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The Bestiary #1.4
Cleanly Wrong
Rung is a half-breed orphan brownie who can't do anything right, much to the worry of his cleanliness teachers. When he runs away, Rung decides that he can resist the need to clean. Only, there is that one office that so desperately needs help...
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2012
4 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Mell Eight
70 books279 followersWhen Mell Eight was in high school, she discovered dragons. Beautiful, wondrous creatures that took her on epic adventures both to faraway lands and on journeys of the heart. Mell wanted to create dragons of her own, so she put pen to paper. Mell Eight is now known for her own soaring dragons, as well as for other wonderful characters dancing across the pages of her books. While she mostly writes paranormal or fantasy stories, she has been seen exploring the real world once or twice.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
For more information on Mell’s stories and future writing plans, visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 28, 2014
Nothing says "I Love You" like a wickerwork laundry basket from an OCD Brownie.
Sweet, and full of tenderness, and of compassion.
Also pretty funny—especially if you've ever had to clean up after a disgusting teenaged boy.
My cocklez: they haz warmz.
Sweet, and full of tenderness, and of compassion.
Also pretty funny—especially if you've ever had to clean up after a disgusting teenaged boy.
My cocklez: they haz warmz.
March 17, 2013
4.35 stars
Loved it, an adorable and sweetly endearing feelgood story, best of all the underdog comes up trumps. Ladder Rung is another wonderful little character. A half breed brownie with a special way of keeping things clean, Rung is hoodwinked into leaving the orphanage by the spiteful, bullying Sewing Needle (love the names). He finds his way to the castle where he settles down and his skills can be put to good use. I couldn't help laughing at his attempts "not to clean" Prince Lionel's pigsty of a bedroom and office. He's a darling and too cute to resist, thanks to Tailtiu for the gentle shove, recommended!
Loved it, an adorable and sweetly endearing feelgood story, best of all the underdog comes up trumps. Ladder Rung is another wonderful little character. A half breed brownie with a special way of keeping things clean, Rung is hoodwinked into leaving the orphanage by the spiteful, bullying Sewing Needle (love the names). He finds his way to the castle where he settles down and his skills can be put to good use. I couldn't help laughing at his attempts "not to clean" Prince Lionel's pigsty of a bedroom and office. He's a darling and too cute to resist, thanks to Tailtiu for the gentle shove, recommended!
February 20, 2013
I cannot express just how adorable this story was, it was so incredibly sweet.
Ladder Rung is a half-breed Brownie who is forced out of the orphanage because he didn't clean to the other Brownies' standard and has to make his own way in the world. He ends up hiding in the castle which has forbidden any Brownies living there because of their obsessive and intrusive cleaning habits.
Reading about Rung's struggle to not clean things was just so much fun it had me laughing. I really loved how things worked out for him he was so cute. While this is an MM it's a very subtle one with just a kiss and expectations which perfectly suited this story and characters. So much fun and I really recommend it for anyone looking for something quick and sweet.
Ladder Rung is a half-breed Brownie who is forced out of the orphanage because he didn't clean to the other Brownies' standard and has to make his own way in the world. He ends up hiding in the castle which has forbidden any Brownies living there because of their obsessive and intrusive cleaning habits.
Reading about Rung's struggle to not clean things was just so much fun it had me laughing. I really loved how things worked out for him he was so cute. While this is an MM it's a very subtle one with just a kiss and expectations which perfectly suited this story and characters. So much fun and I really recommend it for anyone looking for something quick and sweet.
January 22, 2016
An adorably cute sweet little story. One I will revisit when in need of a pick me up read.
Kinda almost took me back to my childhood days of Brownies and pixies and all things Enid Blyton lol.
ETA It's impossible for me to explain why I love this little fic so much. It's just so cute and adorable with just a touch of angst. I love it as much on re reading, in fact I'm upping the stars. This deserves the full 5 even though its far too short lol.
