What do you think?
Rate this book
The Four
What if you had a secret you could never reveal? This is the story of four teenage girls who become unlikely friends as they navigate the challenges of growing into their powers. Each possesses a unique and extraordinary a witch with erratic powers which grow stronger under the full moon, a siren who transforms into various birds, a demon goddess whose sneezes cause unpredictable weather, and a hemoglobin-intolerant vampire.
As they journey through freshman year of high school they face the trials and tribulations which come with discovering and embracing their differences. Together they will battle the dark fairy world to save a friend in the magical city of New Orleans. Along the way, they encounter a collection of creatures, both magical and mortal, under the rising full moon.
The Four is a tale of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery, infused with the whimsy of Tim Burton and the magic found only in New Orleans. This is a story of finding the courage to be yourself and embrace your unique talents, no matter how different or unusual they may seem.
As they journey through freshman year of high school they face the trials and tribulations which come with discovering and embracing their differences. Together they will battle the dark fairy world to save a friend in the magical city of New Orleans. Along the way, they encounter a collection of creatures, both magical and mortal, under the rising full moon.
The Four is a tale of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery, infused with the whimsy of Tim Burton and the magic found only in New Orleans. This is a story of finding the courage to be yourself and embrace your unique talents, no matter how different or unusual they may seem.
202 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2023
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 25, 2023
Alexandra Haden-Douglas's novel, The Four, offers a thrilling journey through the freshmen year of high school, where a young witch, a siren, a demon goddess, and a vampire come together. Their adventurous saga sees them navigating through life, embracing their growing powers, and forging an unbreakable bond of friendship and love. Set against the full moon's mystique and the backdrop of mundane reality, the story delves into their shared experiences.
The narrative takes an intriguing twist as they embark on a rescue mission to save their friend from the dark fairy world. The adventure that unfolds is rife with obstacles, demanding that The Four embrace their differences and lend each other unwavering support.
Set in scenic New Orleans, Haden-Douglas artfully captures the city's essence and blends it seamlessly with her fictional universe. The storyline is a rich tapestry filled with unpredictable plot twists and heartwarming depictions of friendship and resilience. Although the narrative progresses quickly, Haden-Douglas's vivid and graphically descriptive writing style ensures the reader is effortlessly able to keep pace with the mythical creatures and fantastical elements of The Four.
The characters in the novel are engaging and relatable, enhancing the book's allure. With their varied personalities and distinctive abilities, Haden-Douglas has crafted a diverse and unique cast that resonates with readers. The realistic dynamics between the characters and their unwavering support for one another add layers of depth, making them all the more captivating.
What sets this novel apart is its strategic pacing and the overarching lessons it conveys. The character development and the emotional connections within the story stand out, contributing to its profound impact.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Four by Alexandra Haden-Douglas. Though it is rooted in the realm of fiction, it beautifully imparts the timeless lesson of embracing one's uniqueness and maintaining a sense of self as one discovers their place in the world. It's an utterly realistic message wrapped in a fantastical package, making this book a must-read for those looking to be both entertained and inspired.
The narrative takes an intriguing twist as they embark on a rescue mission to save their friend from the dark fairy world. The adventure that unfolds is rife with obstacles, demanding that The Four embrace their differences and lend each other unwavering support.
Set in scenic New Orleans, Haden-Douglas artfully captures the city's essence and blends it seamlessly with her fictional universe. The storyline is a rich tapestry filled with unpredictable plot twists and heartwarming depictions of friendship and resilience. Although the narrative progresses quickly, Haden-Douglas's vivid and graphically descriptive writing style ensures the reader is effortlessly able to keep pace with the mythical creatures and fantastical elements of The Four.
The characters in the novel are engaging and relatable, enhancing the book's allure. With their varied personalities and distinctive abilities, Haden-Douglas has crafted a diverse and unique cast that resonates with readers. The realistic dynamics between the characters and their unwavering support for one another add layers of depth, making them all the more captivating.
What sets this novel apart is its strategic pacing and the overarching lessons it conveys. The character development and the emotional connections within the story stand out, contributing to its profound impact.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Four by Alexandra Haden-Douglas. Though it is rooted in the realm of fiction, it beautifully imparts the timeless lesson of embracing one's uniqueness and maintaining a sense of self as one discovers their place in the world. It's an utterly realistic message wrapped in a fantastical package, making this book a must-read for those looking to be both entertained and inspired.
May 12, 2024
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Four
Author: Alexandra Haden-Douglas
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A coming-of-age story with a lot of magical twists. I loved the cover as it pulled me into the story. The 4 characters are very different but I liked all of them. I think most teenagers looking for an unpredictable fantasy will enjoy this story.” Girl reader, aged 16
“This is a good mix of magic and humour. Lots of teenage angst too! A light, fun story with a FAB ending. I will be hunting out book two.” Girl reader, aged 14
“I liked the New Orleans setting as I have never been there. I want to go there now! This is a story about being different and embracing it. I liked that message a lot. The story is easy to follow with a cool plot, but it’s the characters which make it good.” Boy reader, aged 15
“I must say, I didn’t know 4 such different (fantasy) characters could get on so well! I awarded this novel A plus for originality. It’s not just a drama, it’s an adventure too. The pacing is spot on.” Girl reader, aged 13 – with a little help from her teacher
“The 4 characters work well together – I felt this was the book’s biggest strength. I could relate to the characters even if they happen to be a witch, demon, vampire, etc. I wish they went to my school. Now that would be cool!” Girl reader, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘’A smartly plotted, fast-paced fantasy novel for Young Adults. A FINALIST and highly recommended! The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Four
Author: Alexandra Haden-Douglas
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A coming-of-age story with a lot of magical twists. I loved the cover as it pulled me into the story. The 4 characters are very different but I liked all of them. I think most teenagers looking for an unpredictable fantasy will enjoy this story.” Girl reader, aged 16
“This is a good mix of magic and humour. Lots of teenage angst too! A light, fun story with a FAB ending. I will be hunting out book two.” Girl reader, aged 14
“I liked the New Orleans setting as I have never been there. I want to go there now! This is a story about being different and embracing it. I liked that message a lot. The story is easy to follow with a cool plot, but it’s the characters which make it good.” Boy reader, aged 15
“I must say, I didn’t know 4 such different (fantasy) characters could get on so well! I awarded this novel A plus for originality. It’s not just a drama, it’s an adventure too. The pacing is spot on.” Girl reader, aged 13 – with a little help from her teacher
“The 4 characters work well together – I felt this was the book’s biggest strength. I could relate to the characters even if they happen to be a witch, demon, vampire, etc. I wish they went to my school. Now that would be cool!” Girl reader, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘’A smartly plotted, fast-paced fantasy novel for Young Adults. A FINALIST and highly recommended! The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 16, 2024
From the very beginning, it was evident that ‘The Four’ had something extraordinary to offer. As I delved into its pages, I discovered a perfect fusion of enchantment and reality, creating a narrative that would undoubtedly engross children.
The author of this remarkable piece of literature is undeniably one of the most gifted children's authors I have ever encountered. Their storytelling prowess is unparalleled, as they effortlessly weave together a tale that resonates with young minds. With every turn of the page, the author demonstrates an innate understanding of what their readers desire in a story, ensuring that their imagination is ignited and their curiosity piqued.
The imaginative plot beautifully illustrates the immense power that stems from teamwork, while also highlighting the strength of genuine friendship. It also serves as a wellspring of inspiration, motivating readers to wholeheartedly embrace their individuality and remain true to their authentic selves.
All things considered, it is easy to imagine this book not only achieving immense success in print but also captivating viewers as a sensational TV series! Consequently, I eagerly anticipate the author's future endeavors and the continued triumph of their literary journey.
The author of this remarkable piece of literature is undeniably one of the most gifted children's authors I have ever encountered. Their storytelling prowess is unparalleled, as they effortlessly weave together a tale that resonates with young minds. With every turn of the page, the author demonstrates an innate understanding of what their readers desire in a story, ensuring that their imagination is ignited and their curiosity piqued.
The imaginative plot beautifully illustrates the immense power that stems from teamwork, while also highlighting the strength of genuine friendship. It also serves as a wellspring of inspiration, motivating readers to wholeheartedly embrace their individuality and remain true to their authentic selves.
All things considered, it is easy to imagine this book not only achieving immense success in print but also captivating viewers as a sensational TV series! Consequently, I eagerly anticipate the author's future endeavors and the continued triumph of their literary journey.
April 18, 2023
Wonderful story full of magic, relatable teenage characters, a touch of history, and New Orleans mystery. The plot unfolds quickly, the story is brimming with moments reminiscent of awkward teenage years and entering high school. No matter what your age is, you will find something to love and laugh about in this story of friendship, family, fitting in, and the inevitable twists & turns magic brings, that will keep you turning the pages! You will find yourself thinking about THE FOUR and who you are most like long after you have finished this book! :-))
June 18, 2023
Fangtastic
This was a phenomenal story filled with relatable characters, dialogue and situations. I love how each character was well fleshed out and believable. The story progresses well and connects with readers of all ages. Mrs. Harden-Douglas has crafted a unique world filled with rich possibilities. Her ability to create a world of fantasy and keep it still relatable and grounded is a unique skill to have. I am very pleased I got a chance to read this story and look forward to reading more from this author!
This was a phenomenal story filled with relatable characters, dialogue and situations. I love how each character was well fleshed out and believable. The story progresses well and connects with readers of all ages. Mrs. Harden-Douglas has crafted a unique world filled with rich possibilities. Her ability to create a world of fantasy and keep it still relatable and grounded is a unique skill to have. I am very pleased I got a chance to read this story and look forward to reading more from this author!
August 23, 2023
Very well written, great characters and intriguing plot. This book kept me up late! Unexpected twists and surprising turns kept me hooked to the very end. A great read.
Read
November 29, 2023Read for Cybil Award YA Speculative fiction. Did not nominate.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews