Marny

Feyguard #3

by Anthea Sharp

Headed to the big city for a summer internship, Marny Fanalua is glad to leave her hometown and its creepy connection with the Realm of Faerie behind. Drastic heroics in Feyland are what her friends do — she’s just trying to figure out where she fits in the real world.

Livestream gaming star and entrepreneur Nyx Spenser isn’t sure why he’s able to create incredibly realistic simulations straight out of the game of Feyland, but he plans to share his crazy new talent by opening an all-ages hangout called Club Mysteria.

As the boundaries between the human world and the dangerous Realm of Faerie weaken, Marny and Nyx must forge an alliance to repair the damage he’s done—before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Growing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.

Reviews

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this expansion of the Feyland universe! Sharp returns to the fantasy world that she’s built throughout the series and takes readers on a unique twist. Her seamless narrative and vibrant descriptions bring both the human and fantasy aspects of this novel to life. Not only was the world building fantastic, but the plot kept me on my toes. I loved the combination of fantasy, gaming, and real life situations.

I really like how Marny is ok just being herself. True, there may be things that she’d like to change but in general she likes herself. Nyx’s fantastic ideas and journeys, as well as the intricate way in which Sharp developed him, created the perfect hero for this tale. His larger than life persona made him the perfect candidate for this tale. I appreciate how the characters are age appropriate, yet extraordinary at that. No one is faced with situations that are beyond them, yet they are caught up in situations that are well beyond the everyday, stretching them to the limits. I love the dialogue and the gaming lingo. It brought everything and everyone to the forefront for me.

This novel has it all: vivid and larger than life writing, characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, and a fast paced, fantasy plot full of action and adventure.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy Burford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The delightful character Marny from the Feyland books (in which she memorably baby-sat cantankerous Korrigan, the faerie changeling) finally takes center stage in this third Feyguard book. She sets out on her own with a coveted internship at Intertech in a city far from home, after developing a successful avatar-modifying app called No Compromise that went viral.

The story begins when Nyx Spenser, a fanatic gamer and incipient entrepreneur, finds the enchanted forest of Feyland in his bedroom. It disappears (after his sister Emmie has seen it too), but Nyx figures out how to get it back. He rents a warehouse to open as Club Mysteria, with the forest as the central attraction. Nyx knows nothing of the rulers of the Light and Dark Realms and has no inkling of their attempts to ensnare mortals.

Marny settles in at Intertech as the roommate of the two other interns: careless Wil and appearance-obsessed Anjah. A minor quibble about the cover image (although it is attractive): the glamorous, heavily made up Marny on the cover seems a bit incompatible with her attitude toward conventional appearance and her reluctance even to put on lip gloss in the story.

When Marny goes to Club Mysteria, she instantly recognizes the Feyland forest and is aware of its potential danger. Although she and Nyx are initially antagonistic, their mutual adventures in the Faerie Realms (as themselves and not as avatars) bring them close. The exciting denouement includes a few surprises. A worthy continuation of the series.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Marny is the 3rd book in the Feyguard series, Ms. Sharp does an excellent job of blending just enough background from the previous books to allow it to be read as a stand-alone book, but not so much that you feel like your drowning in the previous stories before you get to the meat of this one.

Marny is a wonderful character who isn't afraid of who and what she is – a strong, tall, quiet and smart young lady from a low-middle class background mostly comfortable in her own skin. She's scored a coveted summer internship with Intertech and is embarking on her solo adventure to the big city 800+ miles from home.

Nyx Spenser is a smart kid who enjoys gaming, and while sharing his gaming adventures on his Flail channel has managed to turn that enjoyment into a tidy income. So one evening when Nyx steps out of his sim system and into a piece of the enchanted forest – in his bedroom no less! – and figures out that it is real, the only logical next step is… Club Mysteria!

It's a little confusing at first because Ms. Sharp starts Nyx' story in March and the next chapter starts Marny's story in June, but the 2 points of view flow so well together that it actually took me a couple chapters to realize what was going on. A quick flip back to the chapter headings got me on track and barreling along for a wild ride.

Ms. Sharp's descriptions of Marny's bus ride and her first (second, and third!) impressions of the big city and Intertech are rich and nicely detailed without bogging down in excessive over-the-top long-winded nitty details that drive a reader nuts. Ms. Sharp shares a wonderfully descriptive view of the often hidden beauty of a big city, without detracting in any way from the story. I'm reading the entire book again, just so that I can savor the imagery Ms. Sharp so skillfully creates.

Whatever you do, don't start this book just before going to bed and having to be up early the next day, like I did, because I guarantee you won't be able to put it down from page 1! I loved the story from start to finish and I'm bound and determined to join the Feyguard in my next lifetime!

I feel I should close this review by acknowledging that I am only a 'young adult' at heart, as the gray hairs I see in the mirror remind me of regularly, so I don't find myself reading books from the Young Adult genre very often. But I love the Fantasy genre, especially with a "gaming" twist, so when I came across Feyland: The First Adventure (the prequel story to the Feyland series) for free I was intrigued enough by the blurb to take a chance. Hey, it's free, what the heck.

