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Queen of the Realm of Faerie #3
The Dragon Carnivale
The Dragon Carnivale has been revised republished as the first part of Half Mortal.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published June 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 10, 2013
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Dragon Carnivale is the best of this series, so far. Melia grows up so much in this novel, I’ve struggled with her immaturity at times, but in this book she shines! Melia has had enough heartache for a lifetime, but this has also stunted her in many ways. I loved the scene with the nixie Bertille. Bertille looked at Melia and saw the anguish that Melia lived with every day and decided to help her. She forced Melia to look at her fears and her scars and decide what she wanted. Whether Melia wanted to be stunted by them or let them go and grow as a person. I loved this character and I’m so glad that Melia got this opportunity to move forward.
It was more difficult for me to start liking Sevondi, but by the end of the book I really felt like there was something in Sevondi that was worth saving. Sevondi didn’t really have a happy childhood, and she was manipulated by her family. She wasn’t evil but she didn’t know how to take the right path.
I also loved all the side characters in this novel. Flora, Sinjiin, Uncle Raffles, Tatou, Bertille, and Calista. They all helped Melia grow and decide to take charge of her own fate, and not leave it up to chance. I struggled with Ryder in this book though, because I felt like Melia was growing and learning to face her fears, and now Ryder was the one running away. I can understand his frustration because as ideas were being compiled on how to deal with Umbra, no one was listening to him. I just felt like he overreacted, he should’ve sat down with Melia at the very least and explained his side to her. Instead, Melia was left wondering about his intentions, and while she overreacted to him with Sevondi, I can understand why she was so upset. It looked awful and with the way they both left things it would’ve made sense.
This was definitely the best in this series, and I can’t wait for more of these characters. I’m also intrigued to see how Lola plays into this, and I hope she is more open to the realm of Faerie than Gabriela was.
The Dragon Carnivale is the best of this series, so far. Melia grows up so much in this novel, I’ve struggled with her immaturity at times, but in this book she shines! Melia has had enough heartache for a lifetime, but this has also stunted her in many ways. I loved the scene with the nixie Bertille. Bertille looked at Melia and saw the anguish that Melia lived with every day and decided to help her. She forced Melia to look at her fears and her scars and decide what she wanted. Whether Melia wanted to be stunted by them or let them go and grow as a person. I loved this character and I’m so glad that Melia got this opportunity to move forward.
It was more difficult for me to start liking Sevondi, but by the end of the book I really felt like there was something in Sevondi that was worth saving. Sevondi didn’t really have a happy childhood, and she was manipulated by her family. She wasn’t evil but she didn’t know how to take the right path.
I also loved all the side characters in this novel. Flora, Sinjiin, Uncle Raffles, Tatou, Bertille, and Calista. They all helped Melia grow and decide to take charge of her own fate, and not leave it up to chance. I struggled with Ryder in this book though, because I felt like Melia was growing and learning to face her fears, and now Ryder was the one running away. I can understand his frustration because as ideas were being compiled on how to deal with Umbra, no one was listening to him. I just felt like he overreacted, he should’ve sat down with Melia at the very least and explained his side to her. Instead, Melia was left wondering about his intentions, and while she overreacted to him with Sevondi, I can understand why she was so upset. It looked awful and with the way they both left things it would’ve made sense.
This was definitely the best in this series, and I can’t wait for more of these characters. I’m also intrigued to see how Lola plays into this, and I hope she is more open to the realm of Faerie than Gabriela was.
July 18, 2013
An engaging story. Checked.
This is the continuation of Melia's journey she takes it directly from book 2, Flower of Isbelline. She and Tatou travel back to Illialei to find Uncle Raffles. But few chapters in the beginning of the story kind of annoyed me. I feel like the author betrayed me because I do hope Melia meet him without incident. Her journey never easy, I just wish that even if only once, she gets what she wants easily. So, when she I feel her journey to Illialei is useless. But then I realize in one way, her journey is supposed to be never easy, she has a huge responsibility to the Enchanted World and it's kind of prepare her. I also realize those few chapters are the way the author introduced Princess Lilliane who, apparently, has an important role in the story. As the story goes, there are many different things happen at the same time. Some of it needs more attention from me to understand it, other part are what I wish will happen to the characters. But, I can never guess where the story goes. It's like when I prepare myself to read one thing, another different thing happens. Including what happen with Ryder. He's so foolish I want to scream at him and ask him why he lets it happen, not after the similar thing happened in Flower of Isbelline. I think I need time to forgive him even if he has good reason to do what he did and Melia and other understand his action. With all of things happen in Melia's journey, one thing for sure I can't stop reading until I finished it and the surprises make the story better. I love the feeling when I can't guess it even when it kind of irritated me and I want to scream to the characters :D
Lovable characters. Checked.