ETA Like Tori I never get tired of reading about Ladder Rung. He is just too cute
Kinda almost took me back to my childhood days of Brownies and pixies and all things Enid Blyton lol.
ETA It's impossible for me to explain why I love this little fic so much. It's just so cute and adorable with just a touch of angst. I love it as much on re reading, in fact I'm upping the stars. This deserves the full 5 even though its far too short lol.
ETA Like Tori I never get tired of reading about Ladder Rung. He is just too cute
March 17, 2013
Amongst a sea of m/m adult reads this sweet little gem is a breath of fresh air. I love that it's cute and innocent enough to be read to any youngster who loves a fairy story but I also love that it has the underlying message that romance doesn't always have to be a prince and a princess but its fine to have a prince and another male character find love as well, its very subtle between Rung and the prince but its there! . I would hope that parents would find this a way of feeding a child's imagination at the same time as teaching sensitivity and tolerance to same sex relationships in a way appropriate to the child's age. If we start letting them know at an early stage in their lives that this is normal for others, or possibly them if that be the case, then hopefully there will be less young people struggling to come to terms with their own sexuality as they reach an impressionable age... Sorry digressing!
But back to this lovely little tale about Brownies and castles and princes... Ladder Rung is a half breed brownie but he's not like the others, he loves to clean, and he cleans well but he does it in his own particular way, against regulations so that doesn't go down well with the rest of his peers. sadly he's teased, bullied and ostracised. Meanwhile the prince who hates having his own messy routines interfered with has declared no more Brownies allowed in the castle, to sack them he says Thank you - this is abhorrent to a Brownie as it is an insult - so when Rung is encouraged to run away by Sewing Needle , a nasty bully (who does get his comeuppance ), he runs to the place where he thinks nobody would think of looking for an absconded Brownie ..... The palace! Whilst there he secretly starts to use his own cleaning skills and before long things are running a lot more smoothly and the palace staff and the prince are benefitting from Rungs ministrations but things aren't as they seem and our little Brownie finds himself in a few messes he can't just clean up with a broom and some magic!
It just goes to show that regardless of age, we're still big kids who still love a fairy story.... Lovely!
But back to this lovely little tale about Brownies and castles and princes... Ladder Rung is a half breed brownie but he's not like the others, he loves to clean, and he cleans well but he does it in his own particular way, against regulations so that doesn't go down well with the rest of his peers. sadly he's teased, bullied and ostracised. Meanwhile the prince who hates having his own messy routines interfered with has declared no more Brownies allowed in the castle, to sack them he says Thank you - this is abhorrent to a Brownie as it is an insult - so when Rung is encouraged to run away by Sewing Needle , a nasty bully (who does get his comeuppance ), he runs to the place where he thinks nobody would think of looking for an absconded Brownie ..... The palace! Whilst there he secretly starts to use his own cleaning skills and before long things are running a lot more smoothly and the palace staff and the prince are benefitting from Rungs ministrations but things aren't as they seem and our little Brownie finds himself in a few messes he can't just clean up with a broom and some magic!
It just goes to show that regardless of age, we're still big kids who still love a fairy story.... Lovely!
February 24, 2013
3.85 stars rounded up
I have never read anything by Mell Eight before -- so I must thank several people who brought this title to my timeline for the past several days (Mandy, Deeze, Heller, Karenna). It was their positive reviews that made me curious (ah, the JOY of Goodreads, no?).
I found this story to be quite charming. It was more like children's fairy tale rather than romance. We have Ladder Rung, an orphan half-Brownie, who doesn't fit with the 'rules' and 'necessities' of being a good Brownie. His teachers always chastise him (and the way he organizes things) even call him "Wrong".
I thought Rung was just sweet and lovely. I also have this 'system' in my head to organize my things -- which might not always make sense to others but it does to me. The way Rung understands this, that he just doesn't simply clean and organize items like his teachers want him to, just makes him a GREAT observant personal assistant. I was happy that Rung found someone who understands that he is not a failed Brownie like his teachers think.
I don't mind the no-sex part, but on the other hand, the romance is just too light!! *grin* The romance happens in the very end, and there's minimal interaction between Rung and the love interest. That is the only thing I could 'complain'. Aside from that, it's a good fairytale and I wish there are more stories about Brownies!
I have never read anything by Mell Eight before -- so I must thank several people who brought this title to my timeline for the past several days (Mandy, Deeze, Heller, Karenna). It was their positive reviews that made me curious (ah, the JOY of Goodreads, no?).
I found this story to be quite charming. It was more like children's fairy tale rather than romance. We have Ladder Rung, an orphan half-Brownie, who doesn't fit with the 'rules' and 'necessities' of being a good Brownie. His teachers always chastise him (and the way he organizes things) even call him "Wrong".
I thought Rung was just sweet and lovely. I also have this 'system' in my head to organize my things -- which might not always make sense to others but it does to me. The way Rung understands this, that he just doesn't simply clean and organize items like his teachers want him to, just makes him a GREAT observant personal assistant. I was happy that Rung found someone who understands that he is not a failed Brownie like his teachers think.
I don't mind the no-sex part, but on the other hand, the romance is just too light!! *grin* The romance happens in the very end, and there's minimal interaction between Rung and the love interest. That is the only thing I could 'complain'. Aside from that, it's a good fairytale and I wish there are more stories about Brownies!
February 17, 2013
While I would say this is not a romance or love story, I would say it's a cute little gem and worth reading.
Ladder Rung is a brownie, well a half brownie at least, he doesn't fit in at the orphanage/school he has grown up at.
Abused and mistreated there, he isn't like all the other brownies, so when he has to escape and make his way in the world alone, he ends up somewhere he really shouldn't be.
There is some intrigue and a definite improvement for Rung and he has found a home where he is appreciated and his differentness is actually a good thing and makes him special and unique and not a misfit.
Ladder Rung is a brownie, well a half brownie at least, he doesn't fit in at the orphanage/school he has grown up at.
Abused and mistreated there, he isn't like all the other brownies, so when he has to escape and make his way in the world alone, he ends up somewhere he really shouldn't be.
There is some intrigue and a definite improvement for Rung and he has found a home where he is appreciated and his differentness is actually a good thing and makes him special and unique and not a misfit.
February 25, 2013
You just want to pick this book up and squeeze it and pinch its cheeks, it's so damn cute.
January 16, 2013
4,5 stars
My favourite story in the bundle.
Rung is very sweet and is bullied by his peers and teachers. After a particular bad day, one of the other students tells him, that since he is such an embarrassment as a brownie, the Orphanage and the Council, will probably kill him and helps Rung flee the Orphanage. At the same time Rung heard of the human Prince decree, that no brownie is to enter the palace, the prince thanked all that tried to clean up his rooms and this way dismissed them. (Thanking a brownie, if done by his employer is equal to dismissal.) Therefore Rung decides to live in the palace, where no one of his kind will find him, since they are not allowed there. Of course a brownie cannot go against his nature and so he starts doing small things in the place where he lives, but not in the usual brownie way, he sorts things not alphabetically but in an order that is most suited for the needs of the user. A big draw for him is the messy room, with stacks of papers, clothes, jewellery lying about, which turns to be the prince's rooms. Rung helps uncover a plot and actually proves that conforming to the old ways isn't always the best.
Engaging story about Rung finding a place for himself and defying the brownies tradition in doing things. In doing so he also manages to catch the eye of the prince. The story is well written, with lovable characters, an interesting story, which flows nicely. It's sweet, but the romance is very light and takes place towards the very end, the fantasy story in itself is interesting enough.
Review originaly written for pants off reviews
My favourite story in the bundle.
Rung is very sweet and is bullied by his peers and teachers. After a particular bad day, one of the other students tells him, that since he is such an embarrassment as a brownie, the Orphanage and the Council, will probably kill him and helps Rung flee the Orphanage. At the same time Rung heard of the human Prince decree, that no brownie is to enter the palace, the prince thanked all that tried to clean up his rooms and this way dismissed them. (Thanking a brownie, if done by his employer is equal to dismissal.) Therefore Rung decides to live in the palace, where no one of his kind will find him, since they are not allowed there. Of course a brownie cannot go against his nature and so he starts doing small things in the place where he lives, but not in the usual brownie way, he sorts things not alphabetically but in an order that is most suited for the needs of the user. A big draw for him is the messy room, with stacks of papers, clothes, jewellery lying about, which turns to be the prince's rooms. Rung helps uncover a plot and actually proves that conforming to the old ways isn't always the best.
Engaging story about Rung finding a place for himself and defying the brownies tradition in doing things. In doing so he also manages to catch the eye of the prince. The story is well written, with lovable characters, an interesting story, which flows nicely. It's sweet, but the romance is very light and takes place towards the very end, the fantasy story in itself is interesting enough.
Review originaly written for pants off reviews
August 4, 2013
4.5 Stars - What an absolutely delightful read. While this wasn't the normal romance type book that I read, it has far surpassed a lot of books that I have read lately. Wonderful characters and an equally wonderful story. Thanks to Tailtiu for recommending it to me and reminding me that I still needed to read it.
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
This was enchantingly cute, but I would have loved a little more romance in the story. Still, this is the best I've read yet from Mell Eight, because Ladder Rung, or "Rung", or "Wrong" was such an absolutely wonderful character.
This was enchantingly cute, but I would have loved a little more romance in the story. Still, this is the best I've read yet from Mell Eight, because Ladder Rung, or "Rung", or "Wrong" was such an absolutely wonderful character.
November 22, 2019
Cute
2018 re read upgrade to 4stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this on the re read
Still wish there was more
3.75 Stars
Cute short book. Just what I would expect from this author.
Throughly enjoyable characters that made me want to read more from this world
2018 re read upgrade to 4stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this on the re read
Still wish there was more
3.75 Stars
Cute short book. Just what I would expect from this author.
Throughly enjoyable characters that made me want to read more from this world
March 9, 2013
This story is a sweet little fairy tale type, cute and funny. Ladder Rung is (probably) half-human and so he looks a little different than the other brownies. He is in the orphanage and continually fails his cleaning exams due to his insistence on cleaning “wrong”. He is picked on and bullied, called Wrong even by his teachers. He is an abused brownie and it made me sad. When another brownie, Sewing Needle, one of the biggest bullies around, informs Rung that he will most likely be killed due to his inability to clean properly, Needle helps Rung run away.
Rung heads to the castle, even though the Prince has issued an edict of No More Brownies! They clean him to distraction and he loses everything. He’s a slob, honestly. Rung makes a difference at the castle, but there are forces who don’t want him to be successful. Rung is a wonderful character who wants himself safe but also wants to improve and help. I loved the idea of the thank you, “cold shivers running up his spine told him he was about to be thanked”. Poor Rung.
There isn’t a real romance in this story, just some tender moments and one lovely kiss. Made me smile.
Rung heads to the castle, even though the Prince has issued an edict of No More Brownies! They clean him to distraction and he loses everything. He’s a slob, honestly. Rung makes a difference at the castle, but there are forces who don’t want him to be successful. Rung is a wonderful character who wants himself safe but also wants to improve and help. I loved the idea of the thank you, “cold shivers running up his spine told him he was about to be thanked”. Poor Rung.
There isn’t a real romance in this story, just some tender moments and one lovely kiss. Made me smile.
June 26, 2016
Aww it was so cute and fluffy. Rung and Prince Lionel were so adorable. I liked Rung very much. He reminded me of a cute puppy who was easily hurt.
The story is about a half-breed orphan brownie (brownies are short creatures who like to clean and organize things. They're like an OCD race) who escapes his orphanage, where he wasn't accepted and often ridiculed and punished for his peculiar sense of cleaning and organizing. After escaping he takes refuge in the royal castle where he can live unnoticed, but his desire to often clean everything dirty might not help with that.
The book had some holes but it had a nice story. The thing that made me give it 3 stars was that there wasn't much interaction between Rung and Prince Lionel and the ending was a surprise because nowhere in the book you see Lionel having romantic feelings about Rung and suddenly he's kissing him? And saying he'd like to spend the rest of their lives together because Rung is such a good cleaner and organizer ? Yeah it really does sound like a forced ending, but it was a cute fairy tale.
The story is about a half-breed orphan brownie (brownies are short creatures who like to clean and organize things. They're like an OCD race) who escapes his orphanage, where he wasn't accepted and often ridiculed and punished for his peculiar sense of cleaning and organizing. After escaping he takes refuge in the royal castle where he can live unnoticed, but his desire to often clean everything dirty might not help with that.
The book had some holes but it had a nice story. The thing that made me give it 3 stars was that there wasn't much interaction between Rung and Prince Lionel and the ending was a surprise because nowhere in the book you see Lionel having romantic feelings about Rung and suddenly he's kissing him? And saying he'd like to spend the rest of their lives together because Rung is such a good cleaner and organizer ? Yeah it really does sound like a forced ending, but it was a cute fairy tale.
November 8, 2013
I can't remember ever reading a book twice in a row before, but this one was so cute that I got to the end and promptly decided I needed to read it again.
The characters are adorable. I love the Brownie naming scheme. The plot is just right, neither too much nor too little, and the descriptions made me feel like I could see it.
My only real regret is that the romance is barely there, the main characters not even speaking to one another until 2/3 through the book. I would have liked a little bit more epilogue, both to see how things turned out with Lord whats-his-name and to give the MCs a little more time to deepen their relationship.
Still, it was a very enjoyable read.
The characters are adorable. I love the Brownie naming scheme. The plot is just right, neither too much nor too little, and the descriptions made me feel like I could see it.
My only real regret is that the romance is barely there, the main characters not even speaking to one another until 2/3 through the book. I would have liked a little bit more epilogue, both to see how things turned out with Lord whats-his-name and to give the MCs a little more time to deepen their relationship.
Still, it was a very enjoyable read.
June 29, 2013
So damn cute :-D
December 8, 2012
This was so bloody adorable. I only wish that the romance had more of a build up, and a bigger part in the story. So so cute though.
December 30, 2020
2/9:
Cleanly Wrong (Brownies) = 5 stars
Cleanly wrong was just so cute!! EEK! Can you believe that a short & sweet novella could actually achieve a high level of enjoyment from readers? Well, I can! This “book” was just so...fab! It was raw, well-developed, and felt like a normal-sized book rather than a 40-page fairy tale. I’ve read many readers’ reviews of this particular book stating that they were not familiar with this tale, but I was, at least, with some of it. Long story short, when I was a Brownie in Girl Scouts, we read a little cute short story about the little cleaning brownies and yadayadayadaa. Y’know, I feel that Cleanly Wrong had a lesson learned in it. Simply: "Don’t judge a book by its cover." Broom truly had a change of heart because of what he saw lying deep down in Rung’s heart. 5 stars!
Cleanly wrong was just so cute!! EEK! Can you believe that a short & sweet novella could actually achieve a high level of enjoyment from readers? Well, I can! This “book” was just so...fab! It was raw, well-developed, and felt like a normal-sized book rather than a 40-page fairy tale. I’ve read many readers’ reviews of this particular book stating that they were not familiar with this tale, but I was, at least, with some of it. Long story short, when I was a Brownie in Girl Scouts, we read a little cute short story about the little cleaning brownies and yadayadayadaa. Y’know, I feel that Cleanly Wrong had a lesson learned in it. Simply: "Don’t judge a book by its cover." Broom truly had a change of heart because of what he saw lying deep down in Rung’s heart. 5 stars!
July 4, 2013
A whimsically wonderful story. There wasn't much romance but the journey to happiness of Ladder Rung was a joy to read.
I do feel that the romance part were kind thrown in to sell this book to the M/M market.
Despite all that, it was a fun, cute, and whimsical story that is suitable for rainy day to lift up your spirit.
I do feel that the romance part were kind thrown in to sell this book to the M/M market.
Despite all that, it was a fun, cute, and whimsical story that is suitable for rainy day to lift up your spirit.
December 12, 2012
A clean almost romantic read. While there's no sex and Rung and the prince don't seem to develop anything beyond friendship; there is that very little spark of interest between the two MC's that reader get to see. This is by far the best story I've read from Mell Eight. Ladder Rung was a very cute innocent character.
December 29, 2012
Gorgeous little tale of a brownie, something I've not read before. I felt so much for Rung and was very happy at the end.
I was glad Mell Eight wrote for the Bestiary collection, and not disappointed by this story.
If you like sweet fantasy, buy it.
I was glad Mell Eight wrote for the Bestiary collection, and not disappointed by this story.
If you like sweet fantasy, buy it.
November 23, 2012
I loved this one. It was a beautiful story of someone who doesn't quite fit anywhere finding his place. Although not a typical romance, well worth the read for the coming-of-age story.
December 21, 2012
LOVED IT! So sweet. 4.5 stars.
May 11, 2013
I'm on my fourth read of this sweet and endearing little book with the sweetest character ever. As a matter of fact I'm getting a little bit twitchy, so I'd better reread it again.
December 29, 2020
Urgh, so cute! (Though it has made my OCD twitchy. It is now desperate to find something to clean/organize. *sigh*)
March 18, 2013
3.5 stars
November 18, 2019
I love this story! I wish there were more like this. Or at least about similar subjects. Brownies are awesome!
March 28, 2019
Absolutely adorable!
March 22, 2015
Full review posted at The Armchair Reader
This site is down. Here is the review.
This story was an absolute delight! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was a sweet story with very little romance really, but that doesn’t detract at all from the lovely unveiling of this world. Rung is a halfbreed Brownie orphan who at 18 is still at the orphanage is 18 because he can’t seem to pass his exams and win a position out in the world. Brownies are cleaners and they are not to be seen by the humans they help. Ladder Rung who has been dubbed ‘Wrong” by his fellow orphans and his teachers cannot seem to organize the rooms he’s being tested on in the way that is desired. He has been repeatedly humiliated and punished. His hateful classmate, Needle, convinces him that he will never pass and he’ll be in danger if he stays, so he convinces Rung to run away from the orphanage.
The Prince of the land has had his fill of Brownies and has sent six back and issued a decree that NO Brownies will ever be allowed back in the castle. Rung flees the orphanage and when he comes to the first town he is nervous because he can be seen by the humans. He finds his way into a large castle and manages to find a wonderful place to make his home away from the people who live in the castle. He is very handy and makes his own comfortable bed and chair and he works his way around the castle cleaning the areas that aren’t inhabited so that he won’t draw attention to himself. He sets rules for himself so that he doesn’t cause trouble for the humans; however, he breaks his own rule by making a small adjustment to the kitchen after he witnesses an injury that could have been avoided.
Eventually as Rung is making his home in the castle he comes upon a hidden passageway and he observes an office that is in dire need of organization. He cannot help but organize the desk after watching the man who works in the office become very frustrated at not being able to find the papers he is looking for. As Rung continues to observe the office, he thinks of many organizational improvements he could make to help the office’s occupant. He wants to help but he doesn’t want to overstep and cause trouble. In the meantime, two of the staff have realized that there is a Brownie in the castle, but the Brownie is only being helpful and not intrusive. The office occupant also realizes that someone has been helping him with his disorganized office and decides he wants to hire whoever it is to be his personal secretary.
The staff members seek out and find Rung and he is overjoyed to be able to help and do his job. He agrees to take on the job of the personal secretary for the man that he has secretly admired from behind the secret passage. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story but there are some surprises that bring the return of an old thorn in Rung’s side and support from an unexpected source. In the though, Rung is very happy in his job and he prevails over the obstacles in his way.
Rung is such a lovely character. He’s the underdog that you just can’t help but love and root for. He’s been ridiculed and humiliated and all he’s ever wanted to do it help. He tries to curb his natural desires towards cleaning and organization, but he is able to find a way to help without making a nuisance of himself. There isn’t a traditional romance in this story, but the feelings between the Brownie and the man he ends up helping are completely genuine and sweet and certainly loving and protecting. Also, the villains were appropriately nasty without being caricatures. The setting was well-done and I really couldn’t wait to see what was going to become of Rung. A very very enjoyable experience! This is the second story I’ve read by this author and it couldn’t be more different, but I’ve really enjoyed them both and think this is an author to watch.
This site is down. Here is the review.
This story was an absolute delight! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was a sweet story with very little romance really, but that doesn’t detract at all from the lovely unveiling of this world. Rung is a halfbreed Brownie orphan who at 18 is still at the orphanage is 18 because he can’t seem to pass his exams and win a position out in the world. Brownies are cleaners and they are not to be seen by the humans they help. Ladder Rung who has been dubbed ‘Wrong” by his fellow orphans and his teachers cannot seem to organize the rooms he’s being tested on in the way that is desired. He has been repeatedly humiliated and punished. His hateful classmate, Needle, convinces him that he will never pass and he’ll be in danger if he stays, so he convinces Rung to run away from the orphanage.
The Prince of the land has had his fill of Brownies and has sent six back and issued a decree that NO Brownies will ever be allowed back in the castle. Rung flees the orphanage and when he comes to the first town he is nervous because he can be seen by the humans. He finds his way into a large castle and manages to find a wonderful place to make his home away from the people who live in the castle. He is very handy and makes his own comfortable bed and chair and he works his way around the castle cleaning the areas that aren’t inhabited so that he won’t draw attention to himself. He sets rules for himself so that he doesn’t cause trouble for the humans; however, he breaks his own rule by making a small adjustment to the kitchen after he witnesses an injury that could have been avoided.
Eventually as Rung is making his home in the castle he comes upon a hidden passageway and he observes an office that is in dire need of organization. He cannot help but organize the desk after watching the man who works in the office become very frustrated at not being able to find the papers he is looking for. As Rung continues to observe the office, he thinks of many organizational improvements he could make to help the office’s occupant. He wants to help but he doesn’t want to overstep and cause trouble. In the meantime, two of the staff have realized that there is a Brownie in the castle, but the Brownie is only being helpful and not intrusive. The office occupant also realizes that someone has been helping him with his disorganized office and decides he wants to hire whoever it is to be his personal secretary.
The staff members seek out and find Rung and he is overjoyed to be able to help and do his job. He agrees to take on the job of the personal secretary for the man that he has secretly admired from behind the secret passage. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the story but there are some surprises that bring the return of an old thorn in Rung’s side and support from an unexpected source. In the though, Rung is very happy in his job and he prevails over the obstacles in his way.
Rung is such a lovely character. He’s the underdog that you just can’t help but love and root for. He’s been ridiculed and humiliated and all he’s ever wanted to do it help. He tries to curb his natural desires towards cleaning and organization, but he is able to find a way to help without making a nuisance of himself. There isn’t a traditional romance in this story, but the feelings between the Brownie and the man he ends up helping are completely genuine and sweet and certainly loving and protecting. Also, the villains were appropriately nasty without being caricatures. The setting was well-done and I really couldn’t wait to see what was going to become of Rung. A very very enjoyable experience! This is the second story I’ve read by this author and it couldn’t be more different, but I’ve really enjoyed them both and think this is an author to watch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews