Tale of the Flying Forest

by R.M. Romero, E.K. Belsher (illustrator)

A spellbinding and lyrical modern fairy tale about a girl who journeys to an enchanted world to find the twin she’s never met, filled with lavish illustrations that bring the magic to life, perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia.

After her mother passes away and her father retreats into his grief, 11-year-old Anne Applebaum is afraid the only happy endings she’ll ever have are in The World to Come, a collection of fairy tales about the flying forest of Bei Ilai. In its pages, children outsmart demons, girls train as knights, and songs come to life. But even these stories can’t stop Anne from feeling alone. So when a raven tells her that she has a long-lost twin brother named Rainer, she sets out to find him. Anne soon learns that Bei Ilai is a real place—and she must step through the door into this magical realm to seek her brother.

But the dangers in the flying forest are just as real as its beauty. To overcome the challenges and monsters she faces, Anne must lean into the magic contained within her and her Jewish faith—especially when she discovers Rainer is locked away by a being more frightening than any dragon.

Because the most terrifying villain of all is one who used to be a hero.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Jewish, Magic, Retellings, Family

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2024

About the author

R. M. Romero is a Jewish Latina and author of fairy tales for children and adults. She lives in Miami Beach with her cat Henry VIII and spends her summers helping to maintain Jewish cemeteries in Poland.

Reviews

[nikki | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊ ݁ . · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Have hope, little warrior. There is nothing that evil hates more than that."

this was such a wonderful middle-grade fantasy adventure about family, grief, love, and magic. i enjoyed seeing some classic fairy tale stories not only with a new twist but also integrated with jewish folklore, mysticism, and biblical stories.

Here is an uncomfortable truth: Evil is not often a dark flower growing at the edge of the universe; it is not a cloud that settles over countries like a suffocating cloak. Evil is a choice. If it is chosen again and again, the person who does the choosing can reliably be called a monster.

i enjoyed this story so much. it had me tearing up at points, but there was also such a fun narrator-to-reader connection with some 4th wall breaking that it really felt just like having a childhood story read to you. i also loved the illustrations throughout, it really helped bring this vivid world to life!

this is going to be an instant classic for many families in the years to come.

"To bends in the rainbow and the fifth point of a six-pointed star. To kingdoms adults lose and children take back and countries that can only be found without a map. To all kinds of extraordinary places."

an honest arc review ♡
________________

pre-read: jewish narnia???? i'm in!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A spellbinding and lyrical modern fairy tale about a girl who journeys to an enchanted world to find the twin she’s never met, filled with lavish illustrations that bring the magic to life, perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia.”

Thank you so much, Little Brown Books, for this ARC. This mesmerizing and poetic modern fairy tale has quickly become a cherished treasure in our household.

This captivating narrative weaves a magical tapestry of fantasy, adventure, and the enduring bonds of family, love, and resilience. Anne is an extraordinary heroine, with her unwavering bravery and boundless love for her long-lost twin brother. It’s impossible not to cheer for her every step of the way. The characters she encounters bring such warmth and depth to the story, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart.

I can’t wait to add a copy to our home library on October 15, 2024, the publication date. I highly recommend it. This tale will surely become a classic in your home. 5 stars.✨

[bri]

Very few people could convince me to read middle grade these days, but without question, R.M. Romero is one of them.

Marketed as a "Jewish Narnia," this sweet portal fantasy about the meaning of family absolutely gripped my heart. All throughout reading it, I was torn between whether I wished to have a young person in my life to read this to or whether I wished to be able to send this book back in time to have it be read to myself as a child.

If you're looking to comfort your inner child with an utterly hopeful, Jewish story, or maybe if you have a child in your life who you like to read heartfelt, adventurous, and empowering stories to, I highly recommend TALE OF THE FLYING FOREST.

Oh, and of COURSE, I have to mention the stunning illustrations by E.K. Belsher. They took me back to a time in my childhood when I would flip through books I'd already read and trail my fingers across the illustrations, perhaps hoping to soak them up into myself, or step through the artwork and into the scene. Any good book illustration serves as a portal into the narrative, and Belsher did this beautifully.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

CW: death of mother, grief, character death, imprisonment, war, violence (light)

[R.M. Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing from Jewish and German folklore, TALE OF THE FLYING FOREST is my love letter to the portal fantasies I grew up with. It’s the story of Anne Applebaum, a Jewish tween who travels to the magical flying forest of Bei Ilai to rescue her long-lost twin brother from a terrible witch and collect the pieces of his broken heart along the way.

Content warnings: Child abuse, kidnapping, death of a parent

[bailey elizabeth smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This felt like a timeless fairytale classic! In ways, it reminded me of Narnia, and had such a nostalgic feeling to it, even though the world itself was new to me. I do think I would have rated this higher if I had read this at a younger age, but I think it is perfectly readable for all ages with its lush world and enchanting setting.


Thank you again to the author for the gifted copy!

[Nicole Pramik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good magical realm story, but sometimes they can feel like they're trying too hard to copy what C. S. Lewis achieved in The Chronicles of Narnia. This book landed on my reading radar thanks to an Amazon recommendation as I had purchased Romero's The Dollmaker of Krakow. I enjoyed her writing style in that middle grade mashup of WWII fiction and magical realism, so this one sounded like a story I'd enjoy. But is this foray into a bewitching forest a worthwhile romp or a visit best short-lived?

Tale of the Flying Forest, by R. M. Romero, is a standalone middle grade fantasy novel. Here, readers are introduced to Anne Applebaum, a curious eleven-year-old whose imagination is awakened when her mother shares stories about a legendary flying forest called Bei Ilai populated by wondrous creatures and brave heroines. After Anne's mother passes away, Anne is left with a void in her heart not even stories of Bei Ilai can fill. Over time, she can't shake the feeling there is another piece of herself out in the world, and one day she learns that's no accident: she has a long-lost twin brother, Rainer. Determined to find him, Anne sets out on a perilous journey that will test her resolve, smarts, and her heart.

As stated, this isn't my first exposure to Romero's work as I enjoyed The Dollmaker of Krakow. Her writing style and internal mythology in that story were rich and immersive, so I didn't hesitate to check this book out. While other reviewers and myself picked up on some caveats with the magical realism element and realistic wartime setting of The Dollmaker of Krakow, this one doesn't echo those same concerns as it's not set in a real time or place.

Undoubtedly the biggest draw in Tale of the Flying Forest is its rich worldbuilding and mythology, which borrows from and plays upon Jewish and Germanic folklore, a sector not often mined for fantasy stories, especially the former. Where most magical realm stories falter for me is in introducing too many story elements, beings, realms, and characters, but this novel keeps its delivery clean. Bei Ilai feels like a real place, beset with danger and wonder in equal measure, with its own magic and rules that are both told and shown to readers in an organic, inviting way.

Thus, this novel plays on fairy tales' best aspects, such as not shying away from darker moments, which is where the strongest lessons are covertly taught. Nothing here is wasted in terms of the world and its elements and neither does anything feels overdone. It's just enough, making the reader want to explore more yet feeling satisfied that what we do get to see, with Anne by our side, suits the story. And to top it off, the book's pretty illustrations perfectly compliment the story.

The writing itself is lovely and descriptive, oozing with whimsy and wonder but avoiding being overwrought. I did note there were many strong parallels to Tahereh Mafi's Furthermore, from the quest for a missing family member, to an elaborate magical realm with numerous working parts, to even the occasional fourth wall breaks by the author (serving as narrator). However, Tale of the Flying Forest remains distinctive enough that it's not a rip off, though I'd note that if you're a fan of books like Furthermore, you would adore this novel, too.

Another enjoyable aspect for me was the incorporation of real-world Jewish customs, sayings, and scriptures. From the best of my knowledge, these are accurate and lend a sense of authenticity and realism to a fanciful story. I've seen this novel described by some as a "Jewish Narnia" and that's an accurate assessment. Along these lines, Anne, while a brave, imaginative, intelligent protagonist, is not willing to cast aside her religious upbringing, as she finds it gives her peace and courage as well as remains a tie to her and her mother, who passed these teachings and traditions down to her. (Plus, "Anne Applebaum" is an awesome name because it's adorable and just rolls off the tongue - and I love a good character name!)

This novel also offers many positive messages aside from the usual "do the right thing" and "stand up against evil," though the latter gets expanded upon by cautioning readers that sometimes evil speaks sweetly but that doesn't change the nature of what it says. One important factor that emerges is some characters' upbringings, which might cause others to judge them based on the home they grew up in rather than the person's character and actions. As one character tells another, "Some people will judge you for where you grew up....Others may try to shame you for it. Almost no one will want to hear your story, because they are too afraid of who had a hand in your upbringing. But you're...much better than what you were raised to become." This is a great message as it condemns playing the victim to circumstances. Rather, characters (and readers by proxy) are free moral agents who make the choice to do good or evil and aren't defined by how or where they grew up. In this way, Tale of the Flying Forest echoes the positive values of classic fantasy and fairy tales rather than try to circumvent them.

All that being said, this novel just missed a five star rating from me thanks to a few underlying sticking points. The book makes it no secret that this is a "girl boss" tale, which, for me, is different than having a brave, capable heroine. In typical "girl boss" fashion, this novel always shows women and girls in a positive light where they take charge, and all the men and boys are ineffectual, weak, or villains with few exceptions. I'm fine with stories featuring brave, heroic girls and women - but at least balance it out with brave, heroic boys and men! After all, they exist, too.

Instead, while we do see a few brave male souls, most of the characters doing the heavy lifting are female, and this imbalance is as noticeable as a pesky dead fly in a delicious soup. When considering similar stories, such as Narnia, both boys and girls, women and men, were equally smart, capable, brave, and morally strong. No one sex was better gifted in these areas than another, though they utilized such gifts in different ways. Thus, Tale of the Flying Forest might retain classic fantasy sentiments but remains a product of modern times though it's by no means the worst offender in this regard.

Overall, Tale of the Flying Forest is an immersive story with rich, lush writing, worldbuilding, and a likable lead heroine. Its negative attributes attempting to appeal to "modern audiences" aside, this remains a fanciful story steeped in the storytelling traditions of the fairy tales that came before it and in real-world folklore and Jewish traditions. Fans of magical realm stories akin to Lewis' Narnia or Mafi's Furthermore should certainly check this out as, despite some bumps in the road, Tale of the Flying Forest remains a worthwhile adventure.

Content:
Language - None.

Violence - Nothing in terms of any graphic or gory. There are numerous scenes of peril where Anne and other characters face off against evil beings, but no one comes to any lasting harm. Anne also risks her life numerous times to save or protect others. One character has a music box "heart" that gets damaged, but the character ultimately survives. Lastly, part of the story focuses on the death of a parent and depicts an absent (but not abusive) parent.

Sexual Content - None. There are a few possible blink-and-miss-it LGBTQ nods, if one wishes to read them that way (as the author has a history of penning LGBTQ fiction). First, in the story's world, men are called witches (rather than wizards), and one male witch dons an effeminate, flower-adorned hat. Elsewhere, in a brief side story, it's told that a male giant wants to marry the Forest's most beautiful bride or bridegroom (the marriage never occurs).

[seasalted.citrus (Topaz, Oliver) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to my sib, who has no part in this book, except for reading their own copy of TWB at the same time I was reading this (and giving me out of context updates after I quoted either the narrator’s snark, or an unexpectedly evil line said by the Birch Witch)! I suppose this review is partially dedicated to you.

Oh my goodness!! I was overjoyed once I saw RM Romero released a middle grade fantasy— her writing style is perfect for the whimsy of it all— and this did not disappoint at all!!! There was a wonderful balance between poetic language, and keeping the development of the plot and characters moving. Anne was a great protagonist, too: her curiosity (and occasional bluntness) makes her reminiscent of protagonists like Dorothy Gale or Alice Liddell, but her bravery and intelligence are uniquely hers. Still, she remains vulnerable, whether it be working through the reoccurring grief she feels about her mother, or grappling with some of her necessary choices. I will admit that I think some of the resolutions tied too much into classic tropes around kindness or perseverance fixing everything, but honestly both of those qualities are good to teach to kids, so I don’t mind that much.

I also really appreciated how evil (and cruelty) was discussed??? There usually isn’t much nuance in fantasy stories with a clear “good” and “bad” binary, especially in kidlit where the messaging has to be more direct. The two elements of that I loved the most were how the power of confrontation was shown—without making words this “end all, fix all” solution, and the focus on how while others’ hurt and trauma can influence their terrible decisions, being a terrible person is still ultimately a choice they made themself. It was surprisingly mature, actually?

