The average ten-year-old girl seldom travels far from home. She doesn’t worry about being kidnapped by witches or imprisoned in medieval castles where children are ensnared to meet their unspeakable demise. She rarely gives thought to curses, potions and magic. She certainly isn’t concerned about risking life and limb to decipher ancient rites and lost treasures....
But Liberty Frye is about to discover that she is not just your average girl.
When a cryptic note from long-lost relatives arrives, the news it brings flips Libby’s small-town existence upside down. Soon, she finds herself lured to a foreign land where retired witches, talking bats and geriatric World War II pilots await. It’s up to Libby to unravel the sinister plot that brought her there in the first place, but in so doing, she’ll uncover a shocking secret that will change her life forever ... if she survives the challenge.
J.L. McCreedy first learned a love of writing (and developed an incurable condition of wanderlust) while growing up in Southeast Asia as a third-culture kid. She holds a B.A. in English and a law degree, freelances as a writer and consultant for charitable organizations and, whenever possible, drags her splendid husband on ill-planned adventures.
Also by J.L. McCreedy:
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen (Book 1) Liberty Frye and the Sails of Fate (Book 2) Liberty Frye and the Emperor's Tomb (Book 3) The Orphan of Torundi Theodore, The Sloth Who Wants to Race
Thanks to author J. L. McCreedy for the review copy of this novel, which is aimed at teen/young adult readers.
Liberty ('Libby') Frye has just turned ten years old when she learns the grandmother she once thought to be dead is actually very much alive. Libby and her parents set off on a journey to visit the elderly relative, but things take a rather strange turn almost immediately...
This is a book that I'd have loved as a young reader! Libby is a strong character, likeable and endearing and I can imagine the younger me wanting to be like her. All the characters are well written, it's a great story with both drama and humour, some supernatural and a touch of mystery. The combination really works well to ensure that Liberty Frye is not a book I'll forget in a hurry. 4.5/5
I don't normally read middle-grade novels, but I'm glad I read this one. Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen by J.L. McCreedy is a well plotted, fun, adventurous read. The novel follows a classic fairy tale structure, but is written in a modern style so modern readers will enjoy reading it. The story is full of well developed, colorful characters and moves at a fast pace that will keep you entertained. Young Children will love to read, or have their parents read this story to them. A big plus is this story isn't dumbed down for kids. Adults will enjoy it as much as young readers.
The story starts when a strange envelope is delivered to Libby's home. Libby's mom reads what's in the envelope and decides she must return to Germany, her home land, and see her parents whom she hasn't seen since before Libby was born. Libby is unaware she had grandparents and is upset that her parents keep so many secrets. Once Libby and her parents reach Germany, the adventure begins.
This story is well written and well edited. The kindle formatting is perfect and it is obvious a lot of love was put into setting this eBook up professionally. Some small issues I might not have done, and this is being picky, is the misspelling of words to simulate a German accent. When I first encountered it, I thought it was missed typos. Later, Libby explains that sometimes her mom pronounces w's as v's. I'd rather have seen the words spelled correctly and the structure of the sentence rearranged to simulate a German accent. The biggest reason why is because when you use text to speech on a kindle, the kindle doesn't know how to handle the misspellings and it makes it hard to understand those sections. Not a huge problem, but something to consider.
A parent warning, there is one adult word in the novel, p**s, which I was surprised to come across. Not a big deal to me, but some parents who monitor what their children read may want to be aware of it.
There is some passive writing in the story as well. Not a lot that it is distracting from the story, but enough to possibly cause an editor to reject it. The words: very, just, seemed, there was, even, etc. were used frequently enough for someone who is a writer to notice. These are considered passive words that should be avoided if possible. A child or a non-writing adult wouldn't notice at all. Just pointing it out as something to be aware of for the next JL McCreedy novel, and I do hope there are many more. Mrs. McCreedy is an exceptional writer and I can't wait to read what she comes out with next.
I highly recommend reading Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen. The novel is a breath of fresh air to read after so many paranormal vampire stories that are all alike after reading several. This book would be a great one to sit down with your child and read together. It is as fun and adventurous as other stories like James and the Giant Peach or The Indian in the Cupboard. Definitely check this book out.
From small-town quiet to full-blown magical chaos, Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is a spellbinding debut that kicks off Libby’s journey with mystery, charm, and just the right dose of danger.
When a strange letter shows up out of nowhere, eleven-year-old Liberty Frye quickly finds her life flipped upside down. Before she can say “schnitzel,” she’s whisked away to Germany — the land of fairy tales, folklore, and secrets. But this is no dreamy European vacation. What starts as a simple trip turns into a twisting quest filled with witches, hidden powers, and dark forces lurking in the shadows.
J.L. McCreedy crafts a rich, atmospheric world that feels like stepping into a modern-day Grimm’s fairy tale — just with more sass, magic, and mysterious relatives. Libby is a smart, curious, and relatable protagonist who discovers that she’s not nearly as “ordinary” as she thought. As she unravels a web of secrets and suspicious characters, readers are drawn into a plot that’s both thrilling and heartfelt.
There’s so much to love here: clever dialogue, vivid settings, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. But at its heart, The Witches of Hessen is a coming-of-age story wrapped in magic — one that explores identity, family, and the power of believing in yourself even when the odds (and maybe even your DNA) are against you.
Perfect for readers who love strong heroines, magical adventures, and a touch of old-world folklore, this book sets the stage for a truly enchanting series.
If you enjoy fantasy books, be sure to include this series in your reading list! Liberty loves her unique parents with all her heart, but do they have to be so overprotective and secretive? Her quirky great-uncle is quirky, too, yet he seems to be the only one she can really talk to. Although Liberty was very lonely, she had a wonderful pet goose for a friend... That is until a new girl came to town. Ginny proved to become the best friend ever! This story is about a loving family, not truly accepted in the community, yet, respect has been earned and so the people leave them to their unusual ways. This story also touches on the topics of bullying, rude judgment, acceptance, loyalty, commitments, and forgiveness. Although there are some "scary" situations and a few controversial subjects, this is a very entertaining and well-written book for older elementary-aged children. There is plenty of action in the varying adventures which steadily progresses throughout the book. There is also a touch of humor. The Title and Cover are both well-chosen and "eye-catching". The characters were either endearing or aggravating, yet both portrayed very realistically. The story, as a whole, was very interestingly captivating. It never dragged or felt repetitive.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
What an enchanting and thrilling adventure that transports you to the heart of Germany, where magic and mystery intertwine seamlessly with reality. From the moment Liberty receives a cryptic note that sends her on a quest, the story hooks you in with its suspenseful twists and vibrant setting.
J.L. McCreedy has crafted a captivating tale filled with quirky characters and plenty of surprises that keep readers engaged at every turn. The rich details about the land of the Brothers Grimm and the careful weaving of fairy-tale references create an immersive experience that feels both familiar and fresh. You can truly sense the author's passion for the source material, having spent time exploring the very locations that inspired this fantastical journey.
Liberty is a relatable and courageous protagonist, and as she navigates through danger and intrigue, readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way. The blend of magic and the real world reminds us that even in the most ordinary lives, extraordinary things can happen.
Its perfect for young readers and anyone young at heart who appreciates a well-told story with a perfect mix of suspense and whimsy. Highly recommended for those looking to dive into a fun and mysterious adventure!
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is the perfect balance of fantasy, humor, and life lessons in loyalty, friendship and family. Right from the get-go, its a story that pulls you into the vivid world along with Liberty. I loved the pacing of the entire book, and I think this is the perfect book to gift to children to get them interested in reading more. I have received a free copy on BookMuffin from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is a rollicking adventure spanning two continents and featuring the impressive title character (Libby) who begins as an ordinary 10-year-old and who transforms into a confident girl who embraces her new identity as a powerful witch. But the best part of the story is the collection of quirky characters beginning with Uncle Frank who, despite being in a wheelchair, plays a critical role in protecting Libby. His old air force buddy, Sal makes a splash as he enters the story – literally flying in and landing wearing his hospital gown as he escapes from a care facility. Ginny is Libby’s best friend and she demonstrates her loyalty through her willingness to fly across the ocean, brave the elements, and face some heinous villains. And then there’s Buttercup, the goose. Let’s just say that this special pet also plays an important role in the story.
And those are just the good guys. Then, there are all the villains, reminiscent of the ones found in the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. There is the evil grandmother who lures Libby’s family to Germany in order for the even greater villain, Zelna (who has a surprise relationship with the group) to put her dastardly plan into action. Zelna reminds me of Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty or the evil queen from Snow White or the evil stepmother from Cinderella (*ahem* all Brothers Grimm stories!) She is one nasty villain!
The plotline itself weaves a mystery about who Liberty Frye really is; why her parents escaped Germany and moved to America; what secret the vintage Brothers Grimm book holds; and what the evil Zelna is really after. There are so many plot twists and turns that I could only guess at the final outcome. That being said, there were certain parts of the story that I felt were quite complex for younger tweens to follow so I would recommend the book to older tweens. I did love the comic relief peppered throughout the text because there are definitely some dark moments as well.
I wanted to make mention of two things concerning issues I had with the book. First, there are some gruesome parts (not many, but a few). For example, Libby learns that Zelna stays young by eating children. Ok, that is very Grimm-like. The way she discovers it is by finding the disembodied head of a boy in a cauldron. Yeesh! I did not want that image in my head (and I’ve read the original Grimm Brothers Fairy Tales – apparently before I had children).
Second, I wish there had been more foreshadowing of Libby’s powers earlier in the story. Once Libby discovers she is a witch, she begins to reflect back on unusual things that had happened in the past (e.g., a Bunsen burner turning off by itself) that she can now attribute to her powers. It felt temporally out of order to have these “unusual incidents” revealed for the first time as flashbacks. I’m not even sure that the flashbacks are necessary in the story, but perhaps young readers would appreciate examples of how Libby demonstrated her powers.
My Bottom Line:
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is filled with magic, adventure, and quirky characters. We have the brave title character, Libby, whose parents have been protecting her from the truth; Libby’s friends and family who loyally stand by her; and a collection of nasty villains seeking to claim her powers. This book is strong on character development and rich in story with a plot filled with delicious twists and turns. Because of the complexity of the plot and the inclusion of some gruesome parts, I recommend this book to older tweens and teens aged 10 years and older.
* I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
I came across this book as temporarily free for Kindle in December 2013. This is a copy of a review I wrote back then for my own blog and also posted at Amazon.com.
An enjoyable spicy mix of friendship, magic and adventure
The first chapter or two made me initially suspect that it might be too much of an imitation of Harry Potter; but as the story proceeded, I think it turned out to stand on its own feet. Of course it has evident roots in a magic fairy-tale tradition familiar from both old and new classics in that genre, but it is also spiced with some less common ingredients. It's a fast-paced story with some unexpected twists, and a variety of characters turning up along the way.
It starts out with a new friendship between two ten-year-old girls in a US small town - Liberty Frye and Ginny Gonzalez. Ginny lives with foster parents that don't really care much about her. Liberty (or Libby) lives with her parents, but is considered a bit odd by many. She has a tame goose that follows her everywhere, and in her garden grows an unusual tree, in which she likes to sit and read the Fairy Tales collected by the Brothers Grimm. We (and Ginny) also get to meet an uncle of Libby's, who is very old, but still an active inventor of fantastic machines. However, one day a strange letter arrives for Libby's parents, and shortly after that, they take her on a sudden trip abroad, to visit relatives in Germany (without giving much explanation as to the reason). More specifically, it turns out that Libby's mother comes from the town where the Brothers Grimm were born... And from then on, things start to get really complicated! (The title of the book gives a hint.) Ginny is left behind on the other side of the earth; but when she senses that Libby might be in danger, she starts looking for a way to help...
Putting on my critical glasses, I think that the story sprawls a bit too much; with a few too many "unconnected" ingredients thrown in to the mix. But at the same time I did find it very enjoyable reading, with lots of surprises and suspense - and a good portion of humour to contrast the creepy parts.
From linguistic point of view (spelling etc) the reading of this book flows smoothly (knowing a little bit of German probably gives you an advantage, though). (As I found this book temporarily free for Kindle, and I've previously come across many free and/or self-published Kindle books which turned out to contain an irritating amount of printing and/or spelling errors, I feel I want to point out that this is not one those!)
There are many details in the story that might be interesting to pursue if you like looking things up on the internet. I also think it's safe to say that I did feel like the story came to a proper ending, even if at the same time leaving a door ajar for the possibility of sequels.
Libby Frye is a somewhat ordinary girl, except her parents blame her for everything and keep secrets from her and always tell her it’s for her own good. She’s learned to live with her overbearing mother and father. When a mysterious yellow envelope appears and her parents decide they’re going to Germany to see her grandfather, Libby is ecstatic. Her parents are bringing her with, and they’ve promised to tell her everything when they return from Europe. Except then her grandmother poisoned her parents and Libby is taken captive by an evil witch named Zelna. All she wants is to have her parents back, but it seems Zelna is the real deal with magic. What can a little girl do to stand up against all that? The beginning of Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen was great—Libby is an odd girl with a unique view on life. She’s smart but sporty with her big feet and dead aim with a slingshot. Her best friend Ginny is equally interesting, and McCreedy develops them well as girls who can be both brave and scared: they can cry but do what’s right or needed, they can laugh but later feel hopeless, and so on. Overall, they felt very human with a mix of conflicting emotion and insecurities. The plot was a bit slow to start, however, and once the magic was introduced I was confused by it. Due to several characters’ heavy German accents, I had a hard time understanding certain plot points. The whole thing at times seemed unnecessarily complicated. While I enjoyed the characters and their distinctive personalities—even among the most minor characters—at times I wasn’t quite sure why they were doing what they were. Still, it was well written if sometimes a bit wordy. Overall it would be a good read for young adults and middle grade kids, as long as they’re not looking to rush through the book in a day or two.
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is a book about a young girl named Liberty Frye, or Libby as she likes to be called. Libby and her family seem strange to everyone in their small town. They seclude themselves from society and don’t often meet with anyone, except when Mrs. Frye brings cakes and things to people who are sick. Also, the Fryes are overly protective of Libby, who hates that her parents won’t let her communicate with anyone beyond her classmates.
One day, the Fryes receive a mysterious letter. Libby’s parents get really mad at her, and she doesn't understand why. Not long after that, her parents tell her that they are going to Germany to visit her grandparents, who they had previously told her were dead. On their trip, Libby’s parents get kidnapped. It’s up to Libby and her best friend Ginny to find and save them. Will they accomplish this monumental feat, or will they also get captured in the process? Find out in Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen!
Opinion: I thought that Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen was a good book filled with action, adventure, and mystery. I liked the plotline that the author, J.L. McCreedy, created; it pulled me in from the first page. Also, everything was well described: from Germany to the characters, it left a beautifully painted picture.
A part in the book that I enjoyed was when Libby tried to escape from the castle in which she was being held. Did she succeed or not? You’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
I loved this book from start to finish. I would recommend it to students ages 11 and up, though it has characteristics that would be appealing to readers of all ages. It would also be enjoyed by people who liked The Series of Unfortunate Events, as this book is similar in some ways.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age:14
I am always happy to be able to read and review a good middle grade fiction book. While I am past the target age group, I like to read a wide variety of things, and sometimes a book like this is just the ticket. It didn't take me long into reading this book to realize that Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is one of my favorite kinds of books--the ones with strong female characters. Libby may be ten years old, but she has a mind that, to me, reads far beyond her age. Her as the main character creates an absolutely lovely book filled with lots of adventure. Libby's life is not as it seems to be, and she's never really understood why her parents were so overprotective of her. One day, her small town life is in for a big change when her family receives a yellow envelope that whisks her off for Christmas with grandparents in Germany she didn't even knew existed. That is where the story really gets going! I would go so far as to say that Liberty Frye is one of the best middle grade books I've read in a really long time. Right up there as a favorite with Daisy and the Pirates(who I'm doing a character interview with tomorrow), the Harry Potter series, The Spiderwick series and a few other awesome series. I would highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. It has a really good message of bravery and reads really well. To be completely honest, one day(many, many years from now, haha) when I have kids of my own this is a book that I'll read to them. It's that good! *I received this book for review from the author, but this in no way affected my thoughts as expressed in this review*
Published by Penelope Pipp Publishing on February 4, 2012
(ebook reviewed)
It all started when Libby’s parents got a letter from her grandparents saying Libby’s grandfather was ill (Libby didn’t even know she had a grandfather). Libby soon found herself travelling to Germany with her parents to visit and care for her sick grandfather. What she found in Germany was a lot more than what she expected! Libby finds out that she is from a line of witches and that her mother is a witch. A series of weird things start to happen. First she finds that her grandfather already passed away, next her parents are poisoned and kidnapped and she doesn’ know which relative to trust!
Overall I thought this story was awesome! The characters in the book were great and you really got to know them. Libby is a great main character. She is smart and loyal. I did find that the beginning of the book was a little confusing (there were things that were explained later in the book, maybe because I am a kid, I found it a little confusing). I like the adventure and the fact it wasn’t too scary or violent. I really like how Libby kept finding more and more about her family and who she really was. I think boys and girls will like the book. It is a very fun story and I hope that this turns into a series because this is a really great book and I know that it could stop at one book, but I would like to learn more about what happens next with Libby!
Most little girls are content with making friends, enjoying summer vacations, planning parties, baking cookies and generally caught up happily in the routines of everyday school and family life. Not Liberty Frye! She’s a spunky, cynical, energetically brave and oftentimes somewhat impatiently irritable young lady whose own unbelievable adventure is just about to begin. J. L. McCreedy writes a novel that whispers hints of old Grimm, the likes of Hansel and Gretel’s horrible plight, Harry Potter’s frights and flights and many others while freshly donning hat after new hat of playful but often terrifying sceneries atop her young heroine. She’s given us a whole new story in the process, complete with ghosts, goblins and ghoulish goings-on while mirroring the tried and true happenstances, hair-raisers and hellish nightmares that make a young reader’s novel interesting. Bad dreams are brought to life with a huge potion-portion of suspense and her Liberty Frye soon learns that there’s more to her own story than she’d ever dare to know. She’s assisted by her meek-turned-ferociously-loyal friend, Ginny, who takes us on a joy ride through the German countryside along with a flying ace apparition to rescue her only friend. Mystery abounds throughout the book and McCreedy’s rendition of a newly fashioned “teen-witch” tale is a quick and quirky read meant to be taken up as an amusement park ride which begs to be ridden again.
This is a review of a Netgalley edition. It was free in return for an honest review (this is the same review from my blog)
This is a dark tale along the lines of classic fairy tales, but without the charm and sparkle that I like to see in a middle grade book. It is not poorly written, and the main character Libby is likable but there were too many times when the dialog either vaulted me out of the story “vat is dat?” …. or I just had to sit back and go “wait what just happened?”. The small German town was cute, and the mythology was a neat twist on witches and what gives them power. But Libby spends a lot of time trying to get a word in edgewise and even more time lost and confused.
The thing that I loved most about this story were the friendships, and what the characters are willing to endure to help out eachother. Libby and Ginny are the best examples of doing your best even when you are scared. Sal and Uncle Frank are typical “grumpy old men” but go to extremes to help out when called. Even Buttercup, the faithful goose displays extraordinary loyalty. I think most young kids who love action adventure stories with a hint of magic will enjoy this book.
Parents please note, there are a few grisly scenes, and a fair number of foreign words that are not always translated so expect to be asked “what does that mean?” A lot.
I'm very glad I read this book. It was a unique story that was easy and fun to read. It has quite a few unexpected twists that will keep you excited and make it hard to put your kindle down. I like the main characters a lot and I also like the villain (actually villains, but the main one especially) as she is well developed and sort of sends a chill down your spine. One thing I particularly like about this book, that is different than most of the books coming out these days, is that it is able to stand on it's own as a great story. What I mean is that it seems like all the books coming out these days end up being a series of books where you have to read them all to get the whole story. It's a great marketing gimmick to get you to buy more books, but not really fair to the reader in my opinion. To be clear, this book has great characters, and I anticipate that the author will probably write more stories about them, but there is no obligation to buy more books to get a satisfying completion to the story. This book stands up well all by itself. I hope that's not too confusing. Anyway, I thought this was a great book and recommend it. Enjoy!!
Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen by J.L. McCreedy is a young adult story about a ten year old girl, Liberty Frye, who loves to read and dreams of adventures. Living in Baluhla, Alabama with strict parents isn't much fun, but one day a mysterious girl named Ginny appears. Shortly after Ginny shows up a strange envelope shows up on the doorstep. What's with all these peculiar incidents?
Liberty Frye's parents go all hush-hush. Liberty all of a sudden finds herself in Germany around Christmas time visiting grandparents she never knew she had. But wait! There's more.
Liberty's parents are kidnapped. There's a runaway goose, two shape-shifter birds, an ugly witch, a baker, and a whole cast of bizarre characters. It's endless hoopla that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I love the story. It reminds me of my favorite middle grade books that I read when I was ten. Only know I enjoy them as an adult. It's a great read for kids and adults alike.
The scene is set around Christmas time, so it's a prefect gift. It's also a great book to read every year. The same thing you do with your favorite holiday movies. Create a tradition with your kids.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen was an enchanting story that kept me going from start to finish. It's a quick read, and the story develops fast enough to keep readers of all sorts engaged. It also encourages positive principles of loyalty and friendship in addition to generous sprinklings of humor throughout. The characters were all thoughtfully created and each adds a necessary ingredient to the story. Furthermore, as a parent, I was glad to see the author incorporate the fanciful and mysterious trappings of fairy tales and such without getting too "dark" with the subject matter. Makes it an enjoyable book a wide range of audiences. But don't just stop at the book! Check out the fantastic web site that takes the story and context even deeper. I look forward to J.L. McCreedy's future installments!
Hott Review: What I liked: I generally enjoyed this book. It was a bit confusing in places, but I think it was just because I was reading too fast. There was nothing that I believe should deter middle-graders from reading this. Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen is a solid read with an interesting storyline and a fun plot. I’ll be adding it to my children’s TBR list ;) . What I didn’t like: The book’s intro features a drunk neighbor and I almost put the book down thinking this had been improperly categorized, however, luckily I read a few more pages and found that my first impression was terribly inaccurate!
'Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen' is a fast-paced read, with twists and turns at every chapter. I enjoyed the book, and I LOVED the fast paced action. This book tells the story of a ten year old girl, called Liberty Frye, and her holiday to her mother's home town Hanau, Germany. The entire trip is shrouded with mystery, with many plot twists and surprises. Can Liberty handle all these secrets being revealed???
I recommend this book for action and mystery book lovers. If you also enjoy books about witches, I also recommend it for you.
This is a mystery/adventure story as 10 year old Libby Frye goes to Germany with her overprotective parents to meet a grandmother that she had not known existed. Once there, trouble compounds and it is up to Libby's best friend, Ginny to help her out. There are witches, an old fighter pilot, an international traveling goose, mysteries and magic in this fast paced story. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
Kids will enjoy the Hessen witch world and Libby’s place in it. The characters are edgy and often funny. The Hessen world, past and present, is enticing and curiosities abound. The writing drew me in then the plotting and characters grabbed me. If you like witches, magic, strange happenings, and the cautious spilling of secrets, you will love Liberty Frye and the Witches of Hessen.
This book had an interesting story with many twists and delightful characters. Liberty is a thinking and maturing heroine. The bad witches also have interesting personalities! I will definitely read the next book in the series. I want to share these books with my granddaughter.