Melia, Flora, Tatou, Ryder, Uncle Raffles, Sinjiin even Umbra, Sevondi, Princess Lilliane and other characters are have different perspective seeing the same thing. All of them are have their own virtue and vice. They have their own flaws and reasons. Therefore, I see them equal, thing that I didn't see in Nandana's Mark and The Flower of Isbelline. Umbra can be the bad guy in The Enchanted World from some of characters eyes but for another he is the vassel to rebalance The Enchanted World, as strange as it is, I can understand it. That's why I love them all but my favorite of course Melia and Flora. Love Flora for her witty-wisdom-sarcastic spring faerie attitude and Melia because she has so much on her shoulder but finally accepts it and willing to take the risk. Her training with Flora, Uncle Raffles, Sinjiin and Tatou is a great way for her acceptance but I think she began her training from the beginning of the story, when she met the siren, Calista and Bertille. I especially love this scene because I can relate it.
Beautifully written. Check.
I already fall in love with the world building from book one but here, with many different things happen at the same time, I more realize the complexity of The Enchanted World. Each place well describe and it's beautifully written.
Note: a question for the author, Ms. Heidi Garrett
March 9, 2016
So good. The Dragon Carnivale did away with all of the parts of the first two books that frustrated me and just made the story so much better. I have very little to complain about in this book, and I'm so happy about that.
First off, I love Melia's change. She's such a better person (half-faerie) in this installment than in the first two. Her decision to accept herself as she really was and to face her problems instead of running away from them was magnificent. She was a much more likable character for me and I found myself rooting for her far more than I did in Nandana's Mark or the Flower of Isbelline. It was a great improvement on her character, and I think it was definitely notable in the climax of this book.
Umbra's presence isn't in the forefront as much in this book so much as talked about constantly. I actually found that I liked this; it felt like the group was tackling the problem instead of just being exposed to Umbra, if that makes any sense. Multiple ideas on how to solve the problem were thrown about, and I liked that there wasn't one definitive answer, because that's logical. No one has ever dealt with this before, so why would anyone know how to absolutely deal with it? It was refreshing to say the least.
I've found that Sevondi has grown on me as well. At first I hated her, and couldn't wait for something bad to happen to her. But when I started The Dragon Carnivale, I found that I was secretly hoping that she wouldn't come to any trouble, and that she would join the group of protagonists.
The climax was fantastic. I loved it so much. It had all the elements of a grand finale piece, something Sevondi would (of course) be proud of. There was an audience, a rising crescendo of action, and ended with a riveting and awesome finale. So great.
I can't wait to see how this series will end. It's only gotten better.
First off, I love Melia's change. She's such a better person (half-faerie) in this installment than in the first two. Her decision to accept herself as she really was and to face her problems instead of running away from them was magnificent. She was a much more likable character for me and I found myself rooting for her far more than I did in Nandana's Mark or the Flower of Isbelline. It was a great improvement on her character, and I think it was definitely notable in the climax of this book.
Umbra's presence isn't in the forefront as much in this book so much as talked about constantly. I actually found that I liked this; it felt like the group was tackling the problem instead of just being exposed to Umbra, if that makes any sense. Multiple ideas on how to solve the problem were thrown about, and I liked that there wasn't one definitive answer, because that's logical. No one has ever dealt with this before, so why would anyone know how to absolutely deal with it? It was refreshing to say the least.
I've found that Sevondi has grown on me as well. At first I hated her, and couldn't wait for something bad to happen to her. But when I started The Dragon Carnivale, I found that I was secretly hoping that she wouldn't come to any trouble, and that she would join the group of protagonists.
The climax was fantastic. I loved it so much. It had all the elements of a grand finale piece, something Sevondi would (of course) be proud of. There was an audience, a rising crescendo of action, and ended with a riveting and awesome finale. So great.
I can't wait to see how this series will end. It's only gotten better.
