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Into Misty Ruse: The Harmonycan Chronicles - Book One
Into Misty Ruse is a story where fantasy abounds Where we discover there's growth to be found For a little boy trying his best to be strong And a strong-willed girl who tries too hard to do no wrong It has been thirty-seven years since the Big Boom blasted magic into the world of Harmonyca and nearly destroyed it. And it’s been almost two years since Zyk’s dad disappeared, for reasons unknown. The powerful institution of FAHLT says that Magic Is an Affliction and has strictly forbidden any association with magic or magical creatures. But twelve-year-old Zyk’s most fervent desire is to learn more about magical TOMBs (Treacherous Obstructive and Malignant Botanicals). Just when his dream feels completely out of reach, events start befalling Zyk, one after another. Now he’s stuck in a magical settlement, in hiding from FAHLT knights. Is magic truly an affliction? Are magical creatures really evil? If so, why are they helping him? And will he ever be able to cure the curse he’s been hit with and go back home to his mum? "An entertaining fantasy for readers interested in magic and science." - Kirkus Reviews
Color illustrations are only available in the ebook format and must be viewed with a device capable of supporting color images.
Color illustrations are only available in the ebook format and must be viewed with a device capable of supporting color images.
360 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 14, 2023
"Into the Misty Ruse" by H. A. Growler is a mesmerizing journey into a world where magic awakens, sparking a cascade of thrilling events that will captivate readers of all ages. In this riveting tale, magic's resurgence alarms society, leading governmental forces to clamp down on all things mystical. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, the very essence of the world undergoes a transformative shift, infusing flora, fauna, and even dormant creatures with newfound magical properties.
At the heart of this enchanting narrative is Zyk, a curious 12-year-old with an insatiable passion for the study of magical botany. His adventurous spirit propels him into a mischievous quest for a mythical creature, ultimately transporting him to a realm hidden within his own. Within this mysterious realm, Zyk unravels the secrets of magic, unlocking a world brimming with wonder and untold discoveries.
H. A. Growler masterfully crafts a vivid, immersive world, inviting readers on an exhilarating journey teeming with imagination and the thrill of the unknown. The meticulous attention to detail is nothing short of breathtaking, painting a tapestry of a magical landscape that leaps off the pages.
"Into the Misty Ruse" is a literary gem that appeals to a wide audience, from preteens to adults, offering a timeless exploration of magic, discovery, and the power of imagination. It's a testament to the author's skill that the book seamlessly resonates with readers of various ages, transporting them to a realm where the boundaries of reality blur with the enchantment of magic.
Overall, "Into the Misty Ruse" is a triumph in storytelling, delivering a captivating narrative that ignites the imagination and leaves a lasting impression. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into a world brimming with magic, mystery, and the thrill of adventure.
At the heart of this enchanting narrative is Zyk, a curious 12-year-old with an insatiable passion for the study of magical botany. His adventurous spirit propels him into a mischievous quest for a mythical creature, ultimately transporting him to a realm hidden within his own. Within this mysterious realm, Zyk unravels the secrets of magic, unlocking a world brimming with wonder and untold discoveries.
H. A. Growler masterfully crafts a vivid, immersive world, inviting readers on an exhilarating journey teeming with imagination and the thrill of the unknown. The meticulous attention to detail is nothing short of breathtaking, painting a tapestry of a magical landscape that leaps off the pages.
"Into the Misty Ruse" is a literary gem that appeals to a wide audience, from preteens to adults, offering a timeless exploration of magic, discovery, and the power of imagination. It's a testament to the author's skill that the book seamlessly resonates with readers of various ages, transporting them to a realm where the boundaries of reality blur with the enchantment of magic.
Overall, "Into the Misty Ruse" is a triumph in storytelling, delivering a captivating narrative that ignites the imagination and leaves a lasting impression. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into a world brimming with magic, mystery, and the thrill of adventure.
November 10, 2023
Its a coming of age book
The story, the world building and the magic system is so intriguing. The book captivates you and keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. And i really enjoyed the book
The naming of a couple things isnt really original, like calling a big explosion "the big boom"
it also has some art in it that looks like bad photoshop but it still gives you an idea of how thing look.
i would put this in the same category as harry potter.
The only thing this book really misses is like an epic battle scene or something important happening at the end
The story, the world building and the magic system is so intriguing. The book captivates you and keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. And i really enjoyed the book
The naming of a couple things isnt really original, like calling a big explosion "the big boom"
it also has some art in it that looks like bad photoshop but it still gives you an idea of how thing look.
i would put this in the same category as harry potter.
The only thing this book really misses is like an epic battle scene or something important happening at the end
November 6, 2023
Into Misty Ruse was an enchanting read for me and especially for my daughter (12) as we read it together. The feel of this book was similar to other fantasy novels I read when I was between the ages of 12-14. Although aimed towards a younger audience it still sucked me right into the story. It was fairly fast-paced and easy to read. This book is full of captivating world building, fun and brilliant young characters. The descriptive writing made me feel like I was inside the book and walking through the story alongside Zyk. My daughter also loved and appreciated the artwork in the book so she could truly picture the scenes she was building in her head. It is the first in its series and the cliffhanger left us both desperate to find out what happens next!
October 16, 2023
Brilliant!!!
So…. I finished this in less than a day. And HOLY FREAKING METAL BATMAN!! 🤣🤣 It was amazing and I couldn’t put it down lol Did I finish the laundry I was supposed to today? Nope. Did I clean my kitchen? Nut uh. Did I go grocery shopping? Absolutely not! When I say I could not put this down, basic needs were ignored so I wouldn’t have to miss anything lmao If I could give this 10 ⭐️ I would! That cliffhanger at the end was brutal and I demand recompense! 😆 I need the next one…. Like yesterday lol I knew his mom knew more than she was telling!! But the insinuation at the end of the last chapter?! Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!! 🤯
So…. I finished this in less than a day. And HOLY FREAKING METAL BATMAN!! 🤣🤣 It was amazing and I couldn’t put it down lol Did I finish the laundry I was supposed to today? Nope. Did I clean my kitchen? Nut uh. Did I go grocery shopping? Absolutely not! When I say I could not put this down, basic needs were ignored so I wouldn’t have to miss anything lmao If I could give this 10 ⭐️ I would! That cliffhanger at the end was brutal and I demand recompense! 😆 I need the next one…. Like yesterday lol I knew his mom knew more than she was telling!! But the insinuation at the end of the last chapter?! Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!! 🤯
November 11, 2023
This is a middle grade fantasy book that I truly enjoyed! If I I were to have read this in middle school, it would have been a favorite! The magic system is fun and brilliant! It is fast paced and full of action. There are alot of unanswered questions ( to be addressed in later books) and so much intrigue! I am anxious to read the next book! Kudus to the author on a wonderful story!
October 24, 2023
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. My teenage niece and I read this book together. And we both loved it!
It's a whole new world, like nothing we've come across before. The magical beings in the book are completely new, creatures I've never come across before and so unique! We liked the TOMBs aka CCOMBs the best. The humans call them TOMBs while the magical community calls them CCOMBs. They are these magical plants that have all these strange and unusual magical properties, some of which were quite deliciously horrifying. Like the TOMB that produces fruit that punches through the roof of your mouth to take over your brain and control you to walk until it finds the perfect spot to sow it's seed. lmao. This is not a horror book, I assure you. That was probably the scariest plant in the book, and nobody is directly affected by it. At the end of the book, the author explains that many of the plants are based on real-life plants. A few examples are given, but I wish there was more explanation of which ones are based on real-life plants. Kids who are into science would really enjoy that imo.
There's a little artwork in the book, and we really enjoyed that. It helped visualize this intricate world that has been woven.
Overall, I give this book five out of five stars. If your middle-grader likes fantasy, I would recommend it to them for sure. It's no thriller, but it's fast-paced and very easy to read.
It's a whole new world, like nothing we've come across before. The magical beings in the book are completely new, creatures I've never come across before and so unique! We liked the TOMBs aka CCOMBs the best. The humans call them TOMBs while the magical community calls them CCOMBs. They are these magical plants that have all these strange and unusual magical properties, some of which were quite deliciously horrifying. Like the TOMB that produces fruit that punches through the roof of your mouth to take over your brain and control you to walk until it finds the perfect spot to sow it's seed. lmao. This is not a horror book, I assure you. That was probably the scariest plant in the book, and nobody is directly affected by it. At the end of the book, the author explains that many of the plants are based on real-life plants. A few examples are given, but I wish there was more explanation of which ones are based on real-life plants. Kids who are into science would really enjoy that imo.
There's a little artwork in the book, and we really enjoyed that. It helped visualize this intricate world that has been woven.
Overall, I give this book five out of five stars. If your middle-grader likes fantasy, I would recommend it to them for sure. It's no thriller, but it's fast-paced and very easy to read.
September 7, 2023
Fun read with my kid. He liked how fast-paced it was. The story kept him interested. I liked how they dealt with the inter-species tension and how they talked about discrimination. It's at middle-grade level, but sparked conversation at home. The world building is interesting. I haven't read anything quite like it. The TOMBs were funny. My kid didn't realize the TOMBs were based on real life plants until he read the Author's note at the end.
November 28, 2023
nto Misty Ruse is the first book in The Harmonycan Chronicles and I thought this book was fun and very creatively written. Even though it was aimed at a much younger audience, I was immediately engaged by Zyk's story as well as the story building. To be honest, I had a hard time putting this down and pretty much read it in one sitting. I
Zyk is a great main character and I loved following him on his journey as he becomes stuck in a magical settlement due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Making the best of a difficult situation, he is treated with kindness by those who find him as he learns to navigate a world very different from his own. The secondary characters are as engaging as Zyk and I developed a huge fondness for Pitch and Eva as well as all of the others we meet.
There were a lot of important themes running through this book, ones that I think would make great discussion topics in a classroom or with your own child, such as loneliness, loss, grief, friendship, acceptance, racism, judgment, pre-conceived notions, growth, separation, and consequences to one's behaviour. There is a huge emphasis on different does not mean something to be destroyed, but that co-existence is necessary for everyone to thrive. With that in mind, the way Zyk was treated as a newcomer to the society was used as a way to develop these themes, and I enjoyed all of the situations in which he found himself, from dealing with dangerous plants to dealing with difficult students and adults. Everything was done with compassion and care.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the discussion around plant life as Zyk was very interested in plants, especially magical ones. He has a huge affinity for them and this is one of the ways his magic first manifested without him realizing what had happened. I thoroughly enjoyed his predicaments when he got entangled in situations where he assumed plants that looked fine turned out to be extremely dangerous. The creative names given to these plants and the scenes involving them kept me riveted to the page, sometimes laughing out loud. I thought the whole magical system was quite whimsical and creative. Personally, as a kid, I would have loved to visit this place.
Into Misty Ruse was a delight to read, and I loved the magic, the story, and the characters. I was captivated by the world-building and enjoyed the descriptive storytelling. The characters were well-drawn out, each with their own unique personalities, and thought the mystery was perfect for a book for this age group. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, and I am definitely looking forward to the second book when it is released.
Zyk is a great main character and I loved following him on his journey as he becomes stuck in a magical settlement due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Making the best of a difficult situation, he is treated with kindness by those who find him as he learns to navigate a world very different from his own. The secondary characters are as engaging as Zyk and I developed a huge fondness for Pitch and Eva as well as all of the others we meet.
There were a lot of important themes running through this book, ones that I think would make great discussion topics in a classroom or with your own child, such as loneliness, loss, grief, friendship, acceptance, racism, judgment, pre-conceived notions, growth, separation, and consequences to one's behaviour. There is a huge emphasis on different does not mean something to be destroyed, but that co-existence is necessary for everyone to thrive. With that in mind, the way Zyk was treated as a newcomer to the society was used as a way to develop these themes, and I enjoyed all of the situations in which he found himself, from dealing with dangerous plants to dealing with difficult students and adults. Everything was done with compassion and care.
One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the discussion around plant life as Zyk was very interested in plants, especially magical ones. He has a huge affinity for them and this is one of the ways his magic first manifested without him realizing what had happened. I thoroughly enjoyed his predicaments when he got entangled in situations where he assumed plants that looked fine turned out to be extremely dangerous. The creative names given to these plants and the scenes involving them kept me riveted to the page, sometimes laughing out loud. I thought the whole magical system was quite whimsical and creative. Personally, as a kid, I would have loved to visit this place.
Into Misty Ruse was a delight to read, and I loved the magic, the story, and the characters. I was captivated by the world-building and enjoyed the descriptive storytelling. The characters were well-drawn out, each with their own unique personalities, and thought the mystery was perfect for a book for this age group. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story, and I am definitely looking forward to the second book when it is released.
December 5, 2023
Thank you to H.A. Growler for sending me a copy for an honest review!
Into Misty Ruse is a delightful introduction to a new middle-grade fantasy world. 35 years after "the Big Boom" which brought magic into the world and changed human society, twelve-year-old Zyk is questioning the government vendetta that "Magic is an Affliction." Interested in learning about magical plants, Zyk stumbles into a secret magical creature enclave, Misty Ruse. There, he learns more about magical creatures such as Biests and Curmudgeons, and begins to study magic himself, all while a mysterious creature known as "the Blight" is hunting him...
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was excellent, and I found myself drawn into this fantasy world that H.A. Growler created. I was especially intrigued by the magical society in Misty Ruse and the magical education that Zyk began. (Although the fact that he doesn't take the class that teaches you how to talk to magical plants was a bummer!) While I found the beginning slow, the second half really drew me in. I did wish there were less acronyms throughout the book, but was really happy to see a pronunciation guide at the end of the book. Characters were really engaging, especially Pitch!
Overall, I recommend this book for both young readers and adults, and can't wait for book two. This series is a treat and I look forward to seeing where it goes!
Into Misty Ruse is a delightful introduction to a new middle-grade fantasy world. 35 years after "the Big Boom" which brought magic into the world and changed human society, twelve-year-old Zyk is questioning the government vendetta that "Magic is an Affliction." Interested in learning about magical plants, Zyk stumbles into a secret magical creature enclave, Misty Ruse. There, he learns more about magical creatures such as Biests and Curmudgeons, and begins to study magic himself, all while a mysterious creature known as "the Blight" is hunting him...
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was excellent, and I found myself drawn into this fantasy world that H.A. Growler created. I was especially intrigued by the magical society in Misty Ruse and the magical education that Zyk began. (Although the fact that he doesn't take the class that teaches you how to talk to magical plants was a bummer!) While I found the beginning slow, the second half really drew me in. I did wish there were less acronyms throughout the book, but was really happy to see a pronunciation guide at the end of the book. Characters were really engaging, especially Pitch!
Overall, I recommend this book for both young readers and adults, and can't wait for book two. This series is a treat and I look forward to seeing where it goes!
January 13, 2024
So many new fantasy elements!
Into Misty Ruse included many fantasy elements that I had not encountered before! It was fun to read and learn about new fantastical creatures and problems! There were a few possible problems introduced that never came up, and a few problems still left unsolved. Overall, a good first book of the series!
Into Misty Ruse included many fantasy elements that I had not encountered before! It was fun to read and learn about new fantastical creatures and problems! There were a few possible problems introduced that never came up, and a few problems still left unsolved. Overall, a good first book of the series!
December 19, 2023
(I was given the Kindle-version of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
Into Misty Ruse, the first book of the Harmonycan Chronicles by H. A. Growler is an exciting , imaginative adventure that also honors diversity, demonstrates respect and care for all creatures and ideologies, even those we may not share with others, and honestly felt like a first-rate horticulture class with the magic of fantasy intertwined.
Though the target audience for this novel is listed as 12-18 years, which I think is fitting, I can tell you that I enjoyed reading it as a 45 year-old adult. If you have children however, there are important themes in this book including: separation, loss, grief, coming-of-age, peaceful co-existence: getting along with others who are different not just from you, but in society in general.
“Misty Ruse is a sanctuary where many different species live together. Everyone who stays here has to abide by a pact of non-violence.” (p. 71).
These themes come to the forefront in this book and they make excellent gateways to meaningful discussions between students and teachers in the classroom or with family at home.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the care shown to all creatures: even Old Spinner the lone spider whose web marks the entrance to Hope Woods. Zyk has such a passion and curiosity for magical creatures and plants in particular, it made me fantasize about being a naturalist and I don’t have a green thumb at all.
As an adult reader, the creative names given to magical plants and creatures as well as the different abilities they all had, (all a part of the intricate yet fun magical systems in this book), of which caught me by surprise, was absolutely riveting and kept me immersed.
One of the scarier plants: Commandare formidium, a.k.a. the zombie commander, sends a tendril up into your brain by way of the olfactory nerve when it’s placed in the mouth. This sounds scary and it is. I was wide-eyed reading it, but then you find out it is the plants way of helping the seed-bearer find the best location to plant it. Of course, the seed-bearer could end up walking for weeks, if necessary, so Commandare formidium is still not a plant, I’d want to experience first-hand, but from an imagination perspective, it’s fascinating. I definitely want my own bliss bee apiary now, but you’ll have to read to find out what that’s all about.
The book’s conclusion has me more than ready for the book two of the Harmonyca Chronicles, which seems to be sending us back into the exotic, enchanting mist, for a whole new adventure, and I can’t wait!!!