I LOVEDDD Bel Ilai as a setting, too!! Admittedly, it borrows a lot of concepts from both the Torah and old fairytales/myths, but the elements were mixed so well I barely noticed! Even the “interludes” about the Priestesses and witches that were included between each part kept my attention. Romero’s prose really brings out the magic and history in the island, with E.K. Belsher’s beautiful illustrations contributing equally to the atmosphere. (The scratchy pencil lines and the realism for the animals and nature was everything!!)

(We got so little time in the Darkest Part Of The Forest though! That was a little underwhelming.)

And of course, I loved the narrator’s voice, too. They take an old-fashioned approach— not just being a narrative device, but an actual character— and despite the frequent fourth wall breaks, they made it so easy to settle into the story. They were hilarious, yes, but they were also tender, and there was a clear level of compassion for both Anne and the readers. (It’s sort of like when a librarian or camp counselor reads a book to a bunch of kids, and is trying to get them to not freak out, lol.)

My only gripe is that while there’s a decidedly modern complexity to certain elements of the story, a lot of the characters besides Anne feel one-note. Their roles in her journey are very obvious, and their personalities can be summarized in a word or two. I also wish we got to see more of those who were supposed to be immensely powerful, such as Deborah and her knights, their writing was one of the only times where I felt a character had to be stooped down to Anne’s level? Anne’s talk with the Rose Witch in the end was also a bit convoluted, I got the messaging I guess, but it felt like a clumsy excuse for the adults being nerfed out of the climax.

Still, I’d 100% recommend this book, no hesitation!! I even enjoyed the religious elements—of which there are a lot— which is new to me. (The difference between Christian and Jewish fiction!) I’m very happy to read another one of Romero’s books, and I hope she eventually branches out into making a YA prose novel, because seeing a fairytale like this for teens would be so awesome!

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enchanting story! it feels like a fairytale, so whimsical. It's the story of a young brave girl in a magical world, a flying forest, she is on a quest to find her twin brother, she will make friends along the way who will help her, she will have to use her ingenuity to overcome obstacles and defeat evil witches.

All her life Anne has felt that something is missing, her twin brother, her mother dreamed of him when she was pregnant, but when Anne was born, she arrived alone, shortly after her mother's death, Anne discovered that it was not a dream, but that her brother was stolen by witches, her mother's stories were true, there is a magical kingdom and her brother is captive there, so Anne has no choice but to go to his rescue.

I love everything, the forest is captivating, the characters are endearing. Iis a beautiful, heartwarming but also emotional story, about grief, family, friendship, and courage. Anne is a wonderful main character, brave, clever, kind, and generous, she is still grieving for her mother when she arrives at the Flying Forest of Bei Ilai. The forest is lovely, it really feels like a fairy tale, and has many nodes to popular fairytales and the Jewish folklore. Anne will make friends quickly but also have to overcome challenges to move forward and the more she does, the deeper she will have to go into the dark side of the forest where the wicked witch lives, together with her brother. The witch is evil just like in the classic fairy tales, he is selfish and cruel. The side characters are charming, brave, and ready to help Anne, they are good friends.

Although middle grade, it is a story for everyone that will take you back to your childhood, it has a strong Jewish inspiration, but also of Narnia, and the classic fairytales of the Brothers Grimm, (also, it reminded me a little to Alice Adventures in Wonderland, especially the beginning when Anne arrives for the first time in the forest). Bonus points because, not only it’s a beautiful story, it comes with illustrations, which transports you into the story. It’s a lovely story, with nostalgic vibes to childhood, a beautiful modern fairytale.

Read if you like:
Fairytale Vibes
Magical Worlds/ Portals
Found Family
Jewish & Fairytale & Folklore inspiration

Thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours for this wonderful ARC

[Me, My Shelf, & I · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5, I'd probably give it a 4 or 5 if I was a kid, but just a 3 for me as an adult.

What I really loved about this was the Jewish rep. All of the familiar songs and Shabbat, being included in an actual book? Especially one with cool creatures and magic forests? I would've been so excited as a little kid to pick this up. So I absolutely love that it exists for kids now.

The story is about twins and finding your other half, two coming together to be stronger together than they are apart, and standing up for your beliefs and what's right.

Audiobook Notes:
The narrator does sing some of the Hebrew prayers and songs, and there are several types of chapters that have music played over the top of them. Because I'm not listening at 1x speed and the music actually lasts for a really long time, I found myself impatient and disliking those chapters, even skipping through the last two because I just couldn't stand it anymore. But if you were listening at 1x speed as a bedtime story or something, it'd be a nice addition.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good! I have seen this story compared to a Jewish Narnia, and there are some similarities there, but it was more like a Jewish Hansel & Gretel retelling, in the main elements, setting, and finale. I thought it was very interesting how the author wove Jewish and Yiddish tales, myths, and talmud into the story. It was like hearing familiar things in an unfamiliar, but not unlikable, way. I listened to the audio version, and I must say that I don't recommend that.... It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't appealing, either.

[rachel x]

"Jewish Narnia for the next generation"

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Romero mixes fairy tale, Jewish lore, and homage to German poet Rainer Maria Rilke in this family-driven fantasy....spun with both a feminist and Judaic twist." [Publishers Weekly]

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that when some readers see that the books I’m reviewing are for teens/tweens, they figure the works have nothing to offer them and turn the page. However, the novels in this review aren’t only for the young and young at heart. “The Judgment of Yoyo Gold” by Isaac Blum (Philomel) is a book parents should read with their teenagers, while R. M. Romero’s “Tale of the Flying Forest” with illustrations by E. K. Belsher (Little, Brown and Company) manages to enchant and offer life lessons for every age.
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Jaryn Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading a moving story about eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum. After losing her mother and seeing her father struggle with grief, Anne is dealing with a lot of sadness and loneliness. She finds solace in a book called "The World to Come," a collection of fairytales set in the magical flying forest of Bel llal.

These magical stories are filled with courageous kids outwitting clever spirits, girls striving to be knights, and enchanting melodies springing to life. In one tale, Anne discovers from a wise raven that she has a twin brother named Rainer, and she sets out on a quest to the magical land of Bel llal to reunite with him.

The flying forest is stunning but dangerous, and Anne must rely on her inner strength and belief in magic to survive. Along the way, she discovers that her brother is being held captive by a frightening witch.

"The Tale of the Flying Forest" is a captivating story that reminded me of the magical world of Narnia. Interestingly, it draws on Jewish and German folk tales, which adds a unique and rich layer to the narrative.

Thanks NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy of this book!

[Steph (starrysteph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 ⭐) Tale of the Flying Forest feels like returning home: I could have been eight years old again, snuggled under a blanket while completely losing myself in this fantastical world and imagining myself in the heroine’s shoes. It’s magical, cozy, hopeful, and deeply Jewish.

Anne Applebaum feels totally alone after her mother dies and her father doesn’t know how to connect with her. All she has are memories of her mother, her Jewish faith, and a worn copy of The World to Come, all about the flying forest of Bei Ilai.

She’s always felt a faraway tug, and one day a talking raven lets her know that she has an actual other half - a twin brother named Rainer - whose heart has been broken and scattered across the very real Bei Ilai. Anne must travel into the magical world and become one of the heroes whose stories and bravery once brought her so much comfort. But there are villains and monsters and curses to overcome, and the most dangerous creature of them all was once a hero himself.

The slightly-whimsical (friendly, but distanced) narration is perfectly captivating and made it easy to immerse myself in this fairytale. And the scattered illustrations are delightful, bringing a few emotional moments to life before my eyes.

Anne is a wonderful protagonist. She’s not perfect - she has moments of doubt and moments of lashing out - but she’s so compassionate and determined. Once she finds out her brother exists, she never backs down on her quest to bring him home. And she never takes the selfish route, either: she’s always keeping her community and home in mind.

Villains and heroes sometimes intersect here, and though the main antagonist is ultimately unredeemable, we’re shown the ways in which cruelty develops and how everyone wants to love and be loved. Although the characters are clearly friends or foes, it’s never completely black and white.

The Jewishness of this story is unapologetic and so wonderful to read about. There are real Jewish prayers that become magical songs, and elements of inspiration from the Torah (as well as Jewish mysticism) sprinkled throughout. Anne’s faith is a source of strength and magic, and that was so comforting and hopeful. You’ll also recognize reshapings of some popular fairy tales and folklore elements.

There is darkness in Anne’s story, especially in her grief and in her struggle to connect with her father after her mother leaves a huge hole in their home. There’s also suffering in Bei Illai that Anne has to reckon with (and help heal). I think any child who has experienced loss will see a piece of their sadness and personal journey with grief reflected here. I definitely teared up a few times.

But oh - the magic of this world, and the love and friendship and family! It was beautiful, and ultimately this is a bright and hopeful story. It’s about reshaping the world to be a bit better. And leaving a trail of goodness behind you. The concept of tikkun olam is one of my favorites in Judaism, and it was such a strong theme here.

The characters and creatures were endearing, the message was heartwarming, and the story feels like an old friend. I very strongly recommend!

CW: murder, death (parent), grief, child abuse, war, injury, violence

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(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)

[Karis · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for the ARC!~~

This is such a good middle grade. I'm glad Romero returned to it after publishing three YA in-verse back-to-back (Makes me wonder if she would write a YA in prose, but that's neither here nor there).

The writing is so delightfully whimsical, as the nameless narrator has such a strong, distinguished voice that channels old storyteller energy, especially whenever they addressed themselves in the first person. It gives leeway for Romero to use so many colorful similes and metaphors. I really loved when the narrative would directly address the reader, to assure or warn them of the impending plot. It really made it feel like it was talking to its target audience directly, the young kids who'd read it. I think it would make them feel much more personally invested, and I love when books can draw that out. (I was waiting for the reveal that they were the author of The World to Come, but that never happened. In fact, the author, how these tales were collected, how Anne's mom got the book in the first place, none of these questions are answered. It definitely doesn't ruin the story that was told, but I'd still want to know.)

Anne also is a fantastic heroine. Her creativity, her bravery, the endless love for her brother, it's impossible not to root for this girl. The characters she meets and form friendships with, like the Rose Witch or Librarian, are stand well as their roles in the story, some of which can be so heart-warming like the Rose Witch or the Librarian. Rainer deserves all the love in the world; he's such a sweet kid who turned out the way he did despite the abuse he had undergone throughout his whole life.

The one ting keeping me back from loving this more was the slog pacing around the middle chunk. There's three specified places in Bei Ilai Anne journeys through, and the last one, the Dream House, is where the most time is spent. I understand why, because it is where Rainer and the aforementioned hero-turned-villain are, and the story needs to spent time with both of them, but I found it a drag to get through.

All in all, another good read from Romero. The fact I've managed to keep up with all of her works over literal years is kinda wild to me, but it goes to show how strong Romero's story-telling skills are to have me coming back whenever she has a new release on the horizon.

[Veros · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and delightfully whimsical story structured like a classic quest! Our brave protagonist is called into adventure, encounters a series of dangers, and meets magical friends along the way. The first half of the story serves to explore Bei Ilai’s atmosphere and magical creatures as Anne hunts for clues of Rainer’s whereabouts. The story is divided into 7 parts (you see, there is power in the number 7) and while I enjoyed parts 1-3, it wasn’t until the 4th one that I felt the story was truly coming together.

Once it did, I was invested and found that Anne and Rainer’s sibling bond was the main strength of this book for me. Both siblings had lost trust in adults in different ways and the devotion, care and support they showed each other was genuinely heartwarming. We also get to meet a lot of creatively delightful side characters along the way such as a fox in a waistcoat, and the Librarian of Songs! I think any reader would find the concept of a Librarian of Songs captivating but I especially appreciated the way music and songs played a huge role in the magic system of this world.

The Flying Forest is a fairytale patchwork of inspirations: from Jewish Folklore to German Folklore. A variety of elements was also pulled from specific stories by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perault, and Hans Christian Andersen. It was quirky and atmospheric, and the frequent 4th wall breaking asides solidified the fairy-tale feeling for me. Gentle reader, the narrator speaking directly to me to give opinions or offer assurances could be annoying but it works in the context of this story. The beautiful in-text illustrations by E.K. Belsher enhance the bedtime story ambiance. My favourite illustration is of a giant cat with the lower body of a snake sitting on a throne of mouse skulls, surrounded by books. I know, it sounds hectic but trust me it looks awesome!!

Thanks to Netgalley & TBRBeyondTours for access to the ARC, I leave my honest review voluntarily.

[Daryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, this was a cute story! I appreciated the Jewish rep in the story, and really liked the setting of Bei Ilai. Romero really brought the setting to life, and made it into a world that could definitely capture a kid's interest. The highlights for me were definitely the cat kingdom, and the general fate of the Birch Witch, who I felt was a great villain for the piece and whose ending really struck a chord with me. Anne was a good narrator, and her journey to find Rainer was both interesting, and wholesome. The side characters in Bei Ilai this piece were also very endearing.

I will say, though I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it as much as I've come to love R.M. Romero's other works in the past. I felt like there wasn't enough time built up to get to know Mrs. or Mr. Applebaum, rendering their overall presences in the story rather weak in terms of emotional moments that came down to the two of them. I also thought the knights of Queen Deborah could've been more interesting characters, and were defeated too easily/too soon. I thought the actual action of this story was a bit too quick, and honestly, there wasn't enough of the Silverwood, pre-magic section for me to get a sense of Anne's life, and what she'd be missing, or more accurately, what about Silverwood she'd want to come back to. Because as is, the town didn't feel fleshed out, and I just wondered why she'd want to come back, even if she did find Rainer-and this also rendered the climax less effective than it could've been.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tale of the Flying Forest
R.M. Romero
Eleven-year-old Anne Applebaum is very sad and feels all alone; her world changed when she lost her mother, and her father has withdrawn deep into his grief. She turns to her books The World to Come; they contain a collection of fairytales that take place in the flying forest of Bel Ilal. The books are filled with fairytales about children out witting evil spirits, girls preparing to be knights and songs that come to life. A Raven tells Anne she has a twin, his name is Rainer. Anne steps through a magical door to enter the enchanted realm of Bel Ilal to find her brother. The flying forest is beautiful but filled with many dangers. She must depend on her magic and her faith if she is to survive the flying forest. Her brother is held captive by a scary witch.
Tale of the Flying Forest is a captivating tale. The story reminds me of Narnia. This tale relies on Jewish and German folk tales.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this a galaxy of singing 6 point stars because it wholeheartedly deserves it. This is a beautiful book with prose that sings like poetry and has so many quotable lines you could wallpaper an entire library wall with them. With endearing characters and such well-crafted world building, this novel does not sacrifice plot for character building or vise-versa. It is equally a character driven and plot driven novel that does such a good job of balancing both. It fully reads like a fairy tale of old yet is not so lesson-heavy like fairy tales of old. It has been compared to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and, people might come at me for this, but I think Tale of The Flying Forest is far superior to it. I could go on and on about this book but really that would just be wasting time when you could just get this book and enjoy it. Read it slowly savouring its beauty and poetry. You won't regret it.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tale of the Flying Forest is a fabulous blend of portal fantasy and folklore. R.M. Romero has created a world as richly detailed as Narnia or Wonderland with creatures just as imaginative. The author masterfully blends in retellings of familiar folktales and biblical stories for a fantastic middle grade adventure. The intricate illustrations by E.K. Belsher literally draw the reader into the world of the Flying Forest.

The story begins when Anne's mother gives her an old book "The World to Come", a collection of fairy tales about the flying forest of Bei Ilai. The book is full of stories with good witches, brave knights and happy endings, but the most unusual thing about it is the passage her mother wrote in the front. Her mother had written "To Anne and Ranier", but Ranier did not exist. Anne's mother was convinced that she was going to have twins, but when Anne was born, she arrived alone. When a talking raven tells her that her brother does exist and needs her help, she sets out to find him. Soon she discovers that Bei Ilai is real and enters a world where the greatest evil used to be good. This book lives up to the publisher's label as a Jewish Narnia. Many of the characters are modeled after those in the Torah or Talmud and magical spells are actually Hebrew blessings. There is a strong emphasis of Tikkun Olam as Anne tries to fight the Birch witch and repair the world. But the story itself is universal and can be enjoyed by readers of any heritage.

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful fantasy world that welcomes you in from the very first page. I had a great time reading this book and also listening to the audiobook. The illustrations are stunning and magical. Anne is a heroine who is perfect for young readers to follow along with as she uses her courage to save her brother Rainer.

R.M. Romero writes such wonderful fantasy worlds which come alive on the page. This book was a joy to read. I loved the way she weaved in the interludes and other stories from the past of Bei Ilai. It was great to learn about so much of this world while also seeing how Anne’s adventures unfolded.

Portal fantasy stories will always draw me in. I’m hoping Romero will return to Bei Ilai in further books so we can see more adventures with Anne and Rainer. Definitely, want to see what happens with them both after the ending.


*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.*

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely middle grade Jewish portal fantasy novel for fans of Catherynne M. Valente and Charles de Lint. It's full of fairytales and the writing is lovely. The illustrations scattered throughout are superb!

It's about 11-year-old Anne Applebaum whose mother has recently passed away, and her remote father only grows more remote. Anne has always felt as if she had a twin brother, and when a raven confirms that her brother is lost in a magical world from the book her mother used to read to her, and that his heart is broken into three pieces, Anne decides to set out on a quest to free her brother. But not all is as it seems in the magical flying forest, and the characters who were good in the book have now changed.

Love the creatures and world building.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne sets out to find her stolen twin brother after her mother dies, using as her guide and inspiration the book of fairy tales that her mother gave her. Tales from the book are interspersed throughout Anne's adventure. The fantasy and magic are infused with Jewish faith and mysticism. Lovers of fairy tales and brave young girls embarking on heroic quests will love this tale that takes the reader on a dark and difficult journey and brings them safely home again.

Book Pairings:
Grace Lin's Chinese fairy tale-inspired stories, starting with Where the Mountain Meets the Moon also includes embedded fairy tales that relate to the overarching adventure

For other Jewish fantasies for middle grade: Try Sofiya Pasternack's Black Bird, Blue Road and Anya and the Dragon

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

As she mourns her late mother, Anne loses herself in the magic tales of Bel Ilai, a flying forest filled with prophetesses and talking beasts - one she soon learns is real, where the twin brother she never knew existed is captive, and only by braving its darkest evils can she hope to save his broken pieces. Romero and Belsher weave a beautifully illustrated story of Jewish influence that envelopes readers in its enchanting setting and likeable cast, a tad preachy but nevertheless heartwarming. Can Anne carry the wisdom of her mother and courage of her stories against the wicked of Bel Ilai?

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her mother dies, 11 yo Anne travels to a fairy tale world in search of her long-lost brother, whom she has never met. Along the way, she makes friends and gathers pieces of his heart. She finds Rainer in the house of the Birch Witch and tries to free him. Anne is encouraged by repeating Hebrew phrases (transcribed in English) such as Chazak ve'ematz (Be strong and courageous) and by following Jewish values such as Tikkun Olam. Elaborate world-building and believable characters makes this original fairy tale.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing fantasy novel with great mythology inspiration, not just Jewish, but also many influences from fairy tales. The journey of the main character into the forest is one of growth and courage in dealing with the loss of a parent. A portal fantasy with Jewish mysticism. She has lost her mother and now will fill a void in her by searching for her twin brother trapped in a magical land. A creative way to deal with grief and sadness.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful fantasy story of a heroine that incorporates Jewish folklore. The style is a mixture of Narnia, the Hobbit, and Grimm fairytales with little Easter eggs of wisdom for young adults sprinkled throughout for wise ones to pick up without feeling overbearing. The language paints a clear, imaginative image of the story with great sequencing. The audiobook was especially enjoyable for the interludes and relevant fairytales within the story. Highly recommend.

[Karen Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful work of fantasy mixed with religion! I love that the character isn’t just Jewish, but that her faith and her prayers become a part of the magic. It is narrated in an old classical fashion where the narrator speaks to the reader. This style flows well and is a joy to read. I love the combination of familiar fantastical creatures and new ones I have never encountered. A wonderful story with great character development!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

C.S. Lewis once said : " ...someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again". I think that day has come for me, and it's why I came to read Tale of the Flying Forest. It's definitely a fairy tale, with witches and a talking raven, gingerbread soldiers and a brave Heroine. That's all I can tell you, but there's much more. Read it for yourself if you're old enough, or read it to a child if you're not.