioff for introducing more entrancing back story regarding magical choices that Madeline and her twin brother made without knowing it. Fragments of their mother’s story come through, adding to the wizards’ role in this book, and indeed in the prehistory of Soron. I loved the element of magic and mystery that the wizards bring, with suggestions of building onto forthcoming events, when the Age of Dragons looms over Soron. Madeline develops a sense of maturity about life, and her relationship with Daniel. She also uses her wits and embarks upon a daring plan, so courage is part of her nature. The battle scenes and the grim results of Paulsen’s invasion are brought to life by the author’s gift for description. In fact, description is part of what makes the series so appealing. One can hear the clash of swords, the shouts of the soldiers or (on a more peaceful note) almost rub shoulders with Madeline as she gazes at a beautiful view. There is much to entice young readers in this tale of the Princess: action, adventure, a charming romance, magic, and of course, the promise of dragons to come. I am looking forward to book three.

Princess Madeline lives in the fairy tale kingdom of Soron, with a loving father and twin brother, Braden, a castle of servants at her beck and call, a charmed and pampered existence … and yet, she is not happy. For one thing, her father King Theodore has decided that at the ball to celebrate her sixteenth birthday, a suitor will be chosen for her. This indignity totally offends Madeline who is quite capable of making her own decisions. She wants freedom, independence, the ability to make her own choices, and—very importantly—to choose her future husband for herself. The only thing to do is run away; desperate measures for sure, but a drastic situation calls for an equally drastic response. Her disappearance throws the castle and indeed the whole kingdom into total turmoil, with Knight Daniel, her champion and protector, setting off to find her. Various princely suitors (mostly unsuitable!), but eager to court favour with the king, also set off on their own missions to retrieve the princess. Madeline, however brave she feels inside, is completely unprepared for life in the real world. Her inexperience and ignorance land her in the clutches of brigands. Daniel, meanwhile, has done the unforgivable; he has approached the wizards, now banished from the kingdom, for their help. Will he find Madeleine in time? Have the wizards betrayed him? And why is the creepy Prince Paulsen so interested in saving Madeleine?

This is a traditional fairy tale with a realistic twist. The princess does start out as a bit spoiled, but a few nights on her own, braving brigands and an inhospitable environment soon shake her up. Parents reading this will smile at the part where Madeline deeply regrets giving up what she had for what she thought she wanted: isn’t that what life is all about? This is a life lesson in a dynamic package as she comes to terms with her own selfish desires versus what her responsibilities as future princess would be. She also realises how much pain she has caused those who love her. The author’s strength lies in wonderful, rich descriptions that entice all the readers’ senses. From the opulence of the palace, to the terrors of the forest, to the magicality and enchantment of the wizard realm, the readers will experience it first-hand. Although the story seems simple, there is a strong back history that no doubt comes into play with the subsequent books. There is also a strong hint that certain people are not who they appear to be. I would have liked a more detailed back history, instead of a prologue to create Soron’s past and delve deeper into King Theodore’s painful memories. I hope this is developed more in the following books. Charming, and with enough fairy tale elements to satisfy young readers, this book sets a nice beginning for the Princess Madeleine Trilogy.

What a short but extremely powerful read. Every ounce of this 24 page short story is packed tight with intense emotion and well placed aspects that a true dystopian story. I will argue this is a young adult in label because it is a story anyone could and should read. The reason I believe it is being labeled as young adult is because of the age of the children and the message but, truly!? WOW!

I am beyond picky about dystopian reads, to many are written with a message of hope. Oh heck no! No one should wear a pair of rose color glasses.. you need a pair of grimy industrial goggles to go with your mud caked outfit, and your own number sewn on the cuff of your sleeve.

Living in an area with birch trees a plenty, I probably will not be playing hide and seek anytime soon. I like living in my dysfunctional bubble of denial! Great job. Perfect for a dreary and rainy afternoon of dystopian delight.

I am giving this a solid 9 out of 10

Review of The escape of Princess Madeline.

Rating 5 stars

www.reviewoffantasy.com

The book was given to me from the author for an honest review.

Firstly this was just like sleeping beauty, snow white or little red riding hood. A fairy tale that our parents read to us before bed-time, maybe the escape of Princess Madeline is the re-telling of a fairy-tale, I am not sure but just loved it, it made me feel like a child again. This is one to have on your fairy-tale book shelf.
Madeline a princess is being married off, but doesn’t want the life of a princess she wants adventure while her father pushes her harder into what is right for the Kingdom. At first Madeline rebels in small ways not wearing a dress laid out for her, being rude to guests but the King soon pushes too hard and Madeline escapes the Kingdom going on an unexpected adventure one she hadn’t exactly been dreaming about, she gets kidnapped by bandits.
Knights are dispatched to find Princess Madeline. Daniel is amongst them, the one who loves the princess not because of her status but because of the person she is.

The author takes us on a magical journey of the Kingdom with adventure and mostly love. An enchanting story one that all young girls “Princess’s” should read or even for some of us that never grew up. (Guilty)

Thank you for allowing me to read your work.

I love this series so much. I love that Pulioff writes quality stories for our younger audience There is so much that is great about this series...the amazing characters, the mystical adventure, the story with the moral lessons and the way she writes the story makes you feel like you are there with the characters!!! I think that Pulioff has found a voice in this genre and I can't wait to see where the series continues to take us!!!! 4 stars!!!!

What a great story about a headstrong and spunky princess wanting to take charge of her own fate. This book reads so descriptively and has a fairy tale way about it. The characters are appropriate for it's target audience and the story is not only engaging but action packed as well. I thought the author did a great job of taking us on an amazing adventure. This story has everything! I cannot wait to read it with my kids!!! 5 stars!

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