Also, please do not skip the “Author’s Notes” at the end. The information about the commonalities shared between the vividly-imagined plants of fantasy verses real-life plants, is incredible, and H.A. Growler’s knowledge and love for plants and nature kindled my own enthusiasm.
The cover art is beautiful and I may pick up the paperback copy just to have it with my beloved books on display. I wish you all a whimsical, wild, and well-loved adventure should you choose to go Into Misty Ruse.
Into Misty Ruse, the first book of the Harmonycan Chronicles by H. A. Growler is an exciting , imaginative adventure that also honors diversity, demonstrates respect and care for all creatures and ideologies, even those we may not share with others, and honestly felt like a first-rate horticulture class with the magic of fantasy intertwined.
Though the target audience for this novel is listed as 12-18 years, which I think is fitting, I can tell you that I enjoyed reading it as a 45 year-old adult. If you have children however, there are important themes in this book including: separation, loss, grief, coming-of-age, peaceful co-existence: getting along with others who are different not just from you, but in society in general.
“Misty Ruse is a sanctuary where many different species live together. Everyone who stays here has to abide by a pact of non-violence.” (p. 71).
These themes come to the forefront in this book and they make excellent gateways to meaningful discussions between students and teachers in the classroom or with family at home.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the care shown to all creatures: even Old Spinner the lone spider whose web marks the entrance to Hope Woods. Zyk has such a passion and curiosity for magical creatures and plants in particular, it made me fantasize about being a naturalist and I don’t have a green thumb at all.
As an adult reader, the creative names given to magical plants and creatures as well as the different abilities they all had, (all a part of the intricate yet fun magical systems in this book), of which caught me by surprise, was absolutely riveting and kept me immersed.
One of the scarier plants: Commandare formidium, a.k.a. the zombie commander, sends a tendril up into your brain by way of the olfactory nerve when it’s placed in the mouth. This sounds scary and it is. I was wide-eyed reading it, but then you find out it is the plants way of helping the seed-bearer find the best location to plant it. Of course, the seed-bearer could end up walking for weeks, if necessary, so Commandare formidium is still not a plant, I’d want to experience first-hand, but from an imagination perspective, it’s fascinating. I definitely want my own bliss bee apiary now, but you’ll have to read to find out what that’s all about.
The book’s conclusion has me more than ready for the book two of the Harmonyca Chronicles, which seems to be sending us back into the exotic, enchanting mist, for a whole new adventure, and I can’t wait!!!
Also, please do not skip the “Author’s Notes” at the end. The information about the commonalities shared between the vividly-imagined plants of fantasy verses real-life plants, is incredible, and H.A. Growler’s knowledge and love for plants and nature kindled my own enthusiasm.
The cover art is beautiful and I may pick up the paperback copy just to have it with my beloved books on display. I wish you all a whimsical, wild, and well-loved adventure should you choose to go Into Misty Ruse.
October 23, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: fast paced, entertaining read; a small case of the magical "fix ups"; these kids have QUITE the vocabulary; intriguing, mysterious magic; good world-building; what even happened at the end?!
HUGE thanks to H.A. Growler and Netgalley for sending a free galley of this copy my way in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this title.
"The wisterias are welcome in any magical community. Not like the gnatterbugs. Wisterias are gossipy, but only with the other trees. They don't tell the nonbotanicals stuff that needs to stay secret. Especially stuff related to security. And they do tell us about any security threats they come across, which is dead useful," said Pitch.
Overall, this was an entertaining, engrossing read. While a fair amount of the technique was bordering more on telling than on showing, I was intrigued enough by the action and story telling that this was not as big an issue for me as it may have otherwise been. This story is fast-paced and pretty easy to follow, with a ton of action-packed, breath-holding scenes. The characters and their mysteries are also compelling, though I found myself questioning a fair amount throughout. Things I questioned: why was Eva so willing to stay behind? (this got answered a little bit later on in the text); why didn't Zyk fight harder to send any messages to his mom?; how do these kids have such thorough and WIDE vocabulary? (they use BIG words sometimes!); exactly how long have they been in Misty Ruse? (it seems like FOREVER when reading, but I think maybe only a few months?); how do they always seem to magically have the answers they need at the very last possible second? (I think this might have been more a case of the magical "fix ups" than anything).
Still, despite the questions and my sometimes inability to suspend my disbelief, I really enjoyed this read. There were a lot of weird and/or big acronyms throughout, which I'm going to be honest, I struggled to remember what they stood for (I know CCOMB is....some type of classified plant that is ranked on a "danger" scale but like...?!?!?!) H.A. Growler put a lot of imagination into creating the world AND it's creatures, going so far as to spin new beings out of their mind and bring them fully onto the page. The mystery, coupled with the magic of a wholly new world just lurking outside our own, made this an intriguing journey! Did I mention there are illustrations?! (at least, in the ebook version) The art is cute, sometimes a bit of a stretch, but helps to better "paint" a picture of the world and the characters. The ending, though...as a warning note, the ending IS a cliffhanger and it comes rather unexpectedly.
"Flitterflies are shadows made solid. They make good messengers. They can slip into the places in between," said Lumi.
"In between what?" asked Zyk.
"In between anything. Between windows and windowsills, between doors and doorjambs, between here and there, between molecules and atoms, between realities and dreams," said Lumi mysteriously.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of mid-grade (parents, this is a fabulous magical story for your kids to "fall" into), mysteriously magical worlds, and creatively crafted creatures. H.A. Growler is bound to ensnare young readers and adults alike in this tale. Can you find your way into Misty Ruse, Penguins? Keep your wits about you, if so--not everything is what it appears.
Quick Reasons: fast paced, entertaining read; a small case of the magical "fix ups"; these kids have QUITE the vocabulary; intriguing, mysterious magic; good world-building; what even happened at the end?!
HUGE thanks to H.A. Growler and Netgalley for sending a free galley of this copy my way in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this title.
"The wisterias are welcome in any magical community. Not like the gnatterbugs. Wisterias are gossipy, but only with the other trees. They don't tell the nonbotanicals stuff that needs to stay secret. Especially stuff related to security. And they do tell us about any security threats they come across, which is dead useful," said Pitch.
Overall, this was an entertaining, engrossing read. While a fair amount of the technique was bordering more on telling than on showing, I was intrigued enough by the action and story telling that this was not as big an issue for me as it may have otherwise been. This story is fast-paced and pretty easy to follow, with a ton of action-packed, breath-holding scenes. The characters and their mysteries are also compelling, though I found myself questioning a fair amount throughout. Things I questioned: why was Eva so willing to stay behind? (this got answered a little bit later on in the text); why didn't Zyk fight harder to send any messages to his mom?; how do these kids have such thorough and WIDE vocabulary? (they use BIG words sometimes!); exactly how long have they been in Misty Ruse? (it seems like FOREVER when reading, but I think maybe only a few months?); how do they always seem to magically have the answers they need at the very last possible second? (I think this might have been more a case of the magical "fix ups" than anything).
Still, despite the questions and my sometimes inability to suspend my disbelief, I really enjoyed this read. There were a lot of weird and/or big acronyms throughout, which I'm going to be honest, I struggled to remember what they stood for (I know CCOMB is....some type of classified plant that is ranked on a "danger" scale but like...?!?!?!) H.A. Growler put a lot of imagination into creating the world AND it's creatures, going so far as to spin new beings out of their mind and bring them fully onto the page. The mystery, coupled with the magic of a wholly new world just lurking outside our own, made this an intriguing journey! Did I mention there are illustrations?! (at least, in the ebook version) The art is cute, sometimes a bit of a stretch, but helps to better "paint" a picture of the world and the characters. The ending, though...as a warning note, the ending IS a cliffhanger and it comes rather unexpectedly.
"Flitterflies are shadows made solid. They make good messengers. They can slip into the places in between," said Lumi.
"In between what?" asked Zyk.
"In between anything. Between windows and windowsills, between doors and doorjambs, between here and there, between molecules and atoms, between realities and dreams," said Lumi mysteriously.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of mid-grade (parents, this is a fabulous magical story for your kids to "fall" into), mysteriously magical worlds, and creatively crafted creatures. H.A. Growler is bound to ensnare young readers and adults alike in this tale. Can you find your way into Misty Ruse, Penguins? Keep your wits about you, if so--not everything is what it appears.
December 1, 2024
"Into Misty Ruse" by H.A. Growler
🐾What a curious, bookish adventure it was! If you're looking for an enchanting, cozy, and mysterious fantasy with the perfect balance of magic and science, Into Misty Ruse is exactly what you need.
🐈⬛The Plot: We happen to travel to the world of Harmonyca. Thirty-seven years ago, the Big Boom blasted magic into this world and almost destroyed it. Here, we follow twelve-year-old Zyk, whose father disappeared for unknown reasons two years ago. Little Zyk lives in a world where magic is considered to be an affliction. Even though magic is strictly forbidden, the boy wants to learn as much as possible. One day, together with his best friend, Zyk sets off for a short trip and finds a hidden magical settlement. Here, his dangerous adventures start. The boy needs to learn everything he can about magic to survive and return home if it's possible.
🐾The Writing Style: The world-building in Book 1 of The Harmonical Chronicles is meticulously crafted, making it an absolute delight to live with the characters. The adventurous, scientific, and magical spirit of the story drives the captivating events at a thrilling pace. The chapters are short, vivid, and compelling—finishing one, I can't wait to dive into the next. The glorious book is action-packed, illuminative, wise, touching, and totally fascinating. The perfect balance of magic, science, and daily routine brilliantly intertwines into one big mind-blowing story.
🐈⬛The Characters: This glorious book is filled with charming characters. Both the magical creatures and humans are depicted in a captivating and detailed manner. The magical creatures are portrayed so realistically that, for a moment, it feels as though they might genuinely exist. They are wise and funny, caring and kind, intelligent and innovative. I admired how both the magical beings and humans learned to coexist in this enchanting world.
🥰Fav quote:
"Any mother would want to get news of her child's well-being a few seconds earlier than later."
"One of the biggest components of a spell is intent. If you don't really want to light a spark, or if you don't believe that you can light a spark, it is unlikely that you will succeed. Words help channel your intent. Words caged in the confines of your mind have power and will have whatever effect you intend for them to have."
☀️Would I read other books by this author: Sure!
🌟My humble rating is: 5/5
💜Also, while "Misty Ruse" by H.A. Growler is a debut, it didn't feel like a debut book. It's written cleverly and profoundly, with many heart-breaking and heart-warming memorable scenes. Learning some curious scientific facts was illuminating. I honestly can't wait to read the next book in this series.
💜I do hope that you'll enjoy reading "Into Misty Ruse" by H.A. Growler as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
🐾What a curious, bookish adventure it was! If you're looking for an enchanting, cozy, and mysterious fantasy with the perfect balance of magic and science, Into Misty Ruse is exactly what you need.
🐈⬛The Plot: We happen to travel to the world of Harmonyca. Thirty-seven years ago, the Big Boom blasted magic into this world and almost destroyed it. Here, we follow twelve-year-old Zyk, whose father disappeared for unknown reasons two years ago. Little Zyk lives in a world where magic is considered to be an affliction. Even though magic is strictly forbidden, the boy wants to learn as much as possible. One day, together with his best friend, Zyk sets off for a short trip and finds a hidden magical settlement. Here, his dangerous adventures start. The boy needs to learn everything he can about magic to survive and return home if it's possible.