June 30, 2013
3.5-4. I have been truly enjoying this series although I have to admit that I thought it was a trilogy until I finished the third book. However ,I am happy to know that there is more to come . Of course, I would recommend that you must read the 3 books in order . This is not a series where you can read it all hobbly-gobbly. I have appreciated that not only Melia but all of the characters have become more layered and complex throughout the series and yet have remained consistent to their basic characters.I have enjoyed watching Melia become a deeper and thus more interesting character.I just love Flora and watching how our knowledge of her backstory alters our original thoughts of her. I think the author does a wonderful job with Melia and her curse"transformation". It seems plausible and the transitions are smooth .I like how the concept of true love possible being able to conquer all is woven through the story.Perhaps considered a trite concept to many yet not trite within a fairy tale ( or life , if we are honest).However I am grateful that the "love story" does not over take the plot. I am also anxious to see what happens to Jade and Princess Lilliane in the next installment. I am glad that even though adults enjoy this book ,that it is written in such a way, that I have no qualms recommending it to young adult readers also.
One of my favorite quotes: "Forces are aligning , the light and the dark....Light is most often assumed to be the side of the good, the benevolent, perhaps even the holy, but when the light burns too bright, when it blinds and sears, then it becomes the handmaiden of pain and evil. The dark can provide nourishment and shelter-like a mother's womb...you must balance the light and dark within you."
One of my favorite quotes: "Forces are aligning , the light and the dark....Light is most often assumed to be the side of the good, the benevolent, perhaps even the holy, but when the light burns too bright, when it blinds and sears, then it becomes the handmaiden of pain and evil. The dark can provide nourishment and shelter-like a mother's womb...you must balance the light and dark within you."
August 25, 2013
The Dragon Carnivale, Book 3
In Book 2 Umbra said he would find another vessel, so now Melia is trying to find that person. She only knows of three that could be used. It wont be easy to find them and she’s going to need her friends help. She also needs to patch things up with Ryder and possibly stop Sevondi from incarnating Umbra.
It’s just another typical day for Melia.
I know this isn’t the last book but this one left me satisfied. I’m still longing for the next one but the end of this one will keep me at peace…for now. :D Melia is faced with some hard decisions in this one, decisions that she doesn’t make lightly. Again in this on there was only about 4 POVs. I loved Melia’s and Ryder’s the most. :D There is hardly any mention of Melia’s mother but I know in a future book she will pop up again. As I draw this review to a close I feel like I missed a lot of important things and people. I just want you guys (HI) to read and experience the journey I did.
Overall: A magical journey, which holds many decisions and secrets.
This is part of my review for True Love's First Kiss which is book 1-3.
In Book 2 Umbra said he would find another vessel, so now Melia is trying to find that person. She only knows of three that could be used. It wont be easy to find them and she’s going to need her friends help. She also needs to patch things up with Ryder and possibly stop Sevondi from incarnating Umbra.
It’s just another typical day for Melia.
I know this isn’t the last book but this one left me satisfied. I’m still longing for the next one but the end of this one will keep me at peace…for now. :D Melia is faced with some hard decisions in this one, decisions that she doesn’t make lightly. Again in this on there was only about 4 POVs. I loved Melia’s and Ryder’s the most. :D There is hardly any mention of Melia’s mother but I know in a future book she will pop up again. As I draw this review to a close I feel like I missed a lot of important things and people. I just want you guys (HI) to read and experience the journey I did.
Overall: A magical journey, which holds many decisions and secrets.
This is part of my review for True Love's First Kiss which is book 1-3.
September 10, 2013
Review first posted to http://beanieboo78.wordpress.com/2013...
There has been a gap between me reading the first two books in this series and reading The Dragon Carnivale which made the beginning of the book a little confusing as there was a few details that I had forgotten, but I was quickly back up to speed. So you don’t need to read them all back to back (though definitely in order) to understand what’s going on.
This was by far the best book of the series (so far). Perhaps that’s because Melia has grown so much, maybe it’s because I felt like I really connected with Melia this time round. Melia has gone from being the young naïve half-faerie who didn’t want to take a chance on love because it would take away her ability to fly, to this young brave woman who is putting her own feelings and needs on hold to help others; even those who wouldn’t necessarily have done the same for her before. All this leaves me wanting more of Melia’s story.
There has been a gap between me reading the first two books in this series and reading The Dragon Carnivale which made the beginning of the book a little confusing as there was a few details that I had forgotten, but I was quickly back up to speed. So you don’t need to read them all back to back (though definitely in order) to understand what’s going on.
This was by far the best book of the series (so far). Perhaps that’s because Melia has grown so much, maybe it’s because I felt like I really connected with Melia this time round. Melia has gone from being the young naïve half-faerie who didn’t want to take a chance on love because it would take away her ability to fly, to this young brave woman who is putting her own feelings and needs on hold to help others; even those who wouldn’t necessarily have done the same for her before. All this leaves me wanting more of Melia’s story.
July 17, 2013
Another masterpiece from Ms. Heidi Garrett! Faery tales always have a very special place in my heart. The Dragon Carnivale is the third book from the True love's first kiss series. I loved Nandana's Mark ( Book 1) and The flower of Isbelline ( Book 2)... and when this book finally came up, I was super excited to enter and immerse myself to the wonderful Faery Realm , Ms. Garrett beautifully created! Like, her previous two books .. I was enthralled as I journey with my favorite character Melia and her friends!
*** full review to come! ***
*** full review to come! ***
April 23, 2014
The Dragon Carnivale picks up from The Flower of Isbelline left off with Melia and Tatoutraveling to Illialei to find Uncle Raffles. Along the way like most journies for Melia, things aren’t easy and it seems one thing happens after another for the two companions. All these “trials” test Melia but I feel are actually preparing her for the final “battle” at The DragonCarnivale against Sevondi and Umbra.
Throughout the series, you have seen Melia grow and accept being half-fairy. She learns who she is and truly accepts the magic she does possess which will help her defeat Umbra in the end.
I had fallen in love with this story right from the beginning. The main characters each are unique and add their own touch the story. You find yourself falling in love with some, hating most. The world in which Melia lives in just enchanting and if under good circumstances I would love to live there myself (perhaps when and if Umbra is defeated…yup not giving anything way LOL). The story flows perfectly and everything is all tied together when Meliaarrives at The Dragon Carnivale.
If you love fairies, enchanting worlds, mystery, laughter than this book is for you. If you haven’t read the first two you need to do that first and I will tell you that you will not be disappointed!
Throughout the series, you have seen Melia grow and accept being half-fairy. She learns who she is and truly accepts the magic she does possess which will help her defeat Umbra in the end.
I had fallen in love with this story right from the beginning. The main characters each are unique and add their own touch the story. You find yourself falling in love with some, hating most. The world in which Melia lives in just enchanting and if under good circumstances I would love to live there myself (perhaps when and if Umbra is defeated…yup not giving anything way LOL). The story flows perfectly and everything is all tied together when Meliaarrives at The Dragon Carnivale.
If you love fairies, enchanting worlds, mystery, laughter than this book is for you. If you haven’t read the first two you need to do that first and I will tell you that you will not be disappointed!
July 26, 2016
rating: 4.4/5
Wow. These books just keep getting better and better! Book 4 is probably going to blow my mind. O.O In this book, Melia must go on another quest to stop Mister Villian man from getting another vessel. There are still only a small hand-full of POVs in this book- making it easy to follow. There is more Ryder and Melia and even though they have their hiccups, they are still cute and I enjoy the progression of their relationship. Some characters had some idiot moments- but that us to be expected. Another enjoyable read filled with fey and friendship. I suppose the next book will be just as good as this one. I had originally thought there were only three books, but I welcome the addition of another. (:
Wow. These books just keep getting better and better! Book 4 is probably going to blow my mind. O.O In this book, Melia must go on another quest to stop Mister Villian man from getting another vessel. There are still only a small hand-full of POVs in this book- making it easy to follow. There is more Ryder and Melia and even though they have their hiccups, they are still cute and I enjoy the progression of their relationship. Some characters had some idiot moments- but that us to be expected. Another enjoyable read filled with fey and friendship. I suppose the next book will be just as good as this one. I had originally thought there were only three books, but I welcome the addition of another. (:
October 10, 2013
It's hard not to like sevondi. But this book drags on and on and in the end- nothing happens. I don't like books that don't give me some good kind of closure. Either people ought to die, or save the day, or somethin.
December 27, 2013
this series has def sucked me in. can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews