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Strange Luck #1
Strange Luck
After she’s inherited her family’s shop, Daisy Darling – an eighteen-year-old with a weakness for chocolate cake and fairy tales – must leave the confines of antiques and tradition to find a cure for her ailing father.
Never in her wildest dreams did Daisy anticipate a mysterious world thrived beneath her quaint little town of Sea Salt, California. A world full of beautiful landscapes, characters from her childhood stories, and time-altering portals. When her memories begin to rapidly disintegrate without explanation, she resolves to do anything to get them back. But to face the dark forces at play, she’ll need a little help from Nedder Fedder.
Nedder Fedder, a peculiar and powerful wizard, has one goal: to assist those with kind hearts using ancient magic. Yet, Nedder Fedder is also a captive in the mysterious world and nearly all his memories—including knowledge of his spells—have already disappeared. Whoever rules the world is stealing memories, and when they are all exhausted, another victim is robbed.
Now Daisy must battle the Entity and navigate through the deadly Nameless Cliffs, following the clues to find a way out before she completely loses her identity.
STRANGE LUCK is the enthralling first installment in the Strange Luck Series. A YA supernatural adventure with jaw-dropping twists, Strange Luck will keep you guessing until the very end.
~~~
"Strange Luck takes you headfirst into an adventure that feels a bit like THE NEVERENDING STORY and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. It's a beautiful book that made me smile and often surprised me with so many wonderful premises."-J.D. Estrada, author of Only Human ★★★★★
"A blend of ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets NARNIA in this delightful read.You'll be wondering what is real and what isn't. This has everything you would want in a fantasy book and more." - J.E. Plemons, author of the Last Light Falling series ★★★★★
"Welcome to a world of magical dreams, curious claims and the spellbinding writing of Amie Irene Winters." -Tome Tender Book Review ★★★★★
"An amazing work of art." -Online Book Club★★★★★
"A fabulous, fantastical mix of magic and imagination, exploration and uncertainty." -Christie Stratos, author of Anatomy of a Darkened Heart ★★★★★
This is a daring adventure story...an imaginative escapade." ★★★★★
-Readers' Favorite
"We are obsessed with it." -YA Love Magazine ★★★★★
"Engaging and full of twists and turns." -Penny Warner, author of the award-winning Code Busters Club series, and Death of a Chocolate Cheater ★★★★★
Never in her wildest dreams did Daisy anticipate a mysterious world thrived beneath her quaint little town of Sea Salt, California. A world full of beautiful landscapes, characters from her childhood stories, and time-altering portals. When her memories begin to rapidly disintegrate without explanation, she resolves to do anything to get them back. But to face the dark forces at play, she’ll need a little help from Nedder Fedder.
Nedder Fedder, a peculiar and powerful wizard, has one goal: to assist those with kind hearts using ancient magic. Yet, Nedder Fedder is also a captive in the mysterious world and nearly all his memories—including knowledge of his spells—have already disappeared. Whoever rules the world is stealing memories, and when they are all exhausted, another victim is robbed.
Now Daisy must battle the Entity and navigate through the deadly Nameless Cliffs, following the clues to find a way out before she completely loses her identity.
STRANGE LUCK is the enthralling first installment in the Strange Luck Series. A YA supernatural adventure with jaw-dropping twists, Strange Luck will keep you guessing until the very end.
~~~
"Strange Luck takes you headfirst into an adventure that feels a bit like THE NEVERENDING STORY and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. It's a beautiful book that made me smile and often surprised me with so many wonderful premises."-J.D. Estrada, author of Only Human ★★★★★
"A blend of ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets NARNIA in this delightful read.You'll be wondering what is real and what isn't. This has everything you would want in a fantasy book and more." - J.E. Plemons, author of the Last Light Falling series ★★★★★
"Welcome to a world of magical dreams, curious claims and the spellbinding writing of Amie Irene Winters." -Tome Tender Book Review ★★★★★
"An amazing work of art." -Online Book Club★★★★★
"A fabulous, fantastical mix of magic and imagination, exploration and uncertainty." -Christie Stratos, author of Anatomy of a Darkened Heart ★★★★★
This is a daring adventure story...an imaginative escapade." ★★★★★
-Readers' Favorite
"We are obsessed with it." -YA Love Magazine ★★★★★
"Engaging and full of twists and turns." -Penny Warner, author of the award-winning Code Busters Club series, and Death of a Chocolate Cheater ★★★★★
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
A.I. Winters
4 books61 followersA.I. Winters is an award-winning horror and fantasy author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 8, 2016
Happy memories, our greatest treasures, we all have them, we all sort through them and they make us feel good. What if your memories could be stolen? What if you could forget the most important people and events in your life? What if you forgot you LOVED your favorite candy? GAH! That is just what is happening in a place called Nameless, because one dark soul is looking for the best memory ever and it is stealing them from its victims. What if, like Daisy, you learned that Nameless was a real place and it existed right below the boring little town you lived in?
One ancient letter, never opened, becomes too much for Daisy to resist when she becomes proprietor of the family curiosities shop. That letter will begin a journey that may steal all that Daisy holds dear in her heart, unless she finds a way to stop the evil before it steals all that she is, leaving her an empty vessel who wanders lost in Nameless with countless others who thought they had reached Utopia.
Welcome to a world of magical dreams, curious claims and the spellbinding writing of Amie Irene Winters. Welcome to the tale called Strange Luck. Ms. Winters will mesmerize every reader with the complexity of her tale, while causing goosebumps at the thought of losing those precious treasures within our minds and hearts. It is those memories that the thief wants, only the best of the best, the priceless ones and now Daisy is trapped, her memories being taking slowly, but surely. Time is running short, but she is determined to understand and stop the vile entity before there are no memories left anywhere. Will she find a way to stop the monster? Will she save his previous victims? Will their memories be returned? Definitely a memorable read! (It HAD to be said!) Brilliant writing from a talented author.
I received this copy from Amie Irene Winters in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Strange Luck - Book 1
Publisher: Amie Irene Winters; 1 edition (June 2, 2015)
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Genre: 12+ Fantasy
Print Length: 210 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
One ancient letter, never opened, becomes too much for Daisy to resist when she becomes proprietor of the family curiosities shop. That letter will begin a journey that may steal all that Daisy holds dear in her heart, unless she finds a way to stop the evil before it steals all that she is, leaving her an empty vessel who wanders lost in Nameless with countless others who thought they had reached Utopia.
Welcome to a world of magical dreams, curious claims and the spellbinding writing of Amie Irene Winters. Welcome to the tale called Strange Luck. Ms. Winters will mesmerize every reader with the complexity of her tale, while causing goosebumps at the thought of losing those precious treasures within our minds and hearts. It is those memories that the thief wants, only the best of the best, the priceless ones and now Daisy is trapped, her memories being taking slowly, but surely. Time is running short, but she is determined to understand and stop the vile entity before there are no memories left anywhere. Will she find a way to stop the monster? Will she save his previous victims? Will their memories be returned? Definitely a memorable read! (It HAD to be said!) Brilliant writing from a talented author.
I received this copy from Amie Irene Winters in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Strange Luck - Book 1
Publisher: Amie Irene Winters; 1 edition (June 2, 2015)
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Genre: 12+ Fantasy
Print Length: 210 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 22, 2016
Strange Luck is a fabulous, fantastical mix of magic and imagination, exploration and uncertainty. There are lots of great YA elements - first love, first time traveling, self-discovery - but what I loved the most was the seriously enjoyable visitation to childhood wonderment. What better way to get to a magical paradise than by digging through a pile of bigger and bigger toys? Through the main character, Daisy Daring, we get to meet a wizard, become a fairy, have a discussion with a talking duck, and far more. The book was told in first-person POV, and I felt like I got to experience all of these things first-hand.
The concept of a world where an evil entity only known as him steals happy memories so that he can find the perfect one is very original. The deeper reason behind this theft is even more of a fascinating concept. Imagine if you had to avoid thinking of good memories while trapped in a dangerous place that you're told you cannot escape, and every time you do remember them, you forget and don't even realize it. The effects of that are far reaching. Without knowing what made you who you are, how can you remain the same person? Your personality would start to erode along with everything that makes you you.
At first I thought the ending was going to be pat, but it took a sudden turn for something surprising and clever. I can't wait to visit the antique store, Strange Luck, in the next book in this series and see what lies ahead.
The concept of a world where an evil entity only known as him steals happy memories so that he can find the perfect one is very original. The deeper reason behind this theft is even more of a fascinating concept. Imagine if you had to avoid thinking of good memories while trapped in a dangerous place that you're told you cannot escape, and every time you do remember them, you forget and don't even realize it. The effects of that are far reaching. Without knowing what made you who you are, how can you remain the same person? Your personality would start to erode along with everything that makes you you.
At first I thought the ending was going to be pat, but it took a sudden turn for something surprising and clever. I can't wait to visit the antique store, Strange Luck, in the next book in this series and see what lies ahead.
March 24, 2017
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. I loved the shop, Strange Luck, where is begins. And then Winters take you on a wild ride full of talking ducks, wizards, fairies and more! The book is full of strange settings and the adventure is such fun. A great story with fantastic writing. Here are just a few quotes that I loved.
"There's just nothing more frustrating than not being able to find something that's right in front of you."
"Most people aren't with their situation and are always looking for a way out. They always think the grass is greener on the other side of the hill, but in most cases, it's not."
"In our entire relationship, I don't think we had ever just stared at each other quietly like that. I wanted to say so many things or wanted to hear him say them, but neither of us dared to say a word."
"Night quickly descended upon the Nameless, squeezing out every drop of light until only darkness remained."
"There's just nothing more frustrating than not being able to find something that's right in front of you."
"Most people aren't with their situation and are always looking for a way out. They always think the grass is greener on the other side of the hill, but in most cases, it's not."
"In our entire relationship, I don't think we had ever just stared at each other quietly like that. I wanted to say so many things or wanted to hear him say them, but neither of us dared to say a word."
"Night quickly descended upon the Nameless, squeezing out every drop of light until only darkness remained."
November 4, 2015
An enjoyable story featuring a young and likeable pair of main characters, magic, danger, adventure and some interesting twists. It reminded me of the Wizard of Oz.
February 5, 2017
The first page was intriguing, the writing setting the mood and leaving me with the initial impression that this was going to be a fantastic read. That mood was broken on the second page when Daisy countered it with a modern, slightly slang phrase (“…so this guy was certainly pushing it”). It was disappointing, as the magical mysterious aura continued to be upset with Daisy’s verbalizations. Another descriptive passage that I thought worked well: “But on most days – like this one – the shop was so quiet I could hear every gear turning in the grandfather clock, which was said to be possessed by the ghost of a murderous musician.” A vision of the shop is created, a store that is unlike others, and thus deserves to be investigated further. Despite the periodic mood intrusions, the overall writing compelled me to continue reading.
There are different definitions of YA. I have seen YA describes as 18-25, 15-20, and 12-18 years of age. If I would have stopped after the first couple chapters, I would have described it as a book geared for late teens, early twenties. The reading level dropped as the book continued, and I would assign the overall book to an age block of 12-14. Either less time and thought were dedicated or the author lost her way and settled into a mode that better suited younger readers. Unfortunately, the main thrust of the book, memory theft and Daisy’s attempts to thwart the monster Farnsworth and recover the lost memories, is extremely convoluted. Although time and effort contributed to a train of thought that makes sense, the constant explanations may lose a young teen.
Less dismaying yet still bothersome are some of the grammatical errors that were missed and still present well after a year this book was published. For instance, though spelled similarly, discretely cannot be swapped with discreetly. The terms “incredibly loudly” and “incredibly firmly” are wobbly, although may be used as an effect with younger readers (and we are then back to the intended audience for this book).
So what was good about the book? This is a whimsical tale, with quirky characters that a younger reader would enjoy. It contains a lot of action, with the main characters in constant danger. The author creates a likable character in Daisy, and it is not difficult for readers to become wrapped up in her dilemmas and wish her to succeed. The whole idea of the Strange Luck store is an idea that could lend itself to a multi-book series, and Ms. Winters, through her descriptions of some of the store items, has already demonstrated she could ably handle this.
Bottom Line: Recommended for readers in their early teens, or for older readers who can overlook some of the elements that fit together, but not perfectly (I left some of these out so as not to include spoilers in the review). Two-and-a-half to three stars.
There are different definitions of YA. I have seen YA describes as 18-25, 15-20, and 12-18 years of age. If I would have stopped after the first couple chapters, I would have described it as a book geared for late teens, early twenties. The reading level dropped as the book continued, and I would assign the overall book to an age block of 12-14. Either less time and thought were dedicated or the author lost her way and settled into a mode that better suited younger readers. Unfortunately, the main thrust of the book, memory theft and Daisy’s attempts to thwart the monster Farnsworth and recover the lost memories, is extremely convoluted. Although time and effort contributed to a train of thought that makes sense, the constant explanations may lose a young teen.
Less dismaying yet still bothersome are some of the grammatical errors that were missed and still present well after a year this book was published. For instance, though spelled similarly, discretely cannot be swapped with discreetly. The terms “incredibly loudly” and “incredibly firmly” are wobbly, although may be used as an effect with younger readers (and we are then back to the intended audience for this book).
So what was good about the book? This is a whimsical tale, with quirky characters that a younger reader would enjoy. It contains a lot of action, with the main characters in constant danger. The author creates a likable character in Daisy, and it is not difficult for readers to become wrapped up in her dilemmas and wish her to succeed. The whole idea of the Strange Luck store is an idea that could lend itself to a multi-book series, and Ms. Winters, through her descriptions of some of the store items, has already demonstrated she could ably handle this.
Bottom Line: Recommended for readers in their early teens, or for older readers who can overlook some of the elements that fit together, but not perfectly (I left some of these out so as not to include spoilers in the review). Two-and-a-half to three stars.
May 30, 2016
Memories are a powerful thing and to a certain degree our greatest treasures. Think about it, what is life but an accumulation of experiences. That first kiss, that warm summer day where everything flowed perfectly, that candy that takes you directly to the brightest spot in your trail in this life.
Within the pages of the book of the same title, Strange Luck is a lovely antique shop of oddities that gives home to a variety of haunted (or at least reportedly haunted) pieces to entice people who want to invite a little oddity and a little bit of luck into their lives, even if it is of the strange kind. Wallace is the owner of the store and Daisy is his daughter. She dreams of traveling and writing although her immediate future has her inheriting Strange Luck, which isn't exactly the most wonderful outcome in her books.
Among the countless fascinating objects within the store, there is a particular envelope that brings much attention... especially since it was supposed to be given to a Mr. Farnsworth and has been passing from generation to generation for the last century... until an odd looking man comes claiming said letter as his own.
That's when things start getting interesting and where Strange Luck takes you headfirst into an adventure that feels a bit like the Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland while exploring a lot of new territory in the Nameless, a world sold as Utopia and which is far from it. As beautiful as it is frightening a concept, the idea does tantalize the mind.
Amie Irene Winters does a wonderful job of keeping you interested in seeing what happens next until the book is over, and you're wondering if you didn't just lose a memory along the way. Daisy is a likable character as well as Roger, her best friend, but where this book shines is in the details, the could have beens, the side stories, and the rich foundation of a place called the Nameless. I felt myself standing in an area that was the fantasy equivalent of the vast caverns in Journey to the Center of the Earth.
It is a beautiful book that made me smile and often surprised me with so many wonderful premises I can't help but wonder what a collection of side stories would be like. What are fairies really like?
Definitely recommend this book to any and all who love a good slice of fiction that leaves you wondering what if, over and over again, which is the sign of a story that sticks with you and would no doubt be a memory worth being stolen.
Within the pages of the book of the same title, Strange Luck is a lovely antique shop of oddities that gives home to a variety of haunted (or at least reportedly haunted) pieces to entice people who want to invite a little oddity and a little bit of luck into their lives, even if it is of the strange kind. Wallace is the owner of the store and Daisy is his daughter. She dreams of traveling and writing although her immediate future has her inheriting Strange Luck, which isn't exactly the most wonderful outcome in her books.
Among the countless fascinating objects within the store, there is a particular envelope that brings much attention... especially since it was supposed to be given to a Mr. Farnsworth and has been passing from generation to generation for the last century... until an odd looking man comes claiming said letter as his own.
That's when things start getting interesting and where Strange Luck takes you headfirst into an adventure that feels a bit like the Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland while exploring a lot of new territory in the Nameless, a world sold as Utopia and which is far from it. As beautiful as it is frightening a concept, the idea does tantalize the mind.
Amie Irene Winters does a wonderful job of keeping you interested in seeing what happens next until the book is over, and you're wondering if you didn't just lose a memory along the way. Daisy is a likable character as well as Roger, her best friend, but where this book shines is in the details, the could have beens, the side stories, and the rich foundation of a place called the Nameless. I felt myself standing in an area that was the fantasy equivalent of the vast caverns in Journey to the Center of the Earth.
It is a beautiful book that made me smile and often surprised me with so many wonderful premises I can't help but wonder what a collection of side stories would be like. What are fairies really like?
Definitely recommend this book to any and all who love a good slice of fiction that leaves you wondering what if, over and over again, which is the sign of a story that sticks with you and would no doubt be a memory worth being stolen.
March 26, 2016
Strange Luck is a delightful morality tale with those age-old themes of the grass is always greener on the other side and you don't know what you have until it's gone, all wrapped up in a Wizard of Oz-like story but on a much smaller scale.
Strange Luck is a Young Adult Fantasy, but the main characters, Daisy and Roger, are in their late teens and on the verge of adult life and faced with adult choices. Their budding romance isn't mushy and doesn't overshadow the main themes and action of the story.
The most interesting aspect of Strange Luck (for me, at least) is the idea of memories. The villain of the story steals people's most prized memories because he doesn't have any good ones of his own. Our memories are valuable and must be cherished and savored and kept safe. But sometimes those memories are stolen from us through the greedy villain called illness or accident or Farnsworth.
This fun little story stopped me in my tracks and caused me to think of my own most prized memories. While we often think of the monumental moments as our best memories, we mustn't allow that villain to steal the memories of those mundane moments that are oh so beautiful and precious.
And let's not forget about making those fake memories. It's called daydreaming, and I do it all the time!
***
"How can something be so wonderful yet so terrible at the same time?" ~ chapter 13
"Most people don't realize what it is that matters most to them until it's gone." ~ chapter 15
"Our memories are all that we have in life. We are our memories." ~ chapter 22
Strange Luck is a Young Adult Fantasy, but the main characters, Daisy and Roger, are in their late teens and on the verge of adult life and faced with adult choices. Their budding romance isn't mushy and doesn't overshadow the main themes and action of the story.
The most interesting aspect of Strange Luck (for me, at least) is the idea of memories. The villain of the story steals people's most prized memories because he doesn't have any good ones of his own. Our memories are valuable and must be cherished and savored and kept safe. But sometimes those memories are stolen from us through the greedy villain called illness or accident or Farnsworth.
This fun little story stopped me in my tracks and caused me to think of my own most prized memories. While we often think of the monumental moments as our best memories, we mustn't allow that villain to steal the memories of those mundane moments that are oh so beautiful and precious.
And let's not forget about making those fake memories. It's called daydreaming, and I do it all the time!
***
"How can something be so wonderful yet so terrible at the same time?" ~ chapter 13
"Most people don't realize what it is that matters most to them until it's gone." ~ chapter 15
"Our memories are all that we have in life. We are our memories." ~ chapter 22
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February 7, 2023rtc
April 27, 2016
I seriously loved this book and am so glad I found out about it through a friend. I haven't read such an original book is quite some time and from the very first chapter I was hooked. I loved her writing style and felt like I could perfectly picture everything in my mind as I read. I loved all of the magical components and whimsical characters, and of course, the protag - Daisy. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen. I don't write reviews often unless it's about something I really love and this definitely makes the cut! Highly recommended!
April 24, 2017
I have never read books about this type of adventure. I usually read love stories. This one is more fantasy and very well written! I was taken away with this book...I absolutely loved it and couldn't wait to finish this one to start the next one. I loved how well written the book was and how the writer explained through the whole book of what the story was about! Great book and writer! I read the second one to this and read it quicker then the first one and can't wait to read the 3rd book...LOVED THE FIRST TWO! Here's to the third one Amie... I can't wait to read it!
December 3, 2016
A fantastic story. Miss Winters has woven a tale that will enthrall readers and leave them begging for more. She has filled her world with compelling characters, particularly the protagonist Daisy, who we found ourselves identifying with better than many protagonists as of late. She is clever and easy to project onto but is not without her peculiarities. The fast pace of this tale keeps you going, and Miss Winters will always have you wondering what will happen next. Though the core of the story is something we have seen before, Miss Winters makes it her own, give young readers, or just those who are young at heart, something to enjoy.
We always gripe about formatting, and this book is no different, it is a bit off. Nothing too heinous, and most probably will not notice. Maybe it is just us, who knows. However, Miss Winters’ style is truly something to behold; her lines are well designed which lends her an assist in turning this story from something good into something special. She paints in broad strokes and fine details, giving us food for thought and imagery to fawn over – we loved it.
So, again, it’s a story. A very fun story, but mostly just a story. We will not be delving into the depths of the human soul here, but it is better than some at handling those young adult themes we know so well. Teenage angst, small minded parent, ignores daughter’s big dreams, maybe I’m special, but no one will notice me here – these are fairly standard things to see in a YA novel, but Miss Winters works through those and still manages to blend it into a story about worlds and places we can only fathom in our imaginations, or perhaps, our dreams.
If you enjoy YA fantasy or just fantasy, we recommend this book. Miss Winters possesses