The prequel story was engaging enough that I bought the first book in the Trilogy (ok, it was free too) and I was hooked. I immediately bought the rest of the books in the series which I don't do unless I really, really enjoy the story and the author's writing… especially with over 2500 free books on my Kindle that I haven't read yet!

Ms. Sharp creates a wonderful blend of Fantasy, Gaming, and SciFi adventure with a nice touch of sweet romance... along with good suspenseful action and really creepy baddies! Overall a very fun, enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I want to thank Ms. Sharp for providing me this ARC of Marny in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book has no determination on my personal review.

[Tammy Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you are the one who's looking in on something, and feeling that you don't quite fit the mold. Do you embrace it ? Or do you try to squash yourself in that mold ????? Well for Marny its was never a choice , She was always the stand alone, be yourself type ......With her friend being kind of super heroes , and her kind of knowing all that is fey, that they do . Along with the sight herself . her not willing to immerse herself in game . She had dreams , and made her way winning a group of followers, an internship, Quite a sum of credits and getting a summer gig was an adventure she was pleased to be going on ..........As her new adventure starts, she becomes aware of a possible feyguard issue, and is steeped in the world of fey and immersive gamming she feared so !!!! Find out what makes Marny don the helmet and gloves and risk all she fear in this next Feygaurd
book Marny .....YOU'LL LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!

[S M Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an Advance Readers Copy.
I really loved this! It reminded me why I really liked the Feyland books in the first place; there is less gaming here, but it still has the magic of youth, and the conflict of Fae attractiveness, and I like that Marny is given a time to shine; and a chance to develop on her own. This is a book I can recommend to all my friends, not just the adult ones! I believe that Feyland 0.5: The First Adventure is free, so you can start the series that way. Just remember that is a simpler story, without the added layers of the later Feyland books. (Now I'm sounding like an ad, but I really have liked all of Anthea Sharp's books).
Enjoy!

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. The Feyguard story is extended with Many, where we get to know her a little better. Nyx is a fine addition and his club was clever. While fairly short, this tale is full of adventure with a hint of romance., While a little tighter editing would have benefited the reading experience, overall this is a fun, light read and worth the time..

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in the hospital and pretty much bored out of existence between endless bouts of PT. Luckily I’m a book-aholic. Even more luckily I can use my iPad to read and have a handy hubby (very useful, that) to dictate reviews to (as I cannot type currently). I’ve used this time to totally binge on what I think are all of the Feyland books by Anthea Sharp that I haven’t read yet. And by binge I mean a two-day nonstop read-fest (other than eating and the afore-mentioned massively time consuming PT) I’m in the hospital and pretty much bored out of existence between endless bouts of PT. Luckily I’m a book-aholic. Even more luckily I can use my iPad to read and have a handy hubby (very useful, that) to dictate reviews to (as I cannot type currently). I’ve used this time to totally binge on what I think are all of the Feyland books by Anthea Sharp that I haven’t read yet. And by binge I mean a two-day nonstop read-fest (other than eating and the afore-mentioned massively time consuming PT) of the remaining five of these books I hadn’t already actually read.

How to Babysit a Changeling: A Feyland Novella (Feyland 3.5) was the third book in my binge. Frankly I think you need to at least read the first three Feyland books before this one (though really, this series is so good that trust me this is no hardship). I had read through all of the main stories in the series before this one, do I already knew Marny (star of series book 6 which is also the third in the Feyguard sub-series). She’s a favorite character of mine so it was a great pleasure to get into some of her backstory in detail, especially as the story here (Marny helping battle the Dark Court when a mortal boy in our world is exchanged for a hideous faerie from the Realm of Faerie) is so well done. Great world-building, superbly crafted lead and supporting characters and wonderful writing. A true treat for series fans and a really fun standalone story all by itself.

I’m going to review the other books (Royal, Marny, Tales of Feyland and Faerie & The Faerie Girl and Other Tales) separately but here’s a clue: all easily five stars.

[Amy (I'd Rather Be Sleeping) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Marny. So does everyone else I've come across that read the original trilogy. She's a big girl and she's unapologetic about it and while she might be a little insecure at times, she is wholeheartedly herself. That being said, to me, this book does not hold up to the rest of the books in this setting.

I thought the other five books were all kind of magical (though I did like the fifth less than the rest) and now I don't know if I've just lost interest in these type of stories, or if this book really does lack something. Though, if it does lack, it's Nyx's fault.

First I gotta say, Nyx is an awesome name. But, really, his character is so entitled it's not even funny. He discovers a Feyland forest in his bedroom and after playing around just enough to figure out how to manipulate it, he decides it's an appropriate idea to open up a nightclub and claim he created this forest (and other locales) through the use of immersive gaming and holograms. And charge money to see it. Yeah, dumbass, because nothing could possibly go wrong. And then he tries using the excuse of not telling anyone besides his sister because anyone he'd tell would exploit it to make money. … And I'm supposed to like him?

