Grace Notes

The Fae Wars #1

by Marik Berghs

Creatures are dying in the Wildwood where Fae from the Old Countries are joining with the native gods of the New World to protect the last sanctuary for their kind. Side by side with the shifting boundaries of the Forest, lies the isolated little town of Thornhill where the townspeople regard the Forest as a cursed place to be avoided except by the foolhardy.

Though Lunabel O'Hara is no fool she’s drawn to the mysteries of the primeval place while she struggles to keep her own unnatural abilities undercover. Using her voice she can shatter glass, hum in a tone that can melt the fillings in the mouth of a bully or sing in the pure notes of a siren's song. She recognizes the hidden meanings in people's words and remembers any sound she’s ever heard. But her hard won persona of normalcy is threatened by the attention of a sexy, intriguing stranger. Jeremy Fields is a Fae who straddles two worlds. He maintains a balance between the centuries-old prejudice of his own people and the mortal world where he must win Lunabel's trust and loyalty.

Lunabel's belief in stories of Faeries and Elves was tolerated when she was a child. As a young girl her love of fantasy was ruthlessly ridiculed. She matured, to her mother's relief, as a marginally normal girl, yet in Lunabel's secret heart she still believes—how else to explain her own gifts if not magic?
In this saga of blending cultures, realities and the things that are known and not yet known, Jeremy and Lunabel fight their growing attraction to each other. Their feelings must persevere despite taboos, their own reserved personalities and their fears of betrayal.

The insidious danger growing in the forest can only be contained if they combine their talent and the talents of their trusted friends to face the threat together.

356 pages, ebook

First published June 16, 2013

About the author

Marik Berghs writes YA Fantasy Romance. She creates illustrations to illuminate her stories. Her studio is perched on the side of a large hill above the San Francisco Bay. From a workspace surrounded by windows, she watches fox, wild turkeys, squirrels, feral cats and blue jays through the trees.
Marik grew up above her father’s small town newspaper and started working in the print shop when she was eleven. She spent most of her time in school daydreaming and her time out of school reading—much to the despair of her mother. She believed in the power of words from a very young age.
You can read more about her books at:
www.marikberghs.com
You can contact her at:
marikshouse@gmail.com

Reviews

[Angela Dossett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, riveting and endearing Fairy tale series in the making. This series is excellent for the young and old alike. Such imagination, spins on Fairie mythology, and surprising events. I really enjoyed reading this story. The characters were made real through vivid imagery. All my senses were attuned with this story. The map was a delight, which helped me visualize the make believe world. The glossary help to define the Fae Folk with the author's own spins. The story was brought to life by well developed characters and twists and turns that kept you guessing.
Lunabel has struggled throughout her life because she is different. She has abilities: music/photographic memory. She hides her abilities from family and friends. While at school, she becomes engrossed with a storm. Unknown to her, she is being watched by Jeremy, a well-liked student. Jeremy has a secret and needs Lunabel's help to find his missing sister. Lunabel agrees and uncovers the magical world within the forest. With help from Fae Folk, and friends, old and new, they will work together to find the location of Jeremy's sister. Jeremy and Lunabel develop a relationship, of sorts. Jeremy will discover who is his father and have a face off with him. They will face obstacles and eventually find his sister.
This story had great potential. I'll definitely continue to read this series. Happy Reading!!! Cheers!!!

[Carra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is the perfect example of a wonderful, modern day YA fantasy book. I hadn’t read any books centered on the Fae before, but this book was an excellent introduction to the Fae world for me. The author paints a magnificent world for the reader, keeping you engaged throughout the story…and me up late at night trying to read just…a little…more. The characters are very well developed and likable, making this a very enjoyable read.

Lunabel’s character is a perfect example of a high school misfit. I found her “gifts” to be unique and intriguing, something I haven’t run across before in the paranormal genre.

The interaction between Lunabel and Jeremy is a bit awkward, but intentionally so given they are from so very different worlds. It makes those interactions interesting and sweet, especially the further into the story you get. I found myself hoping that Jeremy could get over the fact that Lunabel is a human since they seem so great together.

Jilly’s character is a welcome addition, she and Lunabel together really complement each other, making them a great team-not only for the conflict in the story with the Fae world, but also as friends. I did have a harder time picturing Jilly’s character in my head-not sure why-but I love how strong she is, not only for herself but also for Lunabel.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone 12 and up. It’s a fantastic story that anyone will enjoy, regardless of age. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and I’m sure the entire saga will be one that I wind up re-reading multiple times—yes, I thought it was that good.

[Becky Shambley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very vivid, quite descriptive in many ways. For those who enjoyed faery tales growing up, this is very much an evolved faery tale. To follow the trials and travails of Lunabel, and to meet the ever interesting Jeremy was quite a unique treat.
Having read many fantasy/supernatural books, I can honestly say this was very different than any other book I've read. The rich weaving of imagery and music make it artistic. The challenges the main character faces makes it rather perfect for anyone who can relate to not sharing something that is a huge part of who you are, but makes you very different from the 'norm'.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different than most fantasy books that I have read before. With a very descriptive and vivid wording made this book even better! I was not able to get off of this literary roller coaster! I LOVED this book!

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read any books about Faeries (Except Tinkerbell Books when I was little) so I wasn't sure what to expect. When the author contacted me and asked if I would like to read and review this I agreed and, after finishing a few books that I had in line already, I jumped right in. I am actually still trying to figure out exactly how I feel about this book.

Grace Notes is definitely a book unlike any I have read before. It is a story full of imagination and colorful characters. There were times when I was so completely drawn in and I didn't want to put it down and then there were a few times when I was a bit confused. Now, the confusion could possibly be due to the fact that I am a Faery book newbie and I wasn't completely sure what some of the terminology meant.

With that being said, it was a good book. It ended quite abruptly, which confused me a bit there as well, but I'm guessing that things will be clarified and the story will continue in the next book. The ending did make me want to read the next book so that I can see what happens next.

Thank you, Marik Berghs, for sending this book to me and allowing me to read and review it!

*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! I was really not sure about it at first because it was paranormal/fantasy.... Hey! I was pulled into the story immediately and just couldn't put it down! Lunabel was a charming main character--strong, stubborn, and unafraid! Jeremy was perfect...a gentleman, supportive, caring, very protective, old and young alike. And Jelly. Now, she was a pleasant surprise in this read! Everyone needs a friend like her. The Thornhill sisters were so charming...I know I want more of them. There is much more to learn of their story, too! I look forward to the continuing series, no matter how fanciful--talking trees, fairies, magic and music ‘mesmerization’… and extraordinary characters that bring out the best in Lunabel! I wouldn’t change a thing about this book. Very well written and trust me, if I love it--a person who isn't really into the fantasy genre--everyone will love it! Congratulations, Marik Berghs! I'm anxious for the next adventures in Lunabel's life! Bring on the next book!

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is being written after a second read through.

If you have read any of my other reviews, you will have caught on that relationships are what drives my reading. These can be romantic, familial, antagonistic, or anything in between. The interactions between all the characters in Ms Berghs' world are fantastic. They are all extremely well written and thought out.

The second aspect that drew me to this story was the concept of magic through sound. Being a singer, I think it is brilliant. Being a soprano, I can understand completely how song can be used as a weapon. (Take that as you may.) I think Lunabel's singing is what makes me love her the most. I see myself a lot in her, minus the echoic memory and ability to shatter glass. I know this story gets more interesting and exciting in book two. Thrilled to be reading it again.

[Edward Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a highly imaginative story filled with colourful characters, and an enormous amount of research has clearly gone into it, but there were two things that marked this down; firstly, it needs one hell of an edit. Hardly a page went by without there being a typo or a misused word, which put me off at times. And secondly, the ending came far too abruptly. I didn't realise the story had ended until I turned the page and found the acknowledgments and found myself going back to check I hadn't missed something. Perhaps the follow-up will help with this feeling that I've missed out on a conclusion, though maybe even an epilogue might have helped. Still, it's an impressive task to start a series of books, and this one does get off on the right track.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LLLLLOOOVVVEEEE! A real page turning sleepless night adventure! Get the coffee ready! The hardest part is when you realize you've read the last page! If you like fairies, magic, & adventure... this is your book! I didn't even know I liked anything except historic fiction... then I discovered this book! OK, Now that you've read this review... please go read the book! I was so excited about this book, I 4got to tell you, I was able to read the book free as a review. But that has NO influence of my opinion of how wonderful this book is!

[Sue Potter granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is not the type of book I normally would read, but I started reading and could not put it down. The characters are so well formed, the story line pulls you along, it is so easy to just get lost in this book. When I finished I found myself thinking about the characters, wondering what they were doing. I really missed them, like friends who have gone on a trip, and wanting them to come back soon.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!