R. Chris Reeder

I adored the book. Within two chapters I was completely hooked.
I loved the style, I loved the theme (growing up, coping with all sort of things you do not understand), I loved the conversations between the two friends, I loved the way in which the book was written, as a quest, I loved ... just so much of the book.
Yes, I would have liked to know more about the brother. Now I see him not often enough. And yes, I do think the relation between mother and daughter is too good tu be true (apologies to all the mothers).
But all in all, I loved the book.… (mehr)

Brynn McAwber thinks she is a normal 14 year old living in Indiana until unusual things start happening. She starts sleepwalking, and discovers that she can turn invisible. At the same time a strange little man keeps showing up and her father disappears on mysterious errands. A sword-carrying woman seems to to watching her and her parents are keeping secrets from her. When she discovers the truth about herself and her family she finds herself on a journey to the Otherworld to save her best friend and to become the hero she was meant to be.

This novel has many aspects of a modern fairy tale. Brynn meets mysterious helpers on her quest who give her cryptic advice or items to help her on her journey. But this is a slightly twisted fairy tale with the “good guys” not always the heros and the “bad guys” not necessarily bad. Brynn is brave and resourceful but in many ways a normal teenage girl. The relationship with her best friend is refreshing and positive. While she gets help from others, it is Brynn herself who saves the day. I appreciate a book with a strong female protagonist who makes moral choices and learns the importance of being the best you can be.

The Land of Annwfyn and otherworldly beings Brynn encounters have fairy tale elements with some steampunk thrown in. This isn’t a long novel, and more time exploring this other world would have been fun. All of the characters Brynn meets are interesting and intriguing and leave me wanting to know more about them. There are some unresolved issues at the end of the novel which leave me hoping for a sequel.

I would recommend this novel for readers who enjoy modern fairy tales. Especially appropriate for older children and youth who would enjoy a strong young girl as the hero.… (mehr)