2015 ( )

Creative and entertaining modern fairytale.

One frustration; the authors repeated use of the word gypsy (considered by many to be a slur) to describe the local witch living in the woods. Author clearly knows the more appropriate term, romani, since she uses it to describe the womans caravan home. That character is also very much built of stereotypes. ( )

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Firstly, I want to comment on the narrator. She was excellent. Her voice suited the story and the main character. Her narration held me to the story, just as much as the author's writing. And I think it's important to mention that.

The main character in this book is 13, which suggests the book is written for younger readers. However, it felt to me that she was more mature and sophisticated. Half the time, I forgot Tanya was only thirteen. That doesn't mean that I think young people are not or cannot be mature and sophisticated, it means that the story (I feel) will appeal to young adult, and even adults too.

The supporting characters are placed well and compliment the main character. The plot was well thought out and kept me guessing. The mystery was realistic and believable. In fact, I enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series. And I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books filled with mystery, adventure, and fantastical elements. ( )

This is a book about fairies. Not your Tinkerbells and Merriweathers. This is a book about REAL fairies, which don't happen to be very nice. They are mischievous little creatures hellbent on wreaking havoc and bringing down humans.

Unfortunately, Tanya has the second sight and therefore has the ability to see these miserable creatures. All the disruptions they cause have convinced Tanya's parents that she is the troublemaker, so they send her off to her grandmother's for the summer. Little does her mother know that she is throwing Tanya into the lion's den. Lurking in the woods is a girl who willingly entered the fairy realm 50 years earlier. Only a changeling, a person with fairy blood, as Tanya, can take her place. Tanya has no idea the danger she is in.

Other interesting characters are the caretaker's son Fabian who pals around with Tanya, and Red, another mysterious girl living in the tunnels beneath her grandmother's house. This story is excitement from beginning to end. You never know where it's going, but the author manages to hold the plot together well. I liked not knowing exactly where the story was headed. It kept me interested. I'm also a fan of books with old houses full of mysteries and secret passages. Overall, I would say anyone who liked [b: Fablehaven|44652|Fablehaven (Fablehaven, #1)|Brandon Mull|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1460309528s/44652.jpg|2129546] will also like this book. Similar setting and characters. Different plot. ( )