Storylore

by Mae McKoy

Princess Cerys of the Northern Isles is the highest target in the world. Being the last living heir to the throne, she takes off and almost instantly finds herself cursed by one of the renowned Persephone's flowers. However, she's not the only one who falls victim. Now she must travel across the world with a pestering thief to break the curse, encountering many unlikely friends along the way. But soon they find themselves wrapped in the middle of an even more threatening situation--one that threatens the collapse of the very world they live in.

Between trying to break the curse and attempting to prevent a war, Cerys finds that not all people are who they appear to be.

And what you're running from can catch up with you in the end.

Familiar fairy tales and Greek myths are mixed with modern-world elements in this YA light fantasy novel. Filled with fast-paced dialogue, comedic scenarios, and whimsical magic, Storylore is guaranteed to take you on the road trip of a lifetime.

Genres: Fantasy

398 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2024

About the author

Mae McKoy is the teenage author of Storylore and has been writing whimsical, fantastical tales since she was six years old. She loves reading and writing YA and Middle Grade Fantasy with her cat and a cup of coffee, and she hopes her stories inspire courage and hope in readers’ hearts. When she’s not on adventures across the country, she’s busy creating art, music, handcrafts, plays, and novels in Georgia. You can connect with her on Instagram @mae.mckoy.author and at local festivals and events.

Reviews

[Joy Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I really love a book, I have a hard time putting it down, and that is exactly how it was with Storylore. I DEVOURED it! McKoy has created such imaginative worlds and characters that you simply fall in love with the book and hate for it to end. Filled with fantasy, a taste of Greek myths, a new play on fairytales, lots of action, mystery, and just a tease of promising romance, Storylore leaves you anything but bored. It left me wanting more, hating that I read it so quickly, excited to read it again, and anxious to see what the next installment from this amazingly talented young author entails.

This book is suitable for audiences young and old, and would make a thrilling read aloud for families. I liken it to books within the Percy Jackson or Green Ember series. If you want to pick up a fun, clean book for yourself or your family, I encourage you to give this one a shot. You will not be disappointed. I expect much success from this budding author.

[L.E. Levens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mae McKoy’s Storylore is a fantastic blend of beloved fairytales, Greek mythology, modern technology and brand new heroes.
Within these pages you’ll find the story of Princess Cerys, reluctant and fearful heir to the throne of the Northern Isles. The last of her family line, she fears the day when she will finally be all that’s left of the Goldbriar line. But when a mysterious tragedy strikes, as Cerys is visiting the medieval-esque land of the faeries she flees to the crime ridden Outpost.
There she encounters Zion and his small, non-fire breathing dragon, Atticus. Though just a petty pickpocket in the dastardly outpost, Zion soon finds himself entangled in Cerys’s troubles when he accidentally gets them both cursed.
Venturing away from the Outpost to find a cure, Zion, his dragon Atticus, and Princess Cerys soon find new allies in their quest. But when an evil power rises in the land of the Faeries, Cerys, Zion and their new friends must band together, master their magical abilities, and stand up for what’s right. But can Zion and Cerys face their fears to stop the tyrant of the Southern Sanctuaries… and maybe even find something more?
If you’ve been hoping for a brand new fantasy with a cool setting, familiar but unique characters, a dash of romance and some modern technology, this is the book for you. Mae McKoy has done an excellent job, and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Book I Ever Read

I have read a lot of YA fantasy novels but nothing quite like this! Mae completely blew me away with every twist and turn that she added. Personally, I don't think she could have done better. Best book I ever read... for now! Anxiously waiting for book 2, great job, Mae McKoy!

[Makenna Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot articulate how great this book was! It’s an amazing book that includes adventure, romance, and fantasy in to one book. I haven’t been able to put it down! As a young reader myself I appreciate the cutesy romance instead of actual scenes. I especially loved the ending bits where there is a plot twist I didn’t see coming! I just loved everything about this book. The comedic relief in this book was amazing! I would recommend this book to everyone! This book is now one of my favorite books and I can’t wait until the author publishes another one of her amazing stories

[Grace Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming tale full of plot twists and characters worth rooting for!

I enjoyed Cerys and Zion and all the adventures in this unique and interesting world. A lot of original ideas blended with classic myths and fairy tales and plenty of twists and turns to keep the action flowing!

This is a marvelous debut novel teens are sure to enjoy.

[Silvia RoMa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read, I devoured this book. This is a very addictive, whimsical fantasy novel, that I just couldn't put down.

I really liked how unique this novel feels, it's a fantasy world filled with some Greek myths, fairy tales how you've never seen them, lots of action, a really well-crafted mystery, and just a tease of romance.

I had a great time reading this and I found myself smiling while reading, this is such an interesting novel, I didn't see any of the twists coming. The ending is great and just leaves you wanting more, luckily the sequel will be out soonish.

I absolutely adored every character in the novel, they all have their own arcs and are important for the main plot. The novel is structured in two parts and with several povs which make the book richer. This is the kind of novel that will appeal to everyone, older and younger people will love it.

I was surprised by how much care was put into this novel, it has a little map and a pronunciation and places guide, which was just perfect. What's more, the writing flows really well and makes the reader want to never stop reading.

If you haven't read this one yet, you are truly missing out. Give this author a chance because she's gonna blow your mind.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Main Character, Cerys, who is a princess that has lived most of her life in danger and somewhat alone, makes new friends and goes through some hard times with them. There are battles for the crown, and not only her family's region! There are Greek gods in it as well.

I believe this book is meant to be a book for the group of young people that may be not ready for most YA books but need a little more from the middle school books. Such a cute book. Clean, fantasy, so much comedy, and there is a love story in it but it really isn't the whole focus of the book. Multiple POV which is always great, in my opinion. I was hooked from the beginning, and it was a fun, easy read. There wasn't a dull moment. The amount of was also wonderful. The author purposefully left some things hanging so there must be another book on the horizon. I love a good series! My son, who is 13, is also reading but hasn't yet finished is loving it. I believe he's at about 65%. I will update my review and include his when he's finished.

[Madison Hamner · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been brought to a world with a not-so-traditional princess. Most middlegrade princesses are graceful and noble or are tomboyish and rebellious.

Princess Cerys of the Northern Isles is neither.

She is a girl trapped by her own fear, and the events of Storylore press her to stop running.
---
Storylore was enjoyable to read with fun characters that you are curious to learn more about. With several unanswered questions, I am sure that its sequel will not leave wanting.

[red_rose_purple_prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this book is an utter delight! The creative world of Storylore consists of fairytale castles, faeries, magic flowers, and curses, as well as trains, cars, Wikipedia, and iPods. This book contains an assortment of classic fairytale/fantasy tropes combined with hilarious banter and lovable characters who get thrown together in a road trip. The fairytale references were sprinkled throughout the story in a subtle way. I kept stopping to think “oooh, that’s who this character is…” And yet, all of the characters felt original. I very much enjoyed Storylore. A particular scene that stands out to me is the car chase. Picture a bunch of fairytale characters crammed in a van screaming things like “TURN RIGHT TURN RIGHT!” It was pure chaos and I love it.

Sexual content: None
Violence: A minor character is stabbed to death offscreen.
Language: None
Other: None
Recommended to all—but especially tween and teen girls—who love fairytales and the fantasy genre as a whole.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mix of a lot of fairy tale stories mixed with Greek mythology, all set in a more modern time (there are cars and cell phones and such). The story follows Cerys, princess of the Northern Isles who is on the run for her life as so many are out to kill her as the last living heir to the throne. When she gets cursed by one of Persephone's flowers she has to learn to get to know and rely on others to overcome the curse!
This is a fun story full of adventure and character development. This is the first in a series, so there will be more to come!

[Lei · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 100 pages in. It seemed like an interesting story and I would’ve loved to finish it but I could not get past the poor writing and disjointed flow of conversation and world building and the inconsistencies of what the MC was saying vs what she is doing. I get death threats always yet let me walk into this city without disguise which is full of those who want to kill me. Like what?
Disappointed.

[Kennadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book it set up the plot points really well and it was an easy story to get through, it was really good!!!

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot doesn’t connect super easily so it’s kinda hard to follow, I hate to leave a bad review but it was a dnf for me because it was quite confusing.

[Liv Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑I have no amount of words to describe how much I loved this book. I was blown away by the amount of plots twists and turns and ups and downs all throughout the book. Mae Mckoy does a beautiful job writing a lovely world and well developed characters, they seem so real you forget they’re not. I loved that she twisted both fairytales and Greek myths into her book while simultaneously making it an all new story. I read this book in just a few days and if I didn’t have other life things going on at the same time it would’ve been done a lot earlier!😂

☕️Content:
-Romance level:1 - one light kiss at the very end, a few instances of hand-holding and hugging
-Swearing: None/only in-world made-up swears (i.e. Acorns, pinecones)
-Triggers: loss of loved ones(past and present), abandonment by parents(past), imprisonment, mild violence(light fantasy battle stuff, and a side character is stabbed to death off page)
-Age Rating: Middle Reader/Young teen+

👑This book is a light, fun read and I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good fast-paced, fun fantasy. I would especially recommend to 11/12yr-teen girls as this is the target age range but I (23yr) also really really enjoyed it myself!