Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson is a Young Adult Fantasy. As a debut novel, I feel the author did well developing the characters and storyline. I loved the opening of the story took place between Meg and her best friend. When her best friend is injured, she winds up caught in a new, strange world lacking color.

But when she finds herself caught wanting to save him, she winds up crossing into a world without color. Parts of this story I felt kept my interest more than others.

For a debut novel, I felt the author did well developing this story.

So if you enjoy looking for a Young Adult Fantasy, check out Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

This book starts out slowly as the reader sees where the story is going. When the author transports readers to a mythical place with creatures like those in The Chronicles of Narnia, it picks up. Meg is unsure of what to do and how to act when she enters a magical world. She must escape before they force her to marry a disturbing ruler. Will she ever visit her hospitalized boyfriend who is unconscious?

Meg, the main character, and her predicament between getting back together with her boyfriend and marrying the monarch were difficult for me to relate to. I struggled to connect with this novel because it is not your typical YA fantasy. I attribute this to the fact that I don't frequently read books in this genre.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a 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 https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )

“I need to believe that broken things can be turned into something new. Broken friendships, and broken bodies. Never the same, but mended.”

Rachelle Nelson’s debut YA fantasy novel is definitely worth reading. The author creates a fascinating "gray" world of giant Croppers and Regents that overlaps with our known world. Meg the human exploring the simple yet soulful atmosphere of the Croppers' domain and the fancy yet manipulative court of the Regents' reminded me a little of Alice in her Wonderland. Meg's growth from a timid and frightened girl into a strong young woman filled with conviction and a conscience that drives her to sacrifice was satisfying to see. I loved Proce and Von who provided much-needed wisdom, warmth, and tenderness as well as unexpected laughter. Kalmus was eerie and unsettling at best but we understand why as Meg gets to know him better. Very surprising twists in the plot turned the story upside down about 80% into the book and betrayal and greed played major roles in the plot twists. The story lost a bit of its momentum while laying down the foundation of the fantasy world. Much of the action and explanation happened quickly in only a few chapters near the end. The story slowed down again after these few chapters to lead to an ending that was somewhat anti-climactic and almost abrupt after having taken the entire book to get to that place. Despite these hiccups, the book was enjoyable and I recommend it to all YA fantasy fans.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )

The opening pages set the stage for a step into a world where there is no color. I’m going to date myself here by saying I remember watching black and white television. It was fun but when we finally got a color television, it seemed like the world of beauty opened up to me. When Meg finds herself in this strange place without color, she kinda wishes she could take back what she said. She whispered in the woods where her friend was injured, “I will do anything,” if he is saved. Now what has she gotten herself into. The woods are different when she came the first time. Who does she hear whispering around her?

Meg is trapped between Earth and another place that is near to Earth. These creatures she has come in contact with have a mission for her. She is to travel with them to marry their king in order for them to achieve what they need. The world seems nice but is there danger waiting for Meg? Will she do as they ask and in return her friend who lays in a hospital bed in a coma? Are they telling her the truth or tricking her into staying in this world where no color exists?

I like how the author incorporates symbolic symbols like the number seven n the book. When Meg is ready to heat the king she is given seven ornaments. The number represents wholeness . How was the time for Meg’s real adventure begin. The journey is easy since she is being carried. She is suffering from some illness but is assured she will be healed. I loved this sentence from the book; “there is power in a name.” Oh how I know the name that is most powerful of all.

It is interesting that in the world Neg has been pulled into, that there is murmurs of jealousy and distaste for others. Sone consider the Croppers are clumsy, dirty and loud. How sad that this world is just like Earth. Meg starts to wonder if the king will stick to his word. I felt a little uneasy as Meg is placed on display as the king welcomes her to his place where he conducts business. The interaction between Neg and the king are filled with tension. There is where I began to worry that Meg was being deceived and should not trust the king.

Meg is only interested in getting her friend healed and is so occupied with that , she misses some vital hints that all is not what it seems. It was weird that no one could heal Meg but needed constant rest and attention. She is losing herself in this world slowly and she knows that something is not right. The author draws readers in with the mystery of what will happen to Meg. I had to read faster so I could find out for myself how the book would end.

Be prepared for some suspense as the story heats up and Meg realizes that the king is hungry for power. His promises are empty ones as he tries to force Meg to do things she know is not right. Meg will soon learn that a , “king’s purpose isn’t to be great. It’s to serve the people.” The best lesson I took away from this story was the sacrifice someone made to save another. Without hesitation healing that person was the most important task and whatever it cost was worth it.

“Broken things can be turned into something new.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )