4.75/5.0 - This was a fun read filled with imagination

Against a backdrop of colonial times, Isenhoff plunges readers into the mystery of a feather profoundly influencing more than one person's life. But it's not just any feather, it's from a phoenix. I'd never seen mythical creatures mixed with colonial times before reading this story, but the author pulls it off believably.

My only issue was with the beginning where much description, albeit nearly poetry, makes the action drag a bit.

That said, it was still a great read that I recommend for middle grade readers. ( )

Teen-aged Micah Randall is, so far, unhappy with his lot in life. His father is domineering, unfeeling and quite insensitive to Micah’s feelings. Mr. Randall owns several businesses in their small New England coastal town and Micah spends all of his time, when not at school, working in the general store. Micah sees this boring life spread out before him and he wishes only to escape his father’s plans and head west for adventure.

Merle Parsons, an elderly widow, hires Micah to help her clean out the attic of her large coastal home. Although the widow Parsons is a prickly taskmaster, the two get along well and Micah is fascinated by the many tales that Mrs. Parsons tells him. While cleaning out an old trunk Micah finds a beautiful golden quill pen and, although Mrs. Parsons tells him to burn it, Micah secretly keeps it for himself. That night Micah experiments with the pen, which does not seem to require any ink but writes with a clear red liquid, and within days he finds that the thoughts he committed to paper begin to come true in real life. His pen writes the future! Micah plans to use the magical pen to release himself from his father’s grip but he will find that everything has a price.

This YA story is one that I got for free on my Kindle. Although it was a pleasant enough story I have issues with any book that has so many spelling errors – it takes away from my enjoyment of the book too much. Nobody “eeks” out a living or “hordes” papers. If you can get past that you might enjoy Micah’s story.
( )

Thirteen-year-old Micah suspects that a quill pen he discovers while cleaning Widow Parsons' attic can write the future- literally. Soon, he learns the future cannot be tampered with without consequences. A talented writer, Michelle Isenhoff paints a wonderful picture of an era gone by. The innocence of her story and the nobleness of Micah are refreshing. Though it's easy to relate to Micah and understand his temptation to use the pen to free himself from his domineering father-a truly horrid individual- Widow Parsons is the character who looms off the page (She fascinates me). This enchanting tale targets a young audience, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. A great book to sit around a fire and read out loud as a family. Parents and teachers, you'll find fantastic nuggets to discuss in this story. ( )