Also, I know this series is sci-fi/adventure/fantasy hodgepodge, but I've always viewed it as more romance than anything else. (Which is why I almost rated the previous book down and now truly wish I had.) It's not until page 125 of my kindle copy - which is forty-five percent through the book - that the two mains finally meet. *pause for effect/crickets* Yeah, I much prefer 'romances' that the characters meet in the first chapter so maybe all this time I was shelving these books wrong. Not to mention the fact that it took even longer than that before we actually entered the Realm. This book just doesn't work for me and like it said; I don't know if this book really isn't as good as the previous ones or if it just isn't my type of read anymore.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marny Fenalua, friends with the Feyguard heroic team yet apart, she is not into simming and wanted no part in the Feyland craziness, she was still striving to find her role in the real world. She moves to a different city for a summer job but Feyland is everywhere and trouble beckons her so unexpectedly! Marny as usual is strong, steadfast and loyal to a fault, even to those she hardly knows. When anyone was in trouble she was there for them, her usual dependable self. She has to enter the realm of faerie to help save someone and she does this admirably even though she had no faith on her own capabilities and kept hoping to be saved by the Feyguard team. This was yet another exciting novel, the magical ambience of the light and dark courts is enchanting and the character of Puck truly wonderful and fun. Marny finds not only her place in life but also love in the new city of Newpoint. She who had always thought of herself as a side-kick to the team was now a hero in her own right. I just love that this strong character has become even stronger and been moved out of the shadows as she so deserved to be. Great respect for Marny the character who was always true to herself!

[Greyscotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of mistrust that becomes something so much more. When Marny is introduced in this novel she is most definitely not a regular "Feyland" participant but as the story progresses she overcomes her dislike of gaming to assist the male protagonist with a very unusual quest. The fact that they end up together is simply a bonus. There is so much beneath the surface here that I have to say that this is the best book of the trilogy. Thanks Anthea.

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

If this truly is the last book, this is a great note to end on, but I do kinda hope the author will continue the story on some. While having a bit of finality to it, there is also some leeway to continue the story on and that would be a very pleasant reunion for me. These books have so much hope to them in spite of all it's ties to reality and that is most refreshing to me.

[Brita · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the 3 Feyguard novels!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly great series! I hope the Feyguard will be revisited in a future book.

[Lisa Monson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it,

[Carla Hostetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I came in the middle of this series, I have to say I loved the heroine, big, brown Marny who is comfortable in her Samoan skin and knows what she wants to do with her life. Not a member of the human Feyguard directly, she knows of and works with this warriors who keep an eye on the Faerie Realm. Just out of high school in a small, rural town, she hardly expects to encounter Faerie in the big city where she is offered a prestigious internship with a high tech firm and ends up housed with two obnoxious roommates, stereotypes of their kind who turn out to be not so bad in the end.
However, another brilliant teen has managed to capture and exploit a little bit of the Realm not realizing the danger it presents. He skips college in favor of opening a teen nightclub with juice bar, a loud band, his own living quarters, and that piece of Faerie where customers are allowed to roam at their leisure. Marny, not his type, tries to warm him of his folly, but Nix Spenser ignores her until they are both drawn in the dangers of the other realm where he finds having a big warrior woman bail him out is not such a bad thing. This is a teen book, so no sex, just attraction in the end, but a nice validation of a different kind of girl.

[Bubble Bath Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Feyland book yet! We love that the heroine is a tall, strong Samoan girl who owns her distinctive look and style. Author Anthea Sharp does such a good job in contrasting the slick, high-tech futuristic feel of the real world in the city of Newport and the more formal, otherworldly, dreamy with a dark edge Faerie land. She seamlessly moves the reader from one world to the other and weaves the whole plot together with great skill. Our heroine Marny is so clever and and sharp but she doesn't realize at the beginning of the story what great power and potential she has. It's great to see the growth in her character as the story progresses as well as watch how her relationship with Nyx Spencer unfolds. See our full review at http://wp.me/p5s62b-Gi

[Barbara]

I love Marny. This is a continuation of the Feyland series and is the continuing story of Marny Fanalaua, a tall, self possessed, intelligent Samoan girl, who is awesome. She is the good friend of Tam in the first book. She is the niece of Zeg, owner of the sim café where they all hang out. This is the story of Marny first adventure all on her own. She has an internship at a tech corporation hundreds of miles away from her home and friends and she is ready for the adventure. But Feyland is never far away as she discovers when she meets Nyx, the owner of a new start up gaming club that has a familiar 3 -D atmoshphere. It looks exactly like the forest in Feyland in side his club. How is that possible? Read it and find out!

[Ju Transcendancing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite book in the series so far - Marny is the most awesome character and I adore her. I loved the sense of her character, her confidence, how she navigates feeling out of place in the world but without ever compromising herself. I love that she's smart with tech and just all around gets to be so freaking awesome! I think that it's early days for her relationship with Nyx, but I think she grounds him a little and he reminds her to reach a little further - this is a nice complement. Really looking forward to any other books from this universe, it's really grown over the series so far.

[Christine]

Fun y/a book. Great fey land and magic and sweet real world futures!