Panic fills Aly and her grandmother when Aly's ten year old sister, Emily sees a troll. The shock of Emily also having magical powers gives way as the sisters begin to share a world of intrigue. Aly becomes Emily's instructor while they interact with many new creatures--some of which are fascinating, and some terrifying. Aly finds her guardianship responsibilities increasing as the autumn wears on. Can she keep all the light elves safe from the dangers that await?
Autumn of Elves is the continuation of the Seasons of Elves series. The story starts with the end of summer break right around the corner. Aly and the rest of her family are going to the harvest festival, which is their tradition every year. The whole family is having a good time until Aly's parents go to buy cookies to take home. Aly, her ten year old sister Emily, and her grandma sit on a bench to rest while her parents are off buying cookies. Then, Emily sees what she thinks is a young girl. Aly and her grandma know exactly what it is, but Emily has no idea of the danger they are in. Luckily, Aly, Emily, and Grandma are able to get back home unscathed. Immediately after they get home, Aly starts to teach Emily about the new world she has been introduced to. Soon after, Aly's grandma discovers that one of the colonies of light elves is without a guardian. What will happen to the colony of light elves that doesn't have a guardian? Can Aly keep Emily safe? Will Emily become a guardian herself? Find out in the second book of The Seasons of Elves!
Opinion: I thought Autumn of Elves was another great read from Joanne Vruno. It was filled with magic, adventure, and suspense. I loved that the author put a new twist into the story; I would never have expected that Emily would be able to see the magical creatures too. The book kept me interested and engaged. I wasn't able to guess what would happen next; it was unpredictable.
A part in the book that I really liked was when Emily first saw a troll. It was so funny how the troll tried to get the attention of Aly’s family. Time and again it failed, and it finally walked away in defeat. I can't think of any part in the book that I didn't like. It was fantastic from start to finish. I think this book would be great for anyone who read and loved the first book. I also recommend it for anyone who likes magic and adventure.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 13
Autumn of Elves by Joanne Vruno is an exciting, mysterious, and magical book about twelve-year-old Aly and her sister, Emily. While spending a day at a festival, Aly and her grandmother notice a troll. Surprise and panic fills them when Emily also sees the troll. As Emily gains magical powers as well, Aly becomes her instructor and protector. However, Aly must now focus on a new task at hand. A whole colony of light elves have come to Aly’s town for protection. Aly has been the one assigned as their guardian. Can she keep them safe from danger?
Opinion: This book is incredibly exciting and difficult to put down. Joanne Vruno does an astounding job painting vivid descriptive images throughout the book. Her descriptive words help the reader picture scenes from the book, making it seem as if they are a part of the book. The plot is developed well from the beginning. Vruno keeps the reader on the edge of their seat while still finding time for character development. The climax leaves the reader wondering what will happen next and anxious to read more. I would recommend this book for students aged 10-12. Autumn of Elves is a perfect read for those who enjoy magic and adventure.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 12
Autumn of Elves continues the saga of the human world and creature world of light and rock elves, tomtes, gnomes, and the coming of age of a twelve year old girl named Aly. Its storyline is as classic as a Norman Rockwell painting of an American family gathered around a dinner table to celebrate a holiday. It exudes home and hearth, togetherness, tenderness, nurturing and love all of kind—the love among siblings, parents, grandparents; the love of nature and creatures. Interwoven into that is the role, purpose and responsibility, both human and elven, of guardians who protect Goodness from Evil. The Summer of Elves began the journey; the Autumn of Elves carries it to a higher level, which I enjoyed, especially the tension that occurred in the plot.
I had received this book from a Goodreads first-reads giveaway. This is such a wonderful series! I enjoyed this book as much as I had enjoyed the first book. I am hoping to see the other seasons appear soon! I love reading about Aly's and Emily's adventures. I love The ability that Vruno has in enabling the reader to imagine the events as if they are witnessing them right in that moment. Thank you for another great read!
This may even be better than Summer of Elves! Aly and now her sister, Emily continue to learn from Grandma Alice and journey into the world of mythical creatures. Couldn't put it down!