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Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale
For Shayla, the switch from home school to high school means having to conceal the fact that she's a half faerie. But she desperately needs to keep a low profile because even her faerie powers might not be enough to protect her from what's coming. Filled with laugh-out-loud sarcasm, surprising twists, and spell-binding romance, this magical tale is perfect for fairytale fans of all ages.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 13, 2012
This book was so sweet(: I needed something like this.
Although the title sounds overdone (too many fairy stories...), the book was fun to read. The story centres around (duh) Shayla Witherwood, who's half-faerie, half-human (wow, I'm being redundant today). But basically, Shayla is going to school for the first time in her life (she was previously homeschooled), and she has to learn to fit in.
What I liked about this novel was that Shayla knows about her identity as a faerie. There's no dramatic \(O.O)/ moment when she realises she's not human. Although she hasn't fully mastered or realised her powers, it's not her fault because she wasn't taught them. Although there's some drama (like someone after her life), the story is mostly about fitting in and finding friends. Which I liked, because somehow, it reminded me of Judy Blume. I can't tell why though, seeing as the stories have nothing in common.
The characters in the book were well-written though. I liked almost all of them, and the only reason why Josi didn't win me over was because she became way too conspiracy-theory minded at one point. But I loved how they were good friends (not perfect, but good), and I saw how Shayla, being the new girl, managed to bring two different groups of people together (somewhat).
I'm not actually sure if this is a series though. I could see how it could be made into a series, but as it is, the book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone. Actually, I may be a bit tired of chasing series (I was never good at keeping up with them), so a standalone book would be great(:
Yes, so basically, this is a very sweet book, and yup, totally clean. I'd recommend it for all ages.
Disclaimer: I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review
(First published at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile)
Although the title sounds overdone (too many fairy stories...), the book was fun to read. The story centres around (duh) Shayla Witherwood, who's half-faerie, half-human (wow, I'm being redundant today). But basically, Shayla is going to school for the first time in her life (she was previously homeschooled), and she has to learn to fit in.
What I liked about this novel was that Shayla knows about her identity as a faerie. There's no dramatic \(O.O)/ moment when she realises she's not human. Although she hasn't fully mastered or realised her powers, it's not her fault because she wasn't taught them. Although there's some drama (like someone after her life), the story is mostly about fitting in and finding friends. Which I liked, because somehow, it reminded me of Judy Blume. I can't tell why though, seeing as the stories have nothing in common.
The characters in the book were well-written though. I liked almost all of them, and the only reason why Josi didn't win me over was because she became way too conspiracy-theory minded at one point. But I loved how they were good friends (not perfect, but good), and I saw how Shayla, being the new girl, managed to bring two different groups of people together (somewhat).
I'm not actually sure if this is a series though. I could see how it could be made into a series, but as it is, the book is perfectly fine as a stand-alone. Actually, I may be a bit tired of chasing series (I was never good at keeping up with them), so a standalone book would be great(:
Yes, so basically, this is a very sweet book, and yup, totally clean. I'd recommend it for all ages.
Disclaimer: I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review
(First published at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile)
March 13, 2012
This was a cute, sweet story. Shayla is half human, half faerie, who is trying to discover herself while living in a world of humans who couldn’t possibly understand her if they knew who she really is. But then she starts to make friends in her new school, and they understand her, and treat her no differently when they find she’s not entirely human. Shayla gains confidence in herself and her abilities. I liked seeing her journey and growth. She isn’t the strongest, independent heroine I’ve read, but she learned to become stronger, and in the face of adversity, she challenged it head on, if only to save the people she loved, and I appreciated seeing that in her.
This was a more simple tale. It wasn’t really original, and didn’t have a terribly exciting plot, but I still really liked the story. I enjoyed all the characters. They were written well and felt real to me. I liked the plot, and the fairytaleish feeling the writing and story had. The end of the book kept my attention more thoroughly as the plot thickened, and events were unfolding, presenting a clearer, intriguing picture. I also liked the romance. It was cute, and simple, and I enjoyed seeing Shayla and Jace fall in like.
I would recommend this book to young readers looking for a cute faerie story with a little romance in it.
Thank you to Cedar Fort and Netgalley for the arc.
This was a more simple tale. It wasn’t really original, and didn’t have a terribly exciting plot, but I still really liked the story. I enjoyed all the characters. They were written well and felt real to me. I liked the plot, and the fairytaleish feeling the writing and story had. The end of the book kept my attention more thoroughly as the plot thickened, and events were unfolding, presenting a clearer, intriguing picture. I also liked the romance. It was cute, and simple, and I enjoyed seeing Shayla and Jace fall in like.
I would recommend this book to young readers looking for a cute faerie story with a little romance in it.
Thank you to Cedar Fort and Netgalley for the arc.
March 13, 2012
This was a really fun and cute faerie, fairytale read. It is a contemporary Fey tale. Shayla has been home schooled her whole life and has lived a somewhat sheltered life. Her circumstances change and she is thrust into public high school. Shayla is not your normal teenager she is half human and half faerie. Shayla doesn't know much about her Fay magic which makes for some humorous moments in the story. As she learns to navigate high school she makes some great friends and learns a little about her magical self. There is also something strange going on, someone keeps whispering to Shayla that they know who she really is. This alarms Shayla because she has been told to keep her faerie identity hidden.
I thought this was a cute tale, and enjoyed it. Shayla is sweet, funny, a good friend, naive, a little unsure of her self at times, and endearing. I enjoyed the sweet romance that occurs in this story. I enjoyed all the characters, I thought they were really well done and relatable. Towards the end the pace really picks up as secrets are revealed and pieces click together. The story is fun, and quick paced light Fey read.
Clean language
Clean romance
Thank you Cedar Fort and Netgalley.
I thought this was a cute tale, and enjoyed it. Shayla is sweet, funny, a good friend, naive, a little unsure of her self at times, and endearing. I enjoyed the sweet romance that occurs in this story. I enjoyed all the characters, I thought they were really well done and relatable. Towards the end the pace really picks up as secrets are revealed and pieces click together. The story is fun, and quick paced light Fey read.
Clean language
Clean romance
Thank you Cedar Fort and Netgalley.
April 15, 2012
Shayla Witherwood is a half-faerie (faerie mother and human father) and her life was simple, until she was moved to public school by her grandmother. So far she was home-schooled, and she didn't have to worry about her pointy ears or showing any faerie magic by mistake to her online tutor. Now, things changed when she started making new friends and she is more exposed. There are some things going on, that Shayla can't control around her..someone is watching her and writing her mysterious notes. Is that a high school prank or a serious fey world issue?
This book is a light, but not so unique, read! It doesn't have any great plot or characters..they are all simple. But, these are characters, that you can around you. The college incidents were casual and I thank the author for not being dramatic in any of the places. The romance and friendship was so realistic. Josi, Shayla's speak-what-you-think friend, is adorable..sometimes, having a best girlfriend is such a cool thing.
If you want a light read, pick it up! You will have fun!
This book is a light, but not so unique, read! It doesn't have any great plot or characters..they are all simple. But, these are characters, that you can around you. The college incidents were casual and I thank the author for not being dramatic in any of the places. The romance and friendship was so realistic. Josi, Shayla's speak-what-you-think friend, is adorable..sometimes, having a best girlfriend is such a cool thing.
If you want a light read, pick it up! You will have fun!
June 11, 2013
Shayla has had an interesting life so far. She got the chance to travel the country with her grandparents while she did homeschool. After her grandfather passes away though, Shayla's grandmother decides it's time to settle down. Settling into a new public school would be hard enough, but Shayla also has to contend with the fact that she is, in fact, a faerie. Well, half a faerie. Not only does she have to learn to work her way through the social structure of school, but she also has to learn how to deal with her faerie magic. This all may be harder said then done.
This is a very cute book. I really felt for Shayla and all the changes going on in her life. The teenage years are hard enough without having to worry about how to hide your pointed ears from the rest of the school. Luckily Shayla makes some good friends along the way, and she even manages to catch the eye of a handsome young man. I found Shayla's problems to be, for the most part, very relatable. We may not all be faeries, but I think we've all wanted to disappear for a bit. I just never realized the problems disappearing could make too.
I kind of saw where the plot was going, but I still had great fun reading it. Although the book still managed to give me a surprise or two in there too, so that was good. This is just an easy read that will let you escape for a bit into a world that may seem very familiar. Young girls will enjoy the book too, and they will probably see a lot of themselves in Shayla.
This is a very cute book. I really felt for Shayla and all the changes going on in her life. The teenage years are hard enough without having to worry about how to hide your pointed ears from the rest of the school. Luckily Shayla makes some good friends along the way, and she even manages to catch the eye of a handsome young man. I found Shayla's problems to be, for the most part, very relatable. We may not all be faeries, but I think we've all wanted to disappear for a bit. I just never realized the problems disappearing could make too.
I kind of saw where the plot was going, but I still had great fun reading it. Although the book still managed to give me a surprise or two in there too, so that was good. This is just an easy read that will let you escape for a bit into a world that may seem very familiar. Young girls will enjoy the book too, and they will probably see a lot of themselves in Shayla.
April 11, 2012
This is going to be a short review for this light read, sweet story, with all right characters and good writing. As you might have guessed, yes, this book was nice, average, but nothing that really blew me away.
Shayla lives with her grandma, and knows already that she's a half-faery. She joins a high school for the first time after years of homeschooling so this is really a 'coming of age' school story. She makes a friend, gets the eye of the high school hottie, makes a few blunders as she comes to terms with her super abilities, and has reservations about the next new girl to arrive, Nadia. New girl has a secret, and its up to Shayla to save the day.
There's also snark with a nasty, beautiful popular girl whose a cheerleader, funa and games with Shayla's sidekicks, and a mysterious janitor called Bob-O.
The problem with reading book after book is that we bloggers get immune to the same stories and I'm afraid that happened to me when I read this. It wasn't anything new, and I've read the similar story many times before.
However, saying that, if you love faery school stories then you'll love it. Except boyfriend Jace's fish breath. For some reason that image just won't leave my head!
-CB xx
Shayla lives with her grandma, and knows already that she's a half-faery. She joins a high school for the first time after years of homeschooling so this is really a 'coming of age' school story. She makes a friend, gets the eye of the high school hottie, makes a few blunders as she comes to terms with her super abilities, and has reservations about the next new girl to arrive, Nadia. New girl has a secret, and its up to Shayla to save the day.
There's also snark with a nasty, beautiful popular girl whose a cheerleader, funa and games with Shayla's sidekicks, and a mysterious janitor called Bob-O.
The problem with reading book after book is that we bloggers get immune to the same stories and I'm afraid that happened to me when I read this. It wasn't anything new, and I've read the similar story many times before.
However, saying that, if you love faery school stories then you'll love it. Except boyfriend Jace's fish breath. For some reason that image just won't leave my head!
-CB xx
July 26, 2016
Cute story, fun to read. Nothing phenomenal, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and thought the characters were, overall, interesting and relatable. The plot was rather predictable, but as I said still enjoyable.
April 28, 2012
Full review can be found here.
First of all, because I feel this is important, I’m going to point out that this story isn’t in any way bad. It’s very reminiscent of the stories I would read on FictionPress back in the day (the good ones, that is as anyone who’s been on FictionPress will know that it has a very wide range of quality). It’s enjoyable from start to finish. It’s a high school tale with a paranormal (half-)faerie twist. The only problem is that there is very little by way of danger.
It stays in the fairly safe zone of the cliché high school story: new girl (albeit with a half-faerie twist); geeky guy best friend; unpopular girl best friend; popular cheerleader who’s nasty to everyone and looks down on her ‘followers’; good looking jock who takes an interest in the new girl; posse who surrounds evil cheerleader and romantic interest jock.
For a long time, the focus is on Shayla fitting in at public school after having spent her whole life moving around the country with her grandparents in their mobile home. Obviously, public school is very different to the home-schooling that she’s used to. Not to mention that the faerie half of her can make things difficult – such as turning invisible or having to find a way to deal with her pointed ears when she’s required to tie her hair back in science class.
I really didn’t understand where the romantic interest came from. For Shayla, sure, he was good looking and she felt some form of attraction. For Jace, I am completely clueless. As of the very first day he shows interest in her and there’s no explanation as to why he would. What was with him inviting her to be part of the student council or committee or whatever it was? It gets mentioned when he invites her to be a part of it and then it gets dropped. They never have a meeting or anything like that. In that way, the romance didn’t really work for me. It was sweet, but it didn’t have a foundation. I might have overlooked this a few years ago but as it is, I found I wasn’t particularly interested in whether or not Shayla and Jace had a future together.
The other thing is that only one lesson is ever shown: first period science class. There are also plenty of scenes in the cafeteria, but we never see Shayla in any other class. Why not? Well, possibly to keep from boring the reader with passages where little happens, but it got to the point where it felt like science class was the only one that existed.
Eventually some sort of threat is introduced, but it doesn’t actually becoming very threatening until the very end of the book. I think I just wanted more of a sense of danger from the book. As it was, it was mostly about day to day life in high school. I’ve done that once and it’s not something I’m in a rush to get back to (though of course my lycée experience was very different to the typical American high school experience).
As for the ending itself, there were a lot of new, different ideas introduced very quickly that were never expanded on. Had they been introduced earlier on in the story, I might have cared about them, but as it was they only garnered some form of mild interest from me. The author had stuck me in a situation where (I think) she expected me to get caught up in the action but because all of this had had no lead up, I didn’t really manage to get beyond a mild interest.
Mister Digby was an interesting character – possibly the most interesting. He was one of the few where the author managed to leave me unsure of where I stood with him. I went through phases with him. At first I thought he was another faerie, then I thought he was some form of troll, and then I just couldn’t figure him out at all. The descriptions of him were good, though. I kept imagining something similar to Professor Flitwick form the Harry Potter books.
As I said at the start of the review, the book isn’t bad. It’s just slow and it should be taken as such. This is not the sort of story where the action keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s one to be enjoyed in a moment of calm. I think it’d appeal to younger female readers (maybe 12 or 13+) more than it will to older readers. There are loose ends and things that could have been improved but overall I enjoyed the story.
First of all, because I feel this is important, I’m going to point out that this story isn’t in any way bad. It’s very reminiscent of the stories I would read on FictionPress back in the day (the good ones, that is as anyone who’s been on FictionPress will know that it has a very wide range of quality). It’s enjoyable from start to finish. It’s a high school tale with a paranormal (half-)faerie twist. The only problem is that there is very little by way of danger.
It stays in the fairly safe zone of the cliché high school story: new girl (albeit with a half-faerie twist); geeky guy best friend; unpopular girl best friend; popular cheerleader who’s nasty to everyone and looks down on her ‘followers’; good looking jock who takes an interest in the new girl; posse who surrounds evil cheerleader and romantic interest jock.
For a long time, the focus is on Shayla fitting in at public school after having spent her whole life moving around the country with her grandparents in their mobile home. Obviously, public school is very different to the home-schooling that she’s used to. Not to mention that the faerie half of her can make things difficult – such as turning invisible or having to find a way to deal with her pointed ears when she’s required to tie her hair back in science class.
I really didn’t understand where the romantic interest came from. For Shayla, sure, he was good looking and she felt some form of attraction. For Jace, I am completely clueless. As of the very first day he shows interest in her and there’s no explanation as to why he would. What was with him inviting her to be part of the student council or committee or whatever it was? It gets mentioned when he invites her to be a part of it and then it gets dropped. They never have a meeting or anything like that. In that way, the romance didn’t really work for me. It was sweet, but it didn’t have a foundation. I might have overlooked this a few years ago but as it is, I found I wasn’t particularly interested in whether or not Shayla and Jace had a future together.
The other thing is that only one lesson is ever shown: first period science class. There are also plenty of scenes in the cafeteria, but we never see Shayla in any other class. Why not? Well, possibly to keep from boring the reader with passages where little happens, but it got to the point where it felt like science class was the only one that existed.
Eventually some sort of threat is introduced, but it doesn’t actually becoming very threatening until the very end of the book. I think I just wanted more of a sense of danger from the book. As it was, it was mostly about day to day life in high school. I’ve done that once and it’s not something I’m in a rush to get back to (though of course my lycée experience was very different to the typical American high school experience).
As for the ending itself, there were a lot of new, different ideas introduced very quickly that were never expanded on. Had they been introduced earlier on in the story, I might have cared about them, but as it was they only garnered some form of mild interest from me. The author had stuck me in a situation where (I think) she expected me to get caught up in the action but because all of this had had no lead up, I didn’t really manage to get beyond a mild interest.
Mister Digby was an interesting character – possibly the most interesting. He was one of the few where the author managed to leave me unsure of where I stood with him. I went through phases with him. At first I thought he was another faerie, then I thought he was some form of troll, and then I just couldn’t figure him out at all. The descriptions of him were good, though. I kept imagining something similar to Professor Flitwick form the Harry Potter books.
As I said at the start of the review, the book isn’t bad. It’s just slow and it should be taken as such. This is not the sort of story where the action keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s one to be enjoyed in a moment of calm. I think it’d appeal to younger female readers (maybe 12 or 13+) more than it will to older readers. There are loose ends and things that could have been improved but overall I enjoyed the story.
May 7, 2021
A quick, fun, light, & fluffy YA read. A Sweet story of a half faerie named Shayla as she attends high school for the first time and navigates school, magic, boys and friends. Everything is not anyways what it seems & while danger lurks around the corner all Shayla wants is a “half-faerie tale ending” 😉
March 22, 2012
Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale
by Tamra Torero
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
Publisher: Sweetwater Press
Jacket Blurb:
A brief moment of disappointment washed over me as I approached Jace’s lifeless body. Here I was, about to kiss a boy on the lips for the very first time, and he was completely comatose—possibly paralyzed—and would never even know or remember the experience. This was not how I’d envisioned my first kiss—me invisible, him unconscious.
Shayla Witherwood is not exactly normal. First of all, she’s spent her entire life being homeschooled, traveling in an RV around the country with her grandparents. And second, there’s the kind of inescapable fact that her mom was a genuine faerie.
But now that she’s starting a real life in a regular high school, Shayla desperately needs to stay out of trouble in both worlds because even her faerie powers might not be enough to protect her from what’s coming.
My Review:
Shayla's an adorable, sweet, witty high school junior who just happens to be a half-faerie. She's lived an unconventional life travelling all over the country with her grandparents who raised her after her parent's death.
When her grandfather passes away, she and her grandmother settle down to live a "normal" life. But life as a half-faerie in a whole human world, especially in high school, is anything but normal.
Shayla is warned by her grandmother not to let anyone know she is a faerie or use her faerie magic around humans. She is told keeping her half faerie secret is for her own protection. But Shayla wasn't prepared for Josi. Josi and Shayla form an almost instant bond and become best friends. Using her wild imagination and endless curiosity, Josie soon uncovers Shayla's secret. Shayla is glad to finally be able to confide in someone. Josie is trustworthy – she'll keep Shayla's faerie secret…or will she? Because soon mysterious notes start arriving – Someone else knows Shayla's secret as well. Someone who doesn't think it's as awesome as Josi does…someone who means to do Shayla harm.
What I liked:
I loved Shayla. She's a sweet, funny and likeable character.
Josi, Shayla's best friend, is also sweet and likeable. She has an almost contagious excitement about her new friend's secret life.
I loved the author's humor. I found myself giggling out loud at some of the comments and/or scenes.
The author did a nice job trying to break through high-school stereotypes, teaching tweens that it doesn't matter what "group" you belong to, we are all people and deserved to be treated with respect.
What I didn't like:
There was very little I didn't like about the book. Although, some of the story was quite predictable, there were enough surprises along the way that I wanted to read more.
Bottom Line: Shayla Witherwood is a sweet, make you laugh out loud story. I highly recommend.
Language: None
Violence: Very mild
Sex: None
Recommended age: Tweens
by Tamra Torero
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
Publisher: Sweetwater Press
Jacket Blurb:
A brief moment of disappointment washed over me as I approached Jace’s lifeless body. Here I was, about to kiss a boy on the lips for the very first time, and he was completely comatose—possibly paralyzed—and would never even know or remember the experience. This was not how I’d envisioned my first kiss—me invisible, him unconscious.
Shayla Witherwood is not exactly normal. First of all, she’s spent her entire life being homeschooled, traveling in an RV around the country with her grandparents. And second, there’s the kind of inescapable fact that her mom was a genuine faerie.
But now that she’s starting a real life in a regular high school, Shayla desperately needs to stay out of trouble in both worlds because even her faerie powers might not be enough to protect her from what’s coming.
My Review:
Shayla's an adorable, sweet, witty high school junior who just happens to be a half-faerie. She's lived an unconventional life travelling all over the country with her grandparents who raised her after her parent's death.
When her grandfather passes away, she and her grandmother settle down to live a "normal" life. But life as a half-faerie in a whole human world, especially in high school, is anything but normal.
Shayla is warned by her grandmother not to let anyone know she is a faerie or use her faerie magic around humans. She is told keeping her half faerie secret is for her own protection. But Shayla wasn't prepared for Josi. Josi and Shayla form an almost instant bond and become best friends. Using her wild imagination and endless curiosity, Josie soon uncovers Shayla's secret. Shayla is glad to finally be able to confide in someone. Josie is trustworthy – she'll keep Shayla's faerie secret…or will she? Because soon mysterious notes start arriving – Someone else knows Shayla's secret as well. Someone who doesn't think it's as awesome as Josi does…someone who means to do Shayla harm.
What I liked:
I loved Shayla. She's a sweet, funny and likeable character.
Josi, Shayla's best friend, is also sweet and likeable. She has an almost contagious excitement about her new friend's secret life.
I loved the author's humor. I found myself giggling out loud at some of the comments and/or scenes.
The author did a nice job trying to break through high-school stereotypes, teaching tweens that it doesn't matter what "group" you belong to, we are all people and deserved to be treated with respect.
What I didn't like:
There was very little I didn't like about the book. Although, some of the story was quite predictable, there were enough surprises along the way that I wanted to read more.
Bottom Line: Shayla Witherwood is a sweet, make you laugh out loud story. I highly recommend.
Language: None
Violence: Very mild
Sex: None
Recommended age: Tweens
May 10, 2012
NOTE: I received this book from Netgalley to review.
Well, what can I say? I didn't expect to give such a high rating to this novel, but it definitely earned it. The writing style was really nice, and except for a couple of places, there were no grammatical mistakes. Nothing that needed to be fixed.
It was a light and bright read with a really positive twist. It had been a while since I read a book that made me see pink in the world, so I really loved that. Most books leave me with an emotional overload that has me either depressed or exhilarated. This book left me with a calm, peaceful feeling in my heart. It's truly amazing.
The story was paced neither too fast, nor too slow... just the perfect in-between. There was some action, there was friendship, and sweet romantic twist that made my heart flutter.
Some real-life teen issues were touched - like popularity, jealousy, power hunger, cliques and so on. But the way the author dealt with it all was so subtle, so positive and powerful that it had a really sweet effect on the 'bad' (but not evil) characters.
Now let's talk characters:
*Shayla - well, when I started reading the book, I thought that I wouldn't love a girl who isn't comfortable in her own body. But the way she grew up into her skin was really awesome, and I just loved the changes. I loved her thought process, and how she didn't put herself as the most important. She was ready to sacrifice herself for the people she loved, and that was really altruistic.
*Josi - the ever curious friend, who made me laugh throughout the book with her sarcasm and observations. I wasn't at all surprised when she figured out what Shayla was all on her own.
*Jace - I can only say that I loved the transformation in him. He really turned into a sweet guy in Shayla's hands. For a second, when he learned what she was, I thought he'd freak out and run. But he didn't. Perhaps that was sort of unrealistic, but then again, she had kissed him by then and I think he was really pulled into her. In any case, I loved the guy :)
*Bree - popular girl numero uno, who fell off her cheerleading queen-of-everything thanks to Shayla. The change in her was just... smack awesome!
*Nadia - evil person with agenda, who played her game pretty well. I had no idea who she really was until the end though. But I was sure she was the one who 'observed' and caused trouble in Shayla's peace.
Well, what can I say? I didn't expect to give such a high rating to this novel, but it definitely earned it. The writing style was really nice, and except for a couple of places, there were no grammatical mistakes. Nothing that needed to be fixed.
It was a light and bright read with a really positive twist. It had been a while since I read a book that made me see pink in the world, so I really loved that. Most books leave me with an emotional overload that has me either depressed or exhilarated. This book left me with a calm, peaceful feeling in my heart. It's truly amazing.
The story was paced neither too fast, nor too slow... just the perfect in-between. There was some action, there was friendship, and sweet romantic twist that made my heart flutter.
Some real-life teen issues were touched - like popularity, jealousy, power hunger, cliques and so on. But the way the author dealt with it all was so subtle, so positive and powerful that it had a really sweet effect on the 'bad' (but not evil) characters.
Now let's talk characters:
*Shayla - well, when I started reading the book, I thought that I wouldn't love a girl who isn't comfortable in her own body. But the way she grew up into her skin was really awesome, and I just loved the changes. I loved her thought process, and how she didn't put herself as the most important. She was ready to sacrifice herself for the people she loved, and that was really altruistic.
*Josi - the ever curious friend, who made me laugh throughout the book with her sarcasm and observations. I wasn't at all surprised when she figured out what Shayla was all on her own.
*Jace - I can only say that I loved the transformation in him. He really turned into a sweet guy in Shayla's hands. For a second, when he learned what she was, I thought he'd freak out and run. But he didn't. Perhaps that was sort of unrealistic, but then again, she had kissed him by then and I think he was really pulled into her. In any case, I loved the guy :)
*Bree - popular girl numero uno, who fell off her cheerleading queen-of-everything thanks to Shayla. The change in her was just... smack awesome!
*Nadia - evil person with agenda, who played her game pretty well. I had no idea who she really was until the end though. But I was sure she was the one who 'observed' and caused trouble in Shayla's peace.
February 11, 2012
2.5 stars
The synopsis totally caught my attention, it sounds something really exciting and thrilling and who wouldn't when the guy's name is Jace? I was pretty much looking forward reading this but as the story goes by I wasn't really finding anything really interesting or exciting. It wasn't bad at all but for a paranormal book, I really find this bland and boring.
The story starts when Shaylah Witherwood - a half-farie, half-human - started her real life in a regular high school. She had always been home-schooled her entire life so attending a public high school and socializing with lots of people was all new to her. Aside from that she has to keep her being faerie a secret because it can only cause big troubles for her.
Much of the story was focused on how Shaylah was dealing with her new high school life - not very paranormal, really - there were parts though were she used her abilities like getting invisible, shape-shifting her ears and stuffs, learning new abilities but it was too cliche or too simple it wasn't thrilling at all. Yes, of course, there were parts were she has to reveal her secret to certain characters but it just didn't add to the excitement.
There was hardly any plot or if there is, it was pretty shallow. For the entirety of the story I keep on wondering what really Shaylah is supposed to do or what should really be happening. There were parts were I thought they were already getting into something really interesting but then it would suddenly turn into totally different way. There were twists by the end ,though but yay, it was too ordinary or cliche for my taste.
I also feel that most of the characters were undeveloped. For every story I've read there is always a supporting character I grew really fond of but here there is none, maybe the closest is Jace but there are just really few things about him to make me love him enough.
The good thing though was that the writing was fast and easy. I didn't really grew frustrated of annoyed but just bored. Nevertheless, I think this might appeal more on middle-school type of reading. It was really simple for a paranormal book so I think it would be better for younger readers. :))
An advance copy has been provided by Cedar Fort via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
The synopsis totally caught my attention, it sounds something really exciting and thrilling and who wouldn't when the guy's name is Jace? I was pretty much looking forward reading this but as the story goes by I wasn't really finding anything really interesting or exciting. It wasn't bad at all but for a paranormal book, I really find this bland and boring.
The story starts when Shaylah Witherwood - a half-farie, half-human - started her real life in a regular high school. She had always been home-schooled her entire life so attending a public high school and socializing with lots of people was all new to her. Aside from that she has to keep her being faerie a secret because it can only cause big troubles for her.
Much of the story was focused on how Shaylah was dealing with her new high school life - not very paranormal, really - there were parts though were she used her abilities like getting invisible, shape-shifting her ears and stuffs, learning new abilities but it was too cliche or too simple it wasn't thrilling at all. Yes, of course, there were parts were she has to reveal her secret to certain characters but it just didn't add to the excitement.
There was hardly any plot or if there is, it was pretty shallow. For the entirety of the story I keep on wondering what really Shaylah is supposed to do or what should really be happening. There were parts were I thought they were already getting into something really interesting but then it would suddenly turn into totally different way. There were twists by the end ,though but yay, it was too ordinary or cliche for my taste.
I also feel that most of the characters were undeveloped. For every story I've read there is always a supporting character I grew really fond of but here there is none, maybe the closest is Jace but there are just really few things about him to make me love him enough.
The good thing though was that the writing was fast and easy. I didn't really grew frustrated of annoyed but just bored. Nevertheless, I think this might appeal more on middle-school type of reading. It was really simple for a paranormal book so I think it would be better for younger readers. :))
An advance copy has been provided by Cedar Fort via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review is also posted at Book Overdose
May 11, 2012
Let’s just say this book was a bit of a letdown. Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale, started out strong, I was excited and really sucked into the plot. Shayla is a very likable character; she is spunky, funny, and friendly to everyone. The supporting characters are also likable, well except the mean ones. The story even has a nice happy, tidy ending, though there is an opening if the author wants to write another book.
What I didn’t like, was the ending. Things just started to happen, way too quickly, and then everything ended, and I felt like I was cheated. The last quarter of the book felt like the author spent tons of time developing the plot and characters in the beginning of the book, and then wasn’t sure how to end the story, or didn’t want the book to be too long, so she just rushed everything out as quickly as possible. That disappointed me.
Now, a younger kid, like 5th or 6th grade, probably wouldn’t notice, but if the kid is an avid reader, advanced reader, or from say 9th grade and up, they probably will notice the really rushed ending, adults will most likely notice it too and just think, why did I waste my time?
I am giving this book 3 stars, even though it wasn’t all that great, mostly because it is completely appropriate for kids to read. There is no sex, no compromising situations, very minor violence (it comes as part of the very, very quick ending), and the characters are likable and good role models for kids, well except for the mean ones. Shayla is a great example of a stand up kid; she is friendly to everyone, sticks up for her friends, and doesn’t abuse her powers. Just what every teacher or parent would want their kids to be like, if those kids had special powers that is!
If you are looking for a simple, fast paced book about fairies, your kids will probably enjoy this book. Feel confident in recommending this title, as there is nothing in it that you wouldn’t want your kids to be exposed to, unless you are against fairy tales.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy and also to assist parents and teachers in recommending appropriate books for your kids to read.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
What I didn’t like, was the ending. Things just started to happen, way too quickly, and then everything ended, and I felt like I was cheated. The last quarter of the book felt like the author spent tons of time developing the plot and characters in the beginning of the book, and then wasn’t sure how to end the story, or didn’t want the book to be too long, so she just rushed everything out as quickly as possible. That disappointed me.
Now, a younger kid, like 5th or 6th grade, probably wouldn’t notice, but if the kid is an avid reader, advanced reader, or from say 9th grade and up, they probably will notice the really rushed ending, adults will most likely notice it too and just think, why did I waste my time?
I am giving this book 3 stars, even though it wasn’t all that great, mostly because it is completely appropriate for kids to read. There is no sex, no compromising situations, very minor violence (it comes as part of the very, very quick ending), and the characters are likable and good role models for kids, well except for the mean ones. Shayla is a great example of a stand up kid; she is friendly to everyone, sticks up for her friends, and doesn’t abuse her powers. Just what every teacher or parent would want their kids to be like, if those kids had special powers that is!
If you are looking for a simple, fast paced book about fairies, your kids will probably enjoy this book. Feel confident in recommending this title, as there is nothing in it that you wouldn’t want your kids to be exposed to, unless you are against fairy tales.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy and also to assist parents and teachers in recommending appropriate books for your kids to read.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
February 10, 2012
Originally posted @ Book Whales
A half faerie in a whole human reality
I admit! I find this book a bit boring. It was a struggle for me to finish it. This book needs more spice! This book is a light and fast read. I like the cover since I get to see how Shayla really looks like.
The story is about a Half-fairy name Shayla Witherwood. For the first time, she went to a regular high school called Jasper Jenkins to get in touch with her human side. There she met a bunch of people; A geeky guy name Daniel, a pretty girl name Josi, The heartthrob Jace and Queen Bee Bree. She finds it hard to blend in without giving away her identity or in her case her pointy ears. She also struggles to keep her identity hidden due to her unrestrained powers.
The story took a great turn when Jace was hit by a football and was completely unconscious. They say fairy kiss can heal people. With that knowledge, Shayla risked her identity to save Jace. She glamoured herself to be invisible and kissed Jasper Jenkin’s Golden boy. Jace was healed! She thought she was off the hooked but someone in Jasper Jenkins knows what she is; someone with a sight. She suddenly finds herself in danger. Someone wants to harm her while some wants to protect her. Who is she really? You have to read the book to find out.
The author did a good job in making the characters; they were very much what my high school peers were in real life. I like how “The Jocks and the Rah Rahs” term were used rather than the typical “Athletes and Cheerleaders.”
Overall, this book has a potential but not to my liking. Too bland,it needs more spice. I recommend this book to faerie lovers and who wants a light read.
Rating: 2.5 Whales
A half faerie in a whole human reality
I admit! I find this book a bit boring. It was a struggle for me to finish it. This book needs more spice! This book is a light and fast read. I like the cover since I get to see how Shayla really looks like.
The story is about a Half-fairy name Shayla Witherwood. For the first time, she went to a regular high school called Jasper Jenkins to get in touch with her human side. There she met a bunch of people; A geeky guy name Daniel, a pretty girl name Josi, The heartthrob Jace and Queen Bee Bree. She finds it hard to blend in without giving away her identity or in her case her pointy ears. She also struggles to keep her identity hidden due to her unrestrained powers.
The story took a great turn when Jace was hit by a football and was completely unconscious. They say fairy kiss can heal people. With that knowledge, Shayla risked her identity to save Jace. She glamoured herself to be invisible and kissed Jasper Jenkin’s Golden boy. Jace was healed! She thought she was off the hooked but someone in Jasper Jenkins knows what she is; someone with a sight. She suddenly finds herself in danger. Someone wants to harm her while some wants to protect her. Who is she really? You have to read the book to find out.
The author did a good job in making the characters; they were very much what my high school peers were in real life. I like how “The Jocks and the Rah Rahs” term were used rather than the typical “Athletes and Cheerleaders.”
Overall, this book has a potential but not to my liking. Too bland,it needs more spice. I recommend this book to faerie lovers and who wants a light read.
Rating: 2.5 Whales
March 31, 2012
More of this review and others at: Lit Girl: Confessions of a Future Librarian (Shayla Witherwood Review)
First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you to Cedar Fort Books for giving me an advanced reader copy of this lovely novel via Net Galley!
Shayla is your average down to earth girl, whose grandparents have kept her on the road trip of life in their RV, "Brutus". But after the sudden death of her grandfather, Shayla and her grandmother have decided to settle down, and for the first time in her life, Shayla will be going to public school. Starting a new school would be terrifying for any teenager, but Shayla has a secret: she's half-fairy. Something she could easily hide on the road, but now with the scrutiny of her classmates she has to learn to be extra careful- especially when it comes to her pointy fae ears. Settling down proves to be more of an adventure than any Shayla has been on before: starting with her huge crush on the hot quarterback, Jace to making friends with Daniel & Josi, and on to the anonymous stalker who has been sending Shayla creepy messages saying that they know her secret.
Shayla is an extremely adorable and likable character who struggles with the concept of cliques in high-school, along with all her fairy problems. The pacing was great and there was never a dull moment. Underneath all the fae issues, Shayla struggles just like everyone else to stay true to who she really is in the jungle of high-school. The chemistry between all the characters was so very believable, I find myself missing them now that they're gone! The plot was amazingly done and kept me guessing who exactly was after Shayla until the very end!
Wonderfully written, with witty dialogue, Shayla Witherwood will have you laughing and smiling throughout this story. She's a refreshing change of heroine from your usual gritter YA characters, and a great role-model for younger teens. A fantastic read!
First of all, I would like to say a huge thank you to Cedar Fort Books for giving me an advanced reader copy of this lovely novel via Net Galley!
Shayla is your average down to earth girl, whose grandparents have kept her on the road trip of life in their RV, "Brutus". But after the sudden death of her grandfather, Shayla and her grandmother have decided to settle down, and for the first time in her life, Shayla will be going to public school. Starting a new school would be terrifying for any teenager, but Shayla has a secret: she's half-fairy. Something she could easily hide on the road, but now with the scrutiny of her classmates she has to learn to be extra careful- especially when it comes to her pointy fae ears. Settling down proves to be more of an adventure than any Shayla has been on before: starting with her huge crush on the hot quarterback, Jace to making friends with Daniel & Josi, and on to the anonymous stalker who has been sending Shayla creepy messages saying that they know her secret.
Shayla is an extremely adorable and likable character who struggles with the concept of cliques in high-school, along with all her fairy problems. The pacing was great and there was never a dull moment. Underneath all the fae issues, Shayla struggles just like everyone else to stay true to who she really is in the jungle of high-school. The chemistry between all the characters was so very believable, I find myself missing them now that they're gone! The plot was amazingly done and kept me guessing who exactly was after Shayla until the very end!
Wonderfully written, with witty dialogue, Shayla Witherwood will have you laughing and smiling throughout this story. She's a refreshing change of heroine from your usual gritter YA characters, and a great role-model for younger teens. A fantastic read!
June 18, 2012
SHAYLA WITHERWOOD: A Half-Faerie Tale
By Tamra Torero
Shayla Witherwood is about to start her first day at Jasper Jenkins High. After being home-schooled through the tenth grade her nerves get the better of her and she uses her Faerie magic to become invisible. After Grandpa's death, Grandma and Shayla stop traveling around the country and settle down. Grandma decides that going to school and being around other people is just what Shayla needs. But now Shayla has to figure out how to become visible without anyone seeing it happen.
During her first class she has Mr. Digby for science class. As class ends he warns Shayla to be careful out there! As her first day progresses Shayla meets Daniel Cluff, Jace Peterson, and Josi Wright.
But as school progresses Shayla starts using more magic against her Grandma's advice. When Josi figures out that Shayla is a faerie, she helps Shayla hide some of her faerie traits and to discover some of her powers. But someone or something knows what Shayla is and is sending her threatening messages and whispers on the wind. Is Shayla truly being hunted or is it someone just trying to scare her?
As her circle of friends grows Shayla's fear of discovery grows with it, especially when she accidentally causes enchantments that bring visions of butterflies, gardens, and faeries whenever she moves quickly.
High school is hard on almost everyone, but Shayla has more on her plate than any other teenager as she tries to fit in with full humans. Can she survive the riggers of high school, or will her faerie magic ruin everything, including her growing friendship with Jace?
On Halloween night Shayla comes face to face with her nightmares and everything she holds dear is in danger. Will Shayla survive the night or will her hunter destroy her because she is a threat to Tovalaurah?
I received a Digital ARC of this title for the purpose of the this review.
By Tamra Torero
Shayla Witherwood is about to start her first day at Jasper Jenkins High. After being home-schooled through the tenth grade her nerves get the better of her and she uses her Faerie magic to become invisible. After Grandpa's death, Grandma and Shayla stop traveling around the country and settle down. Grandma decides that going to school and being around other people is just what Shayla needs. But now Shayla has to figure out how to become visible without anyone seeing it happen.
During her first class she has Mr. Digby for science class. As class ends he warns Shayla to be careful out there! As her first day progresses Shayla meets Daniel Cluff, Jace Peterson, and Josi Wright.
But as school progresses Shayla starts using more magic against her Grandma's advice. When Josi figures out that Shayla is a faerie, she helps Shayla hide some of her faerie traits and to discover some of her powers. But someone or something knows what Shayla is and is sending her threatening messages and whispers on the wind. Is Shayla truly being hunted or is it someone just trying to scare her?
As her circle of friends grows Shayla's fear of discovery grows with it, especially when she accidentally causes enchantments that bring visions of butterflies, gardens, and faeries whenever she moves quickly.
High school is hard on almost everyone, but Shayla has more on her plate than any other teenager as she tries to fit in with full humans. Can she survive the riggers of high school, or will her faerie magic ruin everything, including her growing friendship with Jace?
On Halloween night Shayla comes face to face with her nightmares and everything she holds dear is in danger. Will Shayla survive the night or will her hunter destroy her because she is a threat to Tovalaurah?
I received a Digital ARC of this title for the purpose of the this review.
April 21, 2012
"Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale" is a fairly typical story in that it involves a young woman who's half-human, half-faerie attending high school for the first time after being homeschooled for much of her life. She's had to maintain her abilities and keep her identity a secret, so fitting into her school environment proves no easy task. I think many people may not necessarily appreciate the slice of life progression it has (things don't start moving along definitively until the kiss that's mentioned in the blurb), but if I consider this an MG rather than YA read, it's actually quite appropriate. There's very little romance here, fairly lighthearted atmosphere, and it's overall a simple, cute, and light read.
Unfortunately, up to a point in the story where the momentum started picking up, it was difficult to get through because of a lot of telling details. I think the only time I truly connected to what Shayla was feeling was when she was directly confronted with her identity and the reveal of a few identities toward the end. Most of the time, her emotional profile and the intimacy of her experience is lost because of so much telling of background details in spurts, though some of it is helpful to the story. I think it could've delved a bit more to make the story more plausible and true to the high school experience, as well as perhaps given a bit more skepticism (because it was way too easy for the other students to think that Shayla was a faerie.).
Still, I'm surprised by how much I liked this lighthearted tale, and how cute it came across. It's a light read so it's easy to digest if you're not expecting a more developed story. I just wish that it wasn't as predictable in spurts and that I could've connected to the characters better.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Cedar Fort.
Unfortunately, up to a point in the story where the momentum started picking up, it was difficult to get through because of a lot of telling details. I think the only time I truly connected to what Shayla was feeling was when she was directly confronted with her identity and the reveal of a few identities toward the end. Most of the time, her emotional profile and the intimacy of her experience is lost because of so much telling of background details in spurts, though some of it is helpful to the story. I think it could've delved a bit more to make the story more plausible and true to the high school experience, as well as perhaps given a bit more skepticism (because it was way too easy for the other students to think that Shayla was a faerie.).
Still, I'm surprised by how much I liked this lighthearted tale, and how cute it came across. It's a light read so it's easy to digest if you're not expecting a more developed story. I just wish that it wasn't as predictable in spurts and that I could've connected to the characters better.
Overall score: 2.5/5 stars
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Cedar Fort.
March 21, 2012
I received an ARC of this book,and have unfortunately been too busy to review it until now.
Let me preface my review with this; this was a cute book. It was simple, sweet, and a nice palate cleanser from everything I've been reading lately.
I would classify this as a very typical YA book. The whole new kid with a secret to hide goes to a new school story line is nothing new, but it certainly isn't done poorly here. The plot is not heavy and convoluted and is predictable in some areas, although this may just be my opinion as I read heavily and catch on to plot points/hints quickly.
Shayla is a (as obvious from the title) a half-human half-faerie teenager who is starting high school for the first time after having been home schooled by her grandparents who travel in an RV writing botanical/nature blogs and a mysterious online friend.
Clearly Shayla can't just live as an ordinary girl, so despite her best efforts, things happen through no fault of her own.
She obviously makes new friends, whom I thought were genuinely entertaining and enjoyable characters. This made me forgive how easily it was for Shayla to meet to awesome people and win them as her besties. Shayla also seems to have attracted the attention of the popular jock, Jace. Unless it was for purely shallow reasons, I thought his attraction and insistence in being around her was a bit of stretch. That being said, Jace was a pretty decent guy.
Eventually Shayla starts to notice some hinky things that might suggest that there is another faerie. I guessed the identity in pretty rapid order but despite this, it was not disappointing as it lead to better things. Sorry for the vague description, just trying to keep it spoiler free!
The writing style was very simple but clean and I could see myself following another book in this series just to see where it goes.
Let me preface my review with this; this was a cute book. It was simple, sweet, and a nice palate cleanser from everything I've been reading lately.
I would classify this as a very typical YA book. The whole new kid with a secret to hide goes to a new school story line is nothing new, but it certainly isn't done poorly here. The plot is not heavy and convoluted and is predictable in some areas, although this may just be my opinion as I read heavily and catch on to plot points/hints quickly.
Shayla is a (as obvious from the title) a half-human half-faerie teenager who is starting high school for the first time after having been home schooled by her grandparents who travel in an RV writing botanical/nature blogs and a mysterious online friend.
Clearly Shayla can't just live as an ordinary girl, so despite her best efforts, things happen through no fault of her own.
She obviously makes new friends, whom I thought were genuinely entertaining and enjoyable characters. This made me forgive how easily it was for Shayla to meet to awesome people and win them as her besties. Shayla also seems to have attracted the attention of the popular jock, Jace. Unless it was for purely shallow reasons, I thought his attraction and insistence in being around her was a bit of stretch. That being said, Jace was a pretty decent guy.
Eventually Shayla starts to notice some hinky things that might suggest that there is another faerie. I guessed the identity in pretty rapid order but despite this, it was not disappointing as it lead to better things. Sorry for the vague description, just trying to keep it spoiler free!
The writing style was very simple but clean and I could see myself following another book in this series just to see where it goes.
March 30, 2012
This was a really cute book, it was definitely not my favorite book ever, but it was very sweet. I loved how the author was able to bring fairies into a different light, there are so many books about fairies out right now that it takes a lot of imagination to write a story about them that is essentially so very different.
I really loved the fact that Shayla aware of her half-fairy status, even if she didn’t quite have all the facts regarding it. I also really enjoyed Shayla’s integration into the school system, she really was so clueless at times it was quite funny! I thought the other characters in the story were very entertaining as well, Josie always had the weirdest theories and she continuously had me smiling to myself, I do wish that Jace had just a little more depth though, he seemed like your typical jock and I wish he could have had more book boyfriend material in him but I loved his sweet moments anyways.
There were a few things I didn’t like about the book, but the one thing that really got to me was that it was so predictable. Although it is nice to read a book once in a while that you don’t really have think about (I call them mind-numbing) I was actually expecting just a little bit more from it, I think that if the book had just a few twists and turns it would have made it so much better and much more interesting.
But overall, it really was a pretty good book and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a really cute story, which is sometimes what everyone needs to do once in a while.
I’m not too sure if this is going to become a series or a standalone book, I can totally see if becoming a series and I really think that there is so much that was brought into this book that could make a series very successful and I would be interested in checking it out if it did become a series!
I really loved the fact that Shayla aware of her half-fairy status, even if she didn’t quite have all the facts regarding it. I also really enjoyed Shayla’s integration into the school system, she really was so clueless at times it was quite funny! I thought the other characters in the story were very entertaining as well, Josie always had the weirdest theories and she continuously had me smiling to myself, I do wish that Jace had just a little more depth though, he seemed like your typical jock and I wish he could have had more book boyfriend material in him but I loved his sweet moments anyways.
There were a few things I didn’t like about the book, but the one thing that really got to me was that it was so predictable. Although it is nice to read a book once in a while that you don’t really have think about (I call them mind-numbing) I was actually expecting just a little bit more from it, I think that if the book had just a few twists and turns it would have made it so much better and much more interesting.
But overall, it really was a pretty good book and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a really cute story, which is sometimes what everyone needs to do once in a while.
I’m not too sure if this is going to become a series or a standalone book, I can totally see if becoming a series and I really think that there is so much that was brought into this book that could make a series very successful and I would be interested in checking it out if it did become a series!
May 9, 2012
Shayla Witherwood wishes she was an ordinary teenage girl, but she isn’t, she is actually half fairy. Her mother died when she was young and her dad, though he cares, hasn’t really been in the picture for some time. She lives currently with her grandma who for many years has been home schooling her along with her fairy trainer of sorts named Trebor. Recently, though her grandma has decided it is time for her to go to public school. It’s important to her because she wants Shayla to start learning the ways of the real world and how to acclimate herself to it; both her human and fairy half.
School starts off busy and confusing. Shayla quickly learns a good amount of the social hierarchy. She makes friends, but also enemies, the head cheerleader Bree to be exact. Bree quickly decides that she hates her, because the guy Bree wants to date (who happens to be the quarterback of the football team), takes an interest in Shayla instead.
She also has trouble with her science teacher who is anything but caring and by being strict helps her figure out her first half fairy problem. At the end of every week there is a science lab and it is required that all students with long hair put there hair in a ponytail prior to the beginning of each lab. Which to normal people may not seem like a big deal, but for Shayla it is because her ears are pointy and would totally give away that she is not your normal everyday teenage girl. There is also this weird sort of goth girl who shows up a few weeks after Shayla. She’s quiet and nice, but to Shayla something seems off.
I enjoyed this book the story was well thought out, fun, and suspenseful. I could at times really sympathize with her in certain situations because we all have something we have to deal with in life.
School starts off busy and confusing. Shayla quickly learns a good amount of the social hierarchy. She makes friends, but also enemies, the head cheerleader Bree to be exact. Bree quickly decides that she hates her, because the guy Bree wants to date (who happens to be the quarterback of the football team), takes an interest in Shayla instead.
She also has trouble with her science teacher who is anything but caring and by being strict helps her figure out her first half fairy problem. At the end of every week there is a science lab and it is required that all students with long hair put there hair in a ponytail prior to the beginning of each lab. Which to normal people may not seem like a big deal, but for Shayla it is because her ears are pointy and would totally give away that she is not your normal everyday teenage girl. There is also this weird sort of goth girl who shows up a few weeks after Shayla. She’s quiet and nice, but to Shayla something seems off.
I enjoyed this book the story was well thought out, fun, and suspenseful. I could at times really sympathize with her in certain situations because we all have something we have to deal with in life.
February 12, 2012
I thought this book was just okay. It was, by no means, a bad book, but it didn't really stand out either.
The first half of the book was about Shayla trying to fit in from being home-schooled to going to a public school. To me, her journey was pretty much uneventful. I mean, you had your stereotypical popular crowd, and the mean girl, and the outcasts and the best friends. But Jace didn't really make me swoon. Bree wasn't mean enough for me to hate her. And Josi and Shayla clicked, but they didn't have as tight of a bond as I was expecting. I guess what I mean to say is the relationships between the characters were pretty flat and didn't elicit much connection for me.
After the kiss (as previewed in the summary), I thought the book was going to get a bit more exciting. It did pick up a bit in the action department, but like I said earlier, not very eventful. The big unveiling to Jace didn't have a "oh, wow" effect I was hoping for, and even though Jace becomes a protector, he was still far from the knight in shining armor.
And again with the big finale, there was a bit of action there, but the book didn't have a lot of explanation, and it just kind of brushed along the surface. I didn't have a shock reaction. And it was nice to find out who everyone was and what their role in the whole book was, but again, no big unveiling.
LIke I said, this wasn't a bad book. It wasn't a waste of time. I just kind of wish that Torero took a little more time giving it a little more explanation or a little more action to elicit some feelings from me to emotionally connect with the book.
The first half of the book was about Shayla trying to fit in from being home-schooled to going to a public school. To me, her journey was pretty much uneventful. I mean, you had your stereotypical popular crowd, and the mean girl, and the outcasts and the best friends. But Jace didn't really make me swoon. Bree wasn't mean enough for me to hate her. And Josi and Shayla clicked, but they didn't have as tight of a bond as I was expecting. I guess what I mean to say is the relationships between the characters were pretty flat and didn't elicit much connection for me.
After the kiss (as previewed in the summary), I thought the book was going to get a bit more exciting. It did pick up a bit in the action department, but like I said earlier, not very eventful. The big unveiling to Jace didn't have a "oh, wow" effect I was hoping for, and even though Jace becomes a protector, he was still far from the knight in shining armor.
And again with the big finale, there was a bit of action there, but the book didn't have a lot of explanation, and it just kind of brushed along the surface. I didn't have a shock reaction. And it was nice to find out who everyone was and what their role in the whole book was, but again, no big unveiling.
LIke I said, this wasn't a bad book. It wasn't a waste of time. I just kind of wish that Torero took a little more time giving it a little more explanation or a little more action to elicit some feelings from me to emotionally connect with the book.
August 3, 2013
Growing up in a trailer going from one state was all that Shayla knew until that heartbreaking day her grandfather died and the trailer had to be parked. Now Shayla is going on a new adventure from following natures wonders and home schooling she has to jump into high school.
If leaving homeschooling for high school wasn't enough she must learn to hide who she is, a half faerie, but things may not be so simple with a new best friend obsessed with all things paranormal, mean girls that make her want to become invisible (literally!) and the feeling that people can know her secret at any time.
Shayla is a likable character that could be bordering the line of naive, but luckily she never does, this story is a lighthearted and sweet story about a girl trying to find out who she really is and contains some fantasy elements.
Some of the things that I really liked about this story is that Shayla is aware of her heritage, she might not be 100% sure of what she can or can't do as a half faerie, but she can go on discovering it little by little, and I loved the scene of mystery we get wrapped at in Shayla's search for the truth and in getting to know who she can and cannot trust.
The way the author wraps things up is in a happy ending kind of style and that could put the author in a pickle if she wants to do a series, but that is also the reason why I wish this book becomes part of a series, the author has proven she can deliver a nice heartfelt story but I would like her to also confront the issues that are left undone in this book and may lead others to believe this book is not a stand alone.
If leaving homeschooling for high school wasn't enough she must learn to hide who she is, a half faerie, but things may not be so simple with a new best friend obsessed with all things paranormal, mean girls that make her want to become invisible (literally!) and the feeling that people can know her secret at any time.
Shayla is a likable character that could be bordering the line of naive, but luckily she never does, this story is a lighthearted and sweet story about a girl trying to find out who she really is and contains some fantasy elements.
Some of the things that I really liked about this story is that Shayla is aware of her heritage, she might not be 100% sure of what she can or can't do as a half faerie, but she can go on discovering it little by little, and I loved the scene of mystery we get wrapped at in Shayla's search for the truth and in getting to know who she can and cannot trust.
The way the author wraps things up is in a happy ending kind of style and that could put the author in a pickle if she wants to do a series, but that is also the reason why I wish this book becomes part of a series, the author has proven she can deliver a nice heartfelt story but I would like her to also confront the issues that are left undone in this book and may lead others to believe this book is not a stand alone.
April 9, 2012
This one is a very light / quick read - it was fun, and an excellent clean read even for middle schoolers - even if the characters are in high school. If you like paranormal books, this one is a cute take on fairies - or a half-faerie!!! It does not involve good vs. evil, but a faerie coming of age, and coming into her powers. Very cute!
Shayla is very believable as a half-faerie, figuring out not only her faerie half, but also her human half. She has always been home-schooled, but now in her junior year is starting her public school experience as the new girl! She struggles to connect with the "right" clique. However, she does find friends in both circles. As she becomes more comfortable in her high school life, she is finding strange things happening in her faerie magical realm. As the story progresses, she discovers the inter-connectedness of both worlds.
Jace, the jock, is a character that I thought I would hate in the beginning. I found myself falling for him as the story developed. He is such a great guy! Not only is he the popular football quarterback, but he is a genuine nice guy. Jodi and Daniel are true friends to Shayla. They are there when she needs them, and provide her guidance, not only in her human life, but also often providing much needed advice for her faerie life.
You've got to read this great story to see how things sort themselves out in the end. I did hate to see the story end. I want to read more about what happens to Shayla, her family, and her friends. I hope there will be a sequel for this one.
Shayla is very believable as a half-faerie, figuring out not only her faerie half, but also her human half. She has always been home-schooled, but now in her junior year is starting her public school experience as the new girl! She struggles to connect with the "right" clique. However, she does find friends in both circles. As she becomes more comfortable in her high school life, she is finding strange things happening in her faerie magical realm. As the story progresses, she discovers the inter-connectedness of both worlds.
Jace, the jock, is a character that I thought I would hate in the beginning. I found myself falling for him as the story developed. He is such a great guy! Not only is he the popular football quarterback, but he is a genuine nice guy. Jodi and Daniel are true friends to Shayla. They are there when she needs them, and provide her guidance, not only in her human life, but also often providing much needed advice for her faerie life.
You've got to read this great story to see how things sort themselves out in the end. I did hate to see the story end. I want to read more about what happens to Shayla, her family, and her friends. I hope there will be a sequel for this one.
April 4, 2012
"Noooooo" that my reaction when the book ended. No it wasn't because it has a cliffhanger, just because it ended. I liked it way too much!
Shayla Witherwood is one of the lighter books i've read lately. It goes fast and has enough mystery to keep you interested from the start. But it not so full of problems. It stays more to the high school life than to the fantasy part of the story. Imagine a book about high school with bits of magic. I totally loved that because it gave a different taste to the book. It was fun and sweet like all the school life books out there but magical at the same time. It's one of the few times, i enjoyed a book with faeries.
Plus, i loved the characters. The relationships between them are strong and true. They don't back stab each other as friends. Shayla even though she has a chance to be popular, she never forget who helped and who her true friends are. She support them and they support her too. They open up to each other. The popular jock, is not annoying,stupid, etc. He is clever and kind. He is willing to make sacrifices for Shayla. Hang out with her and her friends. Even the mean girl, is not too mean. There is drama obviously, but it's not overdone. Something i prefer.
A more than good book in general. It didn't cut me from fantasy, but it wasn't all fantasy either. Only problem i would mention, would be the fact that the last part at the faerie world with the real action goes way to fast, and it's not explained that well. Still haven't understand exactly what's up with the prophecy and Shayla.
Shayla Witherwood is one of the lighter books i've read lately. It goes fast and has enough mystery to keep you interested from the start. But it not so full of problems. It stays more to the high school life than to the fantasy part of the story. Imagine a book about high school with bits of magic. I totally loved that because it gave a different taste to the book. It was fun and sweet like all the school life books out there but magical at the same time. It's one of the few times, i enjoyed a book with faeries.
Plus, i loved the characters. The relationships between them are strong and true. They don't back stab each other as friends. Shayla even though she has a chance to be popular, she never forget who helped and who her true friends are. She support them and they support her too. They open up to each other. The popular jock, is not annoying,stupid, etc. He is clever and kind. He is willing to make sacrifices for Shayla. Hang out with her and her friends. Even the mean girl, is not too mean. There is drama obviously, but it's not overdone. Something i prefer.
A more than good book in general. It didn't cut me from fantasy, but it wasn't all fantasy either. Only problem i would mention, would be the fact that the last part at the faerie world with the real action goes way to fast, and it's not explained that well. Still haven't understand exactly what's up with the prophecy and Shayla.
March 12, 2012
Shayla has been traveling the USA in an RV with her grandparents for the last several years. But, now that she's 15, her grandmother decides the park the camper and enroll Shayla in a normal high school. But, normal is very hard for Shayla to do, since she's half-faerie.
As the school year goes on, Shayla makes friends, makes enemies, and finds out a little more about just what she can really do. She will also learn a few secrets her grandma was hiding from her--but will they be good or bad?
I thought this was a very cute book! Shayla is a very relatable and real teenage character. I like it when the characters in books actually act (and speak) their age.
This book had more than a few moments that really made me smile--Shayla is woefully uneducated when it comes to just what she can accomplish with her magic, and this makes for some pretty funny and awkward situations at school.
I really liked the author's writing style. Sentences flowed easily and once I sat down with it I breezed through this book rather quickly. The bit of mystery kept me intrigued, though the "villain" who was revealed wasn't a total shocker to me.
Overall, I thought this was a great read! I took away one star because some of the events were I kind of saw coming, and the ending was a bit too unrealistic for me--I won't say why for spoiler reasons. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Torero's work!
As the school year goes on, Shayla makes friends, makes enemies, and finds out a little more about just what she can really do. She will also learn a few secrets her grandma was hiding from her--but will they be good or bad?
I thought this was a very cute book! Shayla is a very relatable and real teenage character. I like it when the characters in books actually act (and speak) their age.
This book had more than a few moments that really made me smile--Shayla is woefully uneducated when it comes to just what she can accomplish with her magic, and this makes for some pretty funny and awkward situations at school.
I really liked the author's writing style. Sentences flowed easily and once I sat down with it I breezed through this book rather quickly. The bit of mystery kept me intrigued, though the "villain" who was revealed wasn't a total shocker to me.
Overall, I thought this was a great read! I took away one star because some of the events were I kind of saw coming, and the ending was a bit too unrealistic for me--I won't say why for spoiler reasons. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Torero's work!
April 16, 2012
Shayla Witherwood is a half-faerie, half-human. For most of her life, Shayla has been raised and protected by her human grandparents. Once Shayla turns sixteen and her grandfather passes away, her grandmother decides that Shayla is ready to face the real world by entering high school. Shayla is able to make friends quickly and begins living a semi-normal life, if she can keep her faerie powers under control. A new girl, Nadia, starts school soon after Shayla’s arrival. Shayla finds out Nadia is a half-faerie, half-witch and her mission is to take Shayla back to the faerie kingdom, Tovalaurah, to be killed by the faerie queen. Shayla is able to defeat the faerie queen and return home to her newly discovered father and to a blooming relationship with the most popular guy in school.
Torero weaves together a witty, realistic, wholesome, and heart-felt story in Shayla Witherwood. Even though Shayla has not lived a “normal” lifestyle, readers can still identify with Shayla’s character and her responses to the dilemmas she faces: making new friends, entering a new school, dealing with teachers, or having a crush. This story, like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, is another great retelling and modernization of a magical theme in literature. Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale would be a great addition to any home, school, or public library. It is appropriate for readers ages twelve and up.
(Found on the Children's Book and Play Review)
Torero weaves together a witty, realistic, wholesome, and heart-felt story in Shayla Witherwood. Even though Shayla has not lived a “normal” lifestyle, readers can still identify with Shayla’s character and her responses to the dilemmas she faces: making new friends, entering a new school, dealing with teachers, or having a crush. This story, like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, is another great retelling and modernization of a magical theme in literature. Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale would be a great addition to any home, school, or public library. It is appropriate for readers ages twelve and up.
(Found on the Children's Book and Play Review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2012
Shayla Witherwood was not what I expected it to be. To put it simply, it's basically a teen chick flick with a fairy twist. Exactly like that, complete with the same story line every chick flick has.
Shayla is quirky in a nice way. She's a fun character, though not particularly special or unique. She's a half fairy who has been living as a human for her entire life. What's nice is that she knows she's a fairy. In so many YA books, the lead doesn't know what she is and it's the love interest who reveals the truth. While that's a nice formula, it was refreshing to see a change in that convention.
The story line was fairly simple. There was a part at the end that seemed a little out of place. I won't say what it was but it seemed a little bizarre, like it didn't quite connect with the rest of the book. The romance is light, almost nonexistent. The minor characters are endearing. I was actually surprised by one revelation in the end of the book, so props to the author for managing to surprise me.
Really, this is just a simple light read. It's not special or unique. It's not one of those books that seem earth-shattering from their epic awesomeness. It's cute, fluffy, and fairly predictable. If you're looking for a simple, fun read, then this is your book.
3/5
A got a copy of this from Netgalley
Shayla is quirky in a nice way. She's a fun character, though not particularly special or unique. She's a half fairy who has been living as a human for her entire life. What's nice is that she knows she's a fairy. In so many YA books, the lead doesn't know what she is and it's the love interest who reveals the truth. While that's a nice formula, it was refreshing to see a change in that convention.
The story line was fairly simple. There was a part at the end that seemed a little out of place. I won't say what it was but it seemed a little bizarre, like it didn't quite connect with the rest of the book. The romance is light, almost nonexistent. The minor characters are endearing. I was actually surprised by one revelation in the end of the book, so props to the author for managing to surprise me.
Really, this is just a simple light read. It's not special or unique. It's not one of those books that seem earth-shattering from their epic awesomeness. It's cute, fluffy, and fairly predictable. If you're looking for a simple, fun read, then this is your book.
3/5
A got a copy of this from Netgalley
April 14, 2012
What an adorable book! It was such a relaxing read - so simple yet so cute and fun!
Although Shayla is a half-faerie, she is still just a typical teenage girl, full of insecurities and a desire to fit in. She is terrified to start public school after being home-schooled by her grandparents her whole life. She worries about making friends, and getting good grades (oh and keeping those pointy ears covered!)
Even with her fey heritage, Shayla is relatable as a teenager. She experiences the growing pains of adolescence just as we all do (or did!) I loved that she was able to laugh at herself and didn't take life too seriously. I also liked the "coming-of-age" elements as she discovered that she didn't need to be popular to be happy and that it was okay to just be herself.
I also enjoyed the minor characters in this story. Daniel and Josi and even Bingham, Stephi, and Bree all had unique personalities and made up a colorful cast of characters. I even really liked Jace, the love interest. He was sweet and normal and not overly perfect as so many young adult books depict the boyfriend as. I liked that the romantic relationship was innocent and a little awkward just as first love usually is.
Overall, I loved the easy pace, funny, light-hearted dialogue, innocent romance, and unexpected ending.
Although Shayla is a half-faerie, she is still just a typical teenage girl, full of insecurities and a desire to fit in. She is terrified to start public school after being home-schooled by her grandparents her whole life. She worries about making friends, and getting good grades (oh and keeping those pointy ears covered!)
Even with her fey heritage, Shayla is relatable as a teenager. She experiences the growing pains of adolescence just as we all do (or did!) I loved that she was able to laugh at herself and didn't take life too seriously. I also liked the "coming-of-age" elements as she discovered that she didn't need to be popular to be happy and that it was okay to just be herself.
I also enjoyed the minor characters in this story. Daniel and Josi and even Bingham, Stephi, and Bree all had unique personalities and made up a colorful cast of characters. I even really liked Jace, the love interest. He was sweet and normal and not overly perfect as so many young adult books depict the boyfriend as. I liked that the romantic relationship was innocent and a little awkward just as first love usually is.
Overall, I loved the easy pace, funny, light-hearted dialogue, innocent romance, and unexpected ending.
March 27, 2012
Shayla Witherwood starts her first day at public High School invisible literally. Shayla is half fairie who has previously home-schooled her entire life while traveling the country in an RV with her human grandparents. She knows almost nothing about using her fairy magic except what she has learned by accident like turning invisible. She begins school and immediately makes a few friends and a couple of enemies. Shayla is genuinely nice to everyone and decides to be friends with the social outcast instead sitting with the popular crowd.
"Mind your magic, Shayla Dove" her grandma reminds her before school each day. Grandma and her homeschool tutor Trebor are Shayla's only friends that truly know her. As she becomes more and more involved with others at school, she must try harder to hide her true identity. There is an unknown danger from revealing too much.
This was a quick read that was easily engaging and fun. Shayla was a likeable character who is shy and self conscious of her magic. I felt Shayla will be identifiable for teens who feel like others don't understand them. I loved her magic and how much she could do even when she wasn't sure what she is doing. I would highly recommend this for any teen who enjoys magic and fey.
"Mind your magic, Shayla Dove" her grandma reminds her before school each day. Grandma and her homeschool tutor Trebor are Shayla's only friends that truly know her. As she becomes more and more involved with others at school, she must try harder to hide her true identity. There is an unknown danger from revealing too much.
This was a quick read that was easily engaging and fun. Shayla was a likeable character who is shy and self conscious of her magic. I felt Shayla will be identifiable for teens who feel like others don't understand them. I loved her magic and how much she could do even when she wasn't sure what she is doing. I would highly recommend this for any teen who enjoys magic and fey.
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