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Fern's School for Wayward Fae #2
The Grim Adventure
Return to Fern’s School for Wayward Fae—where students are part human and part magical. In book 2 of this peculiar series, one demifae girl discovers that Death itself has Fern's students in sight . . . and the fate of the whole school is looking grim.
A girl who's trapped in another realm. Her school, full of the peculiarly magical. And a hunt for Death itself. . . .
The month leading up to one’s thirteenth birthday can be exciting, but rarely does that thrill come in the form of a perilous chase. Nearly thirteen-year-old Rosemary Thorpe is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life as she fights to discover what’s happening with the fae courts. She can see the future . . . and right now, it’s looking grim.
Out of nowhere, legions of mushrooms threaten to overwhelm Fern's School for Wayward Fae. Someone tries to drown all the plants in the greenhouse. And as Rosemary searches for answers, it becomes clearer that something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts . . . and it’s closer than she might think.
A girl who's trapped in another realm. Her school, full of the peculiarly magical. And a hunt for Death itself. . . .
The month leading up to one’s thirteenth birthday can be exciting, but rarely does that thrill come in the form of a perilous chase. Nearly thirteen-year-old Rosemary Thorpe is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life as she fights to discover what’s happening with the fae courts. She can see the future . . . and right now, it’s looking grim.
Out of nowhere, legions of mushrooms threaten to overwhelm Fern's School for Wayward Fae. Someone tries to drown all the plants in the greenhouse. And as Rosemary searches for answers, it becomes clearer that something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts . . . and it’s closer than she might think.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
24 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 4, 2025
•𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐌 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
1. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Then you’ll love this series!
2. If you read book one and were left hanging, then you’ll love getting all of the answers in this follow up!
3. Rosemary is a character that you’ll find yourself cheering for the entire time!
4. Ever wondered what it might be like to own a magical sweatshirt? Wonder no more!
5. If you’re in middle school, or know one, then buy this series asap!
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
A girl who's trapped in another realm. Her school, full of the peculiarly magical. And a hunt for Death itself. . . .
The month leading up to one’s thirteenth birthday can be exciting, but rarely does that thrill come in the form of a perilous chase. Nearly thirteen-year-old Rosemary Thorpe is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life as she fights to discover what’s happening with the fae courts. She can see the future . . . and right now, it’s looking grim.
Out of nowhere, legions of mushrooms threaten to overwhelm Fern's School for Wayward Fae. Someone tries to drown all the plants in the greenhouse. And as Rosemary searches for answers, it becomes clearer that something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts . . . and it’s closer than she might think.
1. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Then you’ll love this series!
2. If you read book one and were left hanging, then you’ll love getting all of the answers in this follow up!
3. Rosemary is a character that you’ll find yourself cheering for the entire time!
4. Ever wondered what it might be like to own a magical sweatshirt? Wonder no more!
5. If you’re in middle school, or know one, then buy this series asap!
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
A girl who's trapped in another realm. Her school, full of the peculiarly magical. And a hunt for Death itself. . . .
The month leading up to one’s thirteenth birthday can be exciting, but rarely does that thrill come in the form of a perilous chase. Nearly thirteen-year-old Rosemary Thorpe is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life as she fights to discover what’s happening with the fae courts. She can see the future . . . and right now, it’s looking grim.
Out of nowhere, legions of mushrooms threaten to overwhelm Fern's School for Wayward Fae. Someone tries to drown all the plants in the greenhouse. And as Rosemary searches for answers, it becomes clearer that something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts . . . and it’s closer than she might think.
May 10, 2025
And once again this ends in a cliffhanger!!
This book is so incredibly intriguing that it left me at the edge of my seat the entire time!!
The plot is so crazy! I was literally like “WHAT!?!?!!!??” 😱
So I really need to know when book 3 comes out!😁 Because I cannot wait too long.
I recommend this to anyone who loves magical adventures, crazy plots, cliffhanger’s, and so much more!!
Just one more thing and it’s a spoiler.
Rosemary’s dad is the Grimm Reaper!?!??!?! I still can’t get over that. I just can’t. But then I kind of saw it coming, but I still was shocked. Actually I still am.
Anyway, that’s it for my review, and this is totally worth 5 stars!💫🌟💫
This book is so incredibly intriguing that it left me at the edge of my seat the entire time!!
The plot is so crazy! I was literally like “WHAT!?!?!!!??” 😱
So I really need to know when book 3 comes out!😁 Because I cannot wait too long.
I recommend this to anyone who loves magical adventures, crazy plots, cliffhanger’s, and so much more!!
Just one more thing and it’s a spoiler.
Rosemary’s dad is the Grimm Reaper!?!??!?! I still can’t get over that. I just can’t. But then I kind of saw it coming, but I still was shocked. Actually I still am.
Anyway, that’s it for my review, and this is totally worth 5 stars!💫🌟💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
4.5/5
I jumped into The Grim Adventure without reading the first book in the series, and honestly — it read totally fine on its own! That said, I do think I’ll go back and pick up book one because I have a feeling it’ll help tie a few details together and make the experience even richer.
First, I have to shout out the audiobook. It was absolutely fantastic and helped me devour this book in one sitting. The narration really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend giving it a listen if you enjoy audiobooks.
The story itself was so creative. I mean… magical sweatshirts and portals? Who doesn’t want to get lost in a whimsical book like that? It had such a entertaining, playful vibe that made me feel like a kid again.
I adored Rosemary’s character in this book. She’s wholesome, kind, and always tries to make the right choices. She’s one of those characters you just can’t help but root for or want to set an example for a young reader.
This book is a great fit for middle grade readers who love adventure, magic, and getting completely swept away into a new world. And honestly, it’s great for adults like me who just want a feel-good, imaginative escape. Can’t wait for book three!
I jumped into The Grim Adventure without reading the first book in the series, and honestly — it read totally fine on its own! That said, I do think I’ll go back and pick up book one because I have a feeling it’ll help tie a few details together and make the experience even richer.
First, I have to shout out the audiobook. It was absolutely fantastic and helped me devour this book in one sitting. The narration really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend giving it a listen if you enjoy audiobooks.
The story itself was so creative. I mean… magical sweatshirts and portals? Who doesn’t want to get lost in a whimsical book like that? It had such a entertaining, playful vibe that made me feel like a kid again.
I adored Rosemary’s character in this book. She’s wholesome, kind, and always tries to make the right choices. She’s one of those characters you just can’t help but root for or want to set an example for a young reader.
This book is a great fit for middle grade readers who love adventure, magic, and getting completely swept away into a new world. And honestly, it’s great for adults like me who just want a feel-good, imaginative escape. Can’t wait for book three!
April 30, 2025
An exciting adventure that picks up right where the last one left off. This one was just as thrilling and fun as the first one. With the various creatures and demifae students getting into all sorts of mischief and mayhem there wasn’t a dull moment.
I enjoyed the story and if you like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson then you’ll be sure to love this!
I enjoyed the story and if you like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson then you’ll be sure to love this!
June 11, 2025
Thank you RHCBInfluencers @randomhousekids and Piper CJ @piper_cj for these free books!
“The Graveyard Gift” and “The Grim Adventure” by Fern Forgettable as told by Piper CJ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy. Location: Fern’s School for Wayward Fae. Note: Diverse characters.
SERIES: Fern’s School for Wayward Fae lies between worlds. Students are part human and part magical. Here, students learn about their powers, the different realms, and decide which world to live in when they graduate.
THE GRAVEYARD GIFT Oct 2024
Rosemary Thorpe can foresee people’s deaths. This unfortunate gift lands her a place at Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where she learns she is part fae. She meets her new part-banshee roommate Trym, whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. Then a student vanishes, and the students must use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.
THE GRIM ADVENTURE May 2025
Almost 13-year-old Rosemary is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life. The future is looking grim as legions of mushrooms try to overwhelm Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, and someone tries to drown all the greenhouse plants. As Rosemary searches for answers, she realizes something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts-and it’s closer than she thinks.
Author Fern Forgettable (if that is her real name) is a fairy of mystery. Don’t let her sparkly wings and fiery red hair fool you into thinking she’s good, for things are rarely as simple as “good” and “bad” when it comes to the fae. The world building in her series will make you wish you were part fae so you could attend Fern’s school. She focuses on friendship, found family, and acceptance of diverse people. I wish there had been series like this when I was in the middle grades. It’s dark academia with magical characters so it’s perfect for fans of Wednesday, and it’s 5 stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳#fernsschoolforwaywardfae #pipercj
“The Graveyard Gift” and “The Grim Adventure” by Fern Forgettable as told by Piper CJ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy. Location: Fern’s School for Wayward Fae. Note: Diverse characters.
SERIES: Fern’s School for Wayward Fae lies between worlds. Students are part human and part magical. Here, students learn about their powers, the different realms, and decide which world to live in when they graduate.
THE GRAVEYARD GIFT Oct 2024
Rosemary Thorpe can foresee people’s deaths. This unfortunate gift lands her a place at Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where she learns she is part fae. She meets her new part-banshee roommate Trym, whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. Then a student vanishes, and the students must use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.
THE GRIM ADVENTURE May 2025
Almost 13-year-old Rosemary is on the run from a wicked statue come-to-life. The future is looking grim as legions of mushrooms try to overwhelm Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, and someone tries to drown all the greenhouse plants. As Rosemary searches for answers, she realizes something sinister is after the students and their curious gifts-and it’s closer than she thinks.
Author Fern Forgettable (if that is her real name) is a fairy of mystery. Don’t let her sparkly wings and fiery red hair fool you into thinking she’s good, for things are rarely as simple as “good” and “bad” when it comes to the fae. The world building in her series will make you wish you were part fae so you could attend Fern’s school. She focuses on friendship, found family, and acceptance of diverse people. I wish there had been series like this when I was in the middle grades. It’s dark academia with magical characters so it’s perfect for fans of Wednesday, and it’s 5 stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳#fernsschoolforwaywardfae #pipercj
June 20, 2025
3.5 stars
June 11, 2025
I can't rave enough about this middle grade series. My 11 year old self would have worn physical copies of this out with rereads. I highly recommend these for all fantasy readers depending on what you're mood calls for. As an adult, they're a lighthearted read with delightful seelie/unseelie dynamics. For a younger reader, these are full of adventure, friendship pros/cons, and coming of age themes that are important for that age group. I combo read these with a a physical book and audiobook. Both options are great. Happy Reading!
I did receive an eARC from the publisher - I also obtained my own copies to own in other formats 🧚
I did receive an eARC from the publisher - I also obtained my own copies to own in other formats 🧚
April 4, 2025
Rosemary is separated from her friends and is running for her life when suddenly she is elsewhere and the thing is still there looking for her but is not right behind her that buys Rosemary a few minutes. Rosemary has no idea where she is but hides in a wardrobe when it comes looking for her, only to not see her. Rosemary finds it is the sweatshirts that makes her invisible, and there are plenty of them so who would miss one. She is finally able to go home without danger following. But when weird things start happening at the school no one seems to understand how or why they are happening but Rosemary thinks it might have something to do with the sweatshirt especially after she finds out it is deaths sweatshirt. They need the help of everyone to make it through this, even Fern.
I really liked this book. I found out answers to questions not answered in Book 1. I love the characters new and old. The adventurous and ever action filled ways the students think outside the box are wonderful and fresh. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next, I can only hope I will have the privilege to review it as well because there is so many ways this can go.
This review copy provided by Netgalley
I really liked this book. I found out answers to questions not answered in Book 1. I love the characters new and old. The adventurous and ever action filled ways the students think outside the box are wonderful and fresh. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next, I can only hope I will have the privilege to review it as well because there is so many ways this can go.
This review copy provided by Netgalley
May 9, 2025
I will be gifting this book to all my niblings and little cousins. It has been incredibly healing series for my own inner child. The writing is delightful whimsical and gothic. It has a beautiful message for any kid who has felt weird or an outcast. The Grim Adventure does a great job of expanding the world of Fern’s School for Wayward Fae. It has been a pure delight to watch the characters’ relationships to each other grow and deepen. I can’t wait to see where this story is headed next.
May 26, 2025
What an amazing continuation of this story!!! I love the themes of found friendship, and that not everything is what it appears to be!
Without spoiling anything, I am absolutely obsessed with the new characters we get to meet (especially the tiny cute ones) and I love how Piper is building this beautiful intricate world in a way that can resonate with middle grade readers.
This really is a story that I could have used back in middle school, and I am so happy that young people have access to this kind of world now.
Without spoiling anything, I am absolutely obsessed with the new characters we get to meet (especially the tiny cute ones) and I love how Piper is building this beautiful intricate world in a way that can resonate with middle grade readers.
This really is a story that I could have used back in middle school, and I am so happy that young people have access to this kind of world now.
June 27, 2025
This is the second book in the four book series of the Fern’s School for Wayward Fae. The first book, The Graveyard Gift, sets us up for this one. While this book is written for middle grade, adults that love magical and mystical stories will love it just as much. I have given these books to so many of the middle grade kiddos of friends, but I love them as well. It is definitely easy to devour quickly.
In this book, Rosemary continues to try to be helpful and do the right thing. She is fighting against mushrooms and having to defend herself against Fern’s father?! Rosemary cannot tell how she seems to know how to manage to get through the Lost Woods and getting from one realm to the next. If this not-so-nice Fae ruler found out how to get from one realm to the next, well, it would NOT be good. Rosemary has to run and fight to keep ahead. Fern does give us a good reminder, never take anything from the fae.
The ending does give you a shocker and will leave you wishing book 3 was ready to start immediately!!
I love the way that Piper CJ can build worlds and magic systems for children and adults alike. The Grim Adventure is available now in ebook, hardcover (sized perfect for middle graders with gorgeous covers), and ebook. Ask your local library or indie bookstore if they have it available or can order it for you, or you can support your local bookstore by using bookshop(dot)org or Libro.fm.
In this book, Rosemary continues to try to be helpful and do the right thing. She is fighting against mushrooms and having to defend herself against Fern’s father?! Rosemary cannot tell how she seems to know how to manage to get through the Lost Woods and getting from one realm to the next. If this not-so-nice Fae ruler found out how to get from one realm to the next, well, it would NOT be good. Rosemary has to run and fight to keep ahead. Fern does give us a good reminder, never take anything from the fae.
The ending does give you a shocker and will leave you wishing book 3 was ready to start immediately!!
I love the way that Piper CJ can build worlds and magic systems for children and adults alike. The Grim Adventure is available now in ebook, hardcover (sized perfect for middle graders with gorgeous covers), and ebook. Ask your local library or indie bookstore if they have it available or can order it for you, or you can support your local bookstore by using bookshop(dot)org or Libro.fm.
November 15, 2025
Following the events of the first book in the series, Rosemary has possession of something she shouldn’t and must figure out how to return it to the owner before negative repercussions ensue. She needs to do so while also preparing for her first exam at school and discovering what secrets are underlying between Seelie and Unseelie courts. This title is purportedly written by a popular social media figure who holds a degree in folklore, which clearly comes through in the text, and “she” does a wonderful job of writing in a descriptive way that iserts the reader into the story. Rosemary continues to practice managing her gift while discovering new things about herself and the magical world. As we move into the holiday season, I think that this series would be a good gift for the tween in your life. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
March 10, 2025
Loved this ending! It has me so excited for book 3! This book really pulled together a not of what was happening in book 1 and moved the story along quickly. We learn new things about some of the kids at the schools as well as meet some new characters, good and bad. Some big secrets are revealed in this book and it made for an exciting read. I had guessed the ending a few chapters before I got there and was excited to see I was right. I like the direction the author is headed with this series. It’s fun and clever and very imaginative. Book 4 is sure to have some exciting answers.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
April 23, 2025
4.5 Oooh... Key words for this one: Reaper (who was a student) and mushrooms. Rosemary is the kind of character who always ends up doing the right thing. This is a fun academy portal adventure, with a great small format. I love the covers so much. It's the type of fantasy that I recommend for those wanting to start reading the genre (fantasy/portal/fae academy). Has a good pacing, not too frenetic, and not too many details to keep track of, perfect for reluctant readers. Iris is still a thorn, but there's always one in any school.
July 15, 2025
I think this series is so fun, light but with adventure and cryptids and creatures. I saw Rosemary’s dad reveal coming but also really just wanted it to be Mothman 🥺 Will definitely keep reading, would read to children, recommend it to adults, all around good time. We get to see lots of different relationships with family and I think it teaches lots of healthy things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Book 2 in a magic school series where humans, demifae, & fae all learn to harness their powers at a special school. Cute, fun read. Left room for a third book.
4.5/5
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Book 2 in a magic school series where humans, demifae, & fae all learn to harness their powers at a special school. Cute, fun read. Left room for a third book.
May 12, 2025
This was fun and quirky… and a nice replacement for Harry Potter. The world-building was fun, and the characters were lovable. You are going to want to read this in order, as it will answer some questions from book 1. This was fun!
May 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for this ARC.
The Grim Adventure is a fabulous follow up to the first book, The Graveyard Gift. I loved all of the adventures that Rosemary is put through. I love the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The writing was amazing!
The Grim Adventure is a fabulous follow up to the first book, The Graveyard Gift. I loved all of the adventures that Rosemary is put through. I love the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. The writing was amazing!
May 10, 2025
4.5 rounded up
May 25, 2025
This book was very cute. Short, but enjoyable.
June 3, 2025
I am loving this series, it is so fun, and this one had me crying at the end! Happy tears of course!
June 20, 2025
I liked the introduction of new characters.
I like Grim a lot.
I also find it easier to listen to this as an audio book vs reading it since it is a different target audience.
I like Grim a lot.
I also find it easier to listen to this as an audio book vs reading it since it is a different target audience.
August 28, 2025
I feel like the plot didn’t flow as well in this book as I would have liked it too.
September 25, 2025
it was a small book, so i read it fast BUT
a very exciting book! Rosemary finds out that the Grim Reaper is her DAD!
a very exciting book! Rosemary finds out that the Grim Reaper is her DAD!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
I LOVE this series so much! The mix of fantasy and mythology is beautiful. I cannot wait for the next book to come out next year!
October 27, 2025
4⭐️ Really liked
This is a fun MG series that’s full of adventure! The second book picks up right where the first left off; while you could read it as a standalone I’d recommend reading them in order. There are a lot of secrets revealed in this one and I really like the direction the plot is headed, which makes me very excited to read book 3! It’s a clever and very imaginative series that I think readers of all ages will enjoy.
This is a fun MG series that’s full of adventure! The second book picks up right where the first left off; while you could read it as a standalone I’d recommend reading them in order. There are a lot of secrets revealed in this one and I really like the direction the plot is headed, which makes me very excited to read book 3! It’s a clever and very imaginative series that I think readers of all ages will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews