I bought the Tree of Mindala after seeing it featured on Goodreads as a giveaway. I was super disappointed that I did not win the giveaway, so I purchased it because, honestly, the cover just spoke to me. It is a fantastic cover! As a reviewer, it is not often that I have to purchase books, as I get a lot of authors interested in my feedback, but I'm glad I paid for this one because it was well worth the couple of dollars and more.

I am a fantasy lover, so the aspects of high fantasy (magic, wizards, fantastical talking beasts) did not turn me off. If you don't like those things, this book may not be your cup of tea. However, the main characters, especially Marcus, Raina and Leaf, and Skye were so down to earth and flawed that I felt like they could have been my next door neighbors.

Actually, the only reason I would rate this book at a 4.5 is that I found Miranda to be too good and perfect, and I was often confused by her motives and felt that they were not genuine motives. I tend to side with screw-ups, though, and other people may not find they have that issue.

I found the world of Wunderwood to be lovely, vividly placed in my mind through skilled writing and detail, and very original, even though it plays upon themes that are well established. The writing seemed to me a mesh of Rowling, L'engle, and Wynne Jones, all of whom are some of my favorite YA Fantasy authors. I can tell that Jacklee understands YA fantasy, loves it and knows what has come before, and how to use those themes without being stale. That is not to say that the world she created was a copy. It is in no way a copy of any other world I have read (and I read a lot of fantasy), but it's own, unique setting with new characters and a very cool twist on magical identity vs. inheritance.

Along with the vivid, detailed landscape, I truly enjoyed the fun magical imaginings of Jacklee's mind, and could picture them in my head, playing them out as though I could tap into the magic of Wunderwood. I felt every character in the story had a background, personality and traits all their own, and could only ask for a little detail on the part of Miranda, who I simply wanted to experience more fully as a main character. Again, I probably just wanted her to be more gritty and unsure of herself. However, I LOVED Marcus and Skye, and feel like I've known them for years.

I cannot wait for the second book in this installation. It is a shame that Jacklee is not yet a common household fantasy name, but I have a feeling that may change. ( )

How lucky am I?

I was given the opportunity to discover one of the most enchanting book released in 2012-The Tree of Mindala – provided by Elle Jacklee herself! Once I’ve read the book’s synopsis, I knew immediately that I would love it!

Brave and adventurous Miranda Moon has always seen things. Things that belonged in the fairytale world-her stories are always thrilling and extraordinary, but sometimes they get a bit out of hand; and this time it’s the beginning of something that may change her life; involuntarily dragging along her younger brother, the wise-beyond-his-years Marcus. Unlike his sister, Marcus believes it’s best to stick to the ‘real-world’, where there are no half-human and half-fish creatures lurking somewhere near the pond on the way to school.

Yet once again, due to Miranda’s astonishing tales, that caused a mayhem in school one day, her suspension lead them both to their grand-parent’s home, where adventures and another world with mystifying creatures are waiting on them to help take out an evil that was once banished and confined by a spell their very own grandparents has cast themselves.

As I stated before, when I was contacted by Elle to see if I could check out this book, I was immediately ‘attracted’ to the synopsis and knew that I would love this read. I mean what is there not to love? The mix between the real-world, and the other, Wunderwood-the one that Elle has created-brimming with magical powers and creatures that will cast a spell on you, and the journey of two young characters in stance to defend a place that was unknown to them, all while finding themselves … brilliant!

The chronicles of Narnia was and still is one of my favorite reads, and I can say that this series may become another! Those who have only read the synopsis may find the plot of the two to be similar, however once you get into the book, you’ll forget about any other book besides the one you are reading.

Would I recommend it?

Out of all the books I have read so far, of 2013, The Tree of Mindala is on the top list of most recommend! Although a middle-grade Fantasy, there’s no question that YA lovers will also enjoy this one!

Once again thank you Elle! ( )