🐾The Writing Style: The world-building in Book 1 of The Harmonical Chronicles is meticulously crafted, making it an absolute delight to live with the characters. The adventurous, scientific, and magical spirit of the story drives the captivating events at a thrilling pace. The chapters are short, vivid, and compelling—finishing one, I can't wait to dive into the next. The glorious book is action-packed, illuminative, wise, touching, and totally fascinating. The perfect balance of magic, science, and daily routine brilliantly intertwines into one big mind-blowing story.
🐈⬛The Characters: This glorious book is filled with charming characters. Both the magical creatures and humans are depicted in a captivating and detailed manner. The magical creatures are portrayed so realistically that, for a moment, it feels as though they might genuinely exist. They are wise and funny, caring and kind, intelligent and innovative. I admired how both the magical beings and humans learned to coexist in this enchanting world.
🥰Fav quote:
"Any mother would want to get news of her child's well-being a few seconds earlier than later."
"One of the biggest components of a spell is intent. If you don't really want to light a spark, or if you don't believe that you can light a spark, it is unlikely that you will succeed. Words help channel your intent. Words caged in the confines of your mind have power and will have whatever effect you intend for them to have."
☀️Would I read other books by this author: Sure!
🌟My humble rating is: 5/5
💜Also, while "Misty Ruse" by H.A. Growler is a debut, it didn't feel like a debut book. It's written cleverly and profoundly, with many heart-breaking and heart-warming memorable scenes. Learning some curious scientific facts was illuminating. I honestly can't wait to read the next book in this series.
💜I do hope that you'll enjoy reading "Into Misty Ruse" by H.A. Growler as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you for dropping by and reading this post!
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
November 2, 2023
Rating: 3.7⭐️
I typically read fantasy, and it’s usually romance-based. This was something completely different and I truly enjoyed it!
Summary:
Zyk is a twelve-year-old kid who lives in a world where magic is pretty much banned. His dad disappeared two years ago and he wants to know what happened. There are law enforcements that are prohibiting the use of magic, but all Zyk wants to do is learn more about it. He stumbles upon a magical settlement and everything changes.
What I liked:
1. The pictures that were included in the book.
2. The fact that I had questions from the very start. (What happened to the dad? Why is magic banned? Magical settlements?)
3. The characters: their personality, humor, and connection between each other.
4. The storyline: this series can pretty much go anywhere and that's what I like about it.
5. The ending was left with a cliffhanger and lots of unanswered questions, which gives a good segue into the next book!
What I didn't like:
1. I loved the pics, however, Zyk did not look like he was twelve. He looked more like a 9- to 10-year-old. I have an 11-year-old kid I’m comparing to.
2. There were a few minor editorial mistakes throughout the book.
3. These kids had a very broad vocabulary; not even my son does and he's an intelligent kid lol
Overall:
I didn’t realize this was the first book of a series, so there were lots of questions unanswered. This story was super intriguing and definitely kept me invested. I plan on reading the next book!
I typically read fantasy, and it’s usually romance-based. This was something completely different and I truly enjoyed it!
Summary:
Zyk is a twelve-year-old kid who lives in a world where magic is pretty much banned. His dad disappeared two years ago and he wants to know what happened. There are law enforcements that are prohibiting the use of magic, but all Zyk wants to do is learn more about it. He stumbles upon a magical settlement and everything changes.
What I liked:
1. The pictures that were included in the book.
2. The fact that I had questions from the very start. (What happened to the dad? Why is magic banned? Magical settlements?)
3. The characters: their personality, humor, and connection between each other.
4. The storyline: this series can pretty much go anywhere and that's what I like about it.
5. The ending was left with a cliffhanger and lots of unanswered questions, which gives a good segue into the next book!
What I didn't like:
1. I loved the pics, however, Zyk did not look like he was twelve. He looked more like a 9- to 10-year-old. I have an 11-year-old kid I’m comparing to.
2. There were a few minor editorial mistakes throughout the book.
3. These kids had a very broad vocabulary; not even my son does and he's an intelligent kid lol
Overall:
I didn’t realize this was the first book of a series, so there were lots of questions unanswered. This story was super intriguing and definitely kept me invested. I plan on reading the next book!
November 7, 2023
4.5⭐️'s.
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Into Misty Ruse is a wonderful introduction to the fantasy genre for young adults.
This is book 1 of a series.
It is a beautiful journey of self discovery and courage that leaves you feeling light & warm inside.
Into Misty Ruse follows the story of Zyk (pronounced zeek, like seek).
Zyk is living in a town where any association with magic & magical creatures is forbidden, circumstances lead to Zyk being transported into Misty Ruse which is a town filled with magic & magical creatures. Zyk soon starts to question why he is being led to believe that magic & magical creatures are forbidden when he has been opened into Misty Ruse with such warmth & open arms.
Zyk is very curious about magic & gets to learn about magic in Misty Ruse.
This story is wonderful & will be enjoyed by a varying age group of readers.
It is a YA Fantasy & whilst it is quite ya, as an adult I enjoyed this thoroughly.
The time & care that has gone into the quality of the physical books is to be applauded, from the sheer weight of the book, the quality of the paper & all the wonderful additions to the book inclusive of artwork & a pronunciation guide provided at the back.
As this is book 1 of a series, questions from the blurb are left unanswered, however I know from the ending they will be explored in book 2.
This is a wonderful book to read to & or with your children & grandchildren.
It has left me feeling so warm inside & I'm excited to see how the rest of the Harmonycan Chronicles are explored.
I highly recommend this book!
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Into Misty Ruse is a wonderful introduction to the fantasy genre for young adults.
This is book 1 of a series.
It is a beautiful journey of self discovery and courage that leaves you feeling light & warm inside.
Into Misty Ruse follows the story of Zyk (pronounced zeek, like seek).
Zyk is living in a town where any association with magic & magical creatures is forbidden, circumstances lead to Zyk being transported into Misty Ruse which is a town filled with magic & magical creatures. Zyk soon starts to question why he is being led to believe that magic & magical creatures are forbidden when he has been opened into Misty Ruse with such warmth & open arms.
Zyk is very curious about magic & gets to learn about magic in Misty Ruse.
This story is wonderful & will be enjoyed by a varying age group of readers.
It is a YA Fantasy & whilst it is quite ya, as an adult I enjoyed this thoroughly.
The time & care that has gone into the quality of the physical books is to be applauded, from the sheer weight of the book, the quality of the paper & all the wonderful additions to the book inclusive of artwork & a pronunciation guide provided at the back.
As this is book 1 of a series, questions from the blurb are left unanswered, however I know from the ending they will be explored in book 2.
This is a wonderful book to read to & or with your children & grandchildren.
It has left me feeling so warm inside & I'm excited to see how the rest of the Harmonycan Chronicles are explored.
I highly recommend this book!
April 7, 2025
This middle grade coming-of-age story was really fun! The world-building and magic systems were really cool, and I love how much effort the author put into creating the town of Misty Ruse. The characters were likeable but still flawed, giving the story a really authentic feel. This would have been the type of story I would have devoured as an 11 year old, but it was still enjoyable as an adult. It did feel a little repetitive at times, with the multiple encounters with the oai. However, the author did really bring in different elements to these encounters each time, so it wasn't too bad.
I do think that the story is missing a big epic battle scene, as the end felt quite anti-climactic after all of the build up.
The novel also has some artwork dotted throughout the novel, and to be honest, the first one I came across made me almost DNF this book. The art is basically bad photoshop, and really doesn't add to the story at all. I found them quite cringe, and gave the book a juvenile feeling.
Overall, it was a good, easy read with great world-building and interesting magical creatures.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending me a free E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I do think that the story is missing a big epic battle scene, as the end felt quite anti-climactic after all of the build up.
The novel also has some artwork dotted throughout the novel, and to be honest, the first one I came across made me almost DNF this book. The art is basically bad photoshop, and really doesn't add to the story at all. I found them quite cringe, and gave the book a juvenile feeling.
Overall, it was a good, easy read with great world-building and interesting magical creatures.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sending me a free E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 13, 2023
Thank you to H.A. Growler for sending me this book for a honest review.
I had such a fun time reading this book and I enjoyed every bit of it. Zyk is such an interesting 12 year old and interested in magic. If I was his age I would be interested in learning about magic especially when I am told I couldn't.
I have to applaud the author for taking the time to develop such a diverse world of magical creatures and magical fauna. From the descriptions of the characters to all the different types of plants. With the Big Boom that happened 37 years ago which magic entered their world. There was a system in place called TOMBs that classifies anything magic from it is not that harmful to extremely dangerous.
There is so much depth and creativity within this world. The only reason why it wasn't a 5 star read was because there was a lot of info dumping and I felt lost at times trying to keep up with the characters. I wish Zyk fought more to write to his mom but didn't and it almost seemed like he forgot about her. I also wish there was a glossary of sorts that explained the level of creatures and what makes them not that dangerous to extremely dangerous.
I had such a fun time reading this book and I enjoyed every bit of it. Zyk is such an interesting 12 year old and interested in magic. If I was his age I would be interested in learning about magic especially when I am told I couldn't.
I have to applaud the author for taking the time to develop such a diverse world of magical creatures and magical fauna. From the descriptions of the characters to all the different types of plants. With the Big Boom that happened 37 years ago which magic entered their world. There was a system in place called TOMBs that classifies anything magic from it is not that harmful to extremely dangerous.
There is so much depth and creativity within this world. The only reason why it wasn't a 5 star read was because there was a lot of info dumping and I felt lost at times trying to keep up with the characters. I wish Zyk fought more to write to his mom but didn't and it almost seemed like he forgot about her. I also wish there was a glossary of sorts that explained the level of creatures and what makes them not that dangerous to extremely dangerous.
December 3, 2023
I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to H.A. Growler for the opportunity!
I would definitely name this book a coming of age, enchanting read. If I picked this up in my younger reading days, I just know that my friends and I would be talking about it for days.
It’s not a thriller, but the magic had me geeking out and I was intrigued by this. I wish there was a little more information on some of the species, such the plants, but I think that’s what separates this book from something I, (a 25 year old) would read versus the target audience for this book - think late elementary or middle grade.
All in all, this was a fun read. If I was still a librarian, I’d happily recommend this book to bridge the gap into more fantasy like fiction for younger readers.
I would definitely name this book a coming of age, enchanting read. If I picked this up in my younger reading days, I just know that my friends and I would be talking about it for days.
It’s not a thriller, but the magic had me geeking out and I was intrigued by this. I wish there was a little more information on some of the species, such the plants, but I think that’s what separates this book from something I, (a 25 year old) would read versus the target audience for this book - think late elementary or middle grade.
All in all, this was a fun read. If I was still a librarian, I’d happily recommend this book to bridge the gap into more fantasy like fiction for younger readers.
December 7, 2023
Into Misty Ruse H.A Growler is an upper middle grade/lower Young adult fantasy novel containing everything I love to find in the genre.
What I loved
-Forbidden magic
-Strong dialogue
-excellent pacing
-nice additional art
What didn't work as well for me
-Characters especially the main character sometimes read slightly older than intended
-The wait for a book two is gonna break me
Who Would I recommend this title for
Fans of writers such as Tamora Pierce and stories such as those found in Avalon Web of magic will have a great time reading Into Misty Ruse.
What I loved
-Forbidden magic
-Strong dialogue
-excellent pacing
-nice additional art
What didn't work as well for me
-Characters especially the main character sometimes read slightly older than intended
-The wait for a book two is gonna break me
Who Would I recommend this title for
Fans of writers such as Tamora Pierce and stories such as those found in Avalon Web of magic will have a great time reading Into Misty Ruse.
April 28, 2024
I thought this book was a fun and easy read. I was able to follow the storyline while getting pulled into the twists. The characters and their names are unique. The story centers around Zyk and Eva who are very curious and have a thirst for knowledge. This journey left me with several questions.
Who is Blight and what does he want with Misty Ruse?
Who put the binding on Eva and Zyk?
Where is Zyk’s dad and what does his mom know?
Will Zyk and Eva ever go home?
Just to name a few. I am looking forward to book two!!
Who is Blight and what does he want with Misty Ruse?
Who put the binding on Eva and Zyk?
Where is Zyk’s dad and what does his mom know?
Will Zyk and Eva ever go home?
Just to name a few. I am looking forward to book two!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
Enjoyed this read
I loved the magic,the characters and all the great twist and turns in this book. I loved that world building and character building was so descriptive I could actually picture in my head. I loved zyk and eva how their characters were not told everything about themselves, but they were determined to figure it out. I especially love when zyk found the baby bird and formed a bound with it...
I loved the magic,the characters and all the great twist and turns in this book. I loved that world building and character building was so descriptive I could actually picture in my head. I loved zyk and eva how their characters were not told everything about themselves, but they were determined to figure it out. I especially love when zyk found the baby bird and formed a bound with it...
October 28, 2023
I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review
Having just finished it, I can say "Into Misty Ruse"
Is an enchanting read that's blends magic and science into a captivating adventure, offering a delightful escape into a world where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur. ✨️ The vivid descriptions and engaging plot kept me turning the pages.
The illustrations were an added bonus. I really enjoyed this book 😺
Having just finished it, I can say "Into Misty Ruse"
Is an enchanting read that's blends magic and science into a captivating adventure, offering a delightful escape into a world where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur. ✨️ The vivid descriptions and engaging plot kept me turning the pages.
The illustrations were an added bonus. I really enjoyed this book 😺
October 28, 2023
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having just finished. I can say "Into Misty Ruse"
Is an enchanting read that's blends magic and science into a captivating adventure, offering a delightful escape into a world where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur. The vivid descriptions and engaging plot kept me turning the pages.
The illustrations were an added bonus. I really enjoyed this book.
Having just finished. I can say "Into Misty Ruse"
Is an enchanting read that's blends magic and science into a captivating adventure, offering a delightful escape into a world where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur. The vivid descriptions and engaging plot kept me turning the pages.
The illustrations were an added bonus. I really enjoyed this book.
October 31, 2023
I truly was amazed with this book and now need more. Loved the storyline in this book truly was amazing there is a lot of magic in here and seeing Sykes as a human in this world going to their school to learn magic and I loved the parts of the trees it grows all kinds of fruit and when you bite into it you don’t know what it’s gonna be the stores that’s in the story we’re amazing I loved all the detail that was told about misty ruse and in this world can’t wait to see where this story goes
November 13, 2023
WOW!!! I had the amazing opportunity of reading this! This book was wholesome, well written, very educating, exciting, and relatable! Not only did I love it as a (almost 40yr old) my recently turned 13 year old son loved it. This book gave me and him something to talk about, gave us something to connect on. I don't wanna give any spoilers, but I will say... Read it! Or, get it for a younger adult you know!! I highly recommend this book!!!
November 19, 2023
This book was such a powerful book for me to read. It was enchanting, magical...as an adult, it's not my typical read. But I received it to review and wanted to post one on here.
If you have preteen kids, this book has lessons of responsibility, understanding, acceptance woven throughout this wonder-filled journey. I absolutely loved the characters and how they were written! A must read, no matter your age.
If you have preteen kids, this book has lessons of responsibility, understanding, acceptance woven throughout this wonder-filled journey. I absolutely loved the characters and how they were written! A must read, no matter your age.
November 26, 2023
"Into Misty Ruse" was such a fun and eye-catching read. You could tell that there was a lot of thought put into the world-building and plot line. The plot moved quickly, but it wasn't rushed and it helped me get out of my reading slump. All the characters are relatable in some way and unique to themselves, especially Eva and her protectiveness with Zyk . H. A. Growler did such an amazing job while writing this book and I can't wait for the second book.
November 28, 2023
Thank you to the author & NetGalley for the review copy!
A great middle grade/lower YA novel that took me back to when I was a kid learning to love reading .
Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to relive a little childhood memories reading about magic.
The main character felt like he spoke/acted slightly older than he was supposed to be but overall this was super enjoyable and would be a fun book to read with a younger child.
A great middle grade/lower YA novel that took me back to when I was a kid learning to love reading .
Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to relive a little childhood memories reading about magic.
The main character felt like he spoke/acted slightly older than he was supposed to be but overall this was super enjoyable and would be a fun book to read with a younger child.
November 28, 2023
Thank you to the author & NetGalley for the review copy!
A great middle grade/lower YA novel that took me back to when I was a kid learning to love reading .
Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to relive a little childhood memories reading about magic.
The main character felt like he spoke/acted slightly older than he was supposed to be but overall this was super enjoyable and would be a fun book to read with a younger child.
A great middle grade/lower YA novel that took me back to when I was a kid learning to love reading .
Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to relive a little childhood memories reading about magic.
The main character felt like he spoke/acted slightly older than he was supposed to be but overall this was super enjoyable and would be a fun book to read with a younger child.
December 27, 2023
This book is so good! It sucked me in from the beginning and left me wanting the next book as soon as I finished. This is a mid grade fantasy, and that's honestly the only reason I give it 4 stars. My younger middle school self would have eaten this book up! It reminds me so much of Harry Potter, and for that, I loved it! I will be reading the 2nd book. I'm invested, and I need to know what happens!
The magic world and creatures in the story were very well depicted, and it allowed me to see the world as if I were there. I love books that are able to do that, and this one definitely did. If you have middle school kids, and they like magic or Harry Potter, they will love this book 100%.
The magic world and creatures in the story were very well depicted, and it allowed me to see the world as if I were there. I love books that are able to do that, and this one definitely did. If you have middle school kids, and they like magic or Harry Potter, they will love this book 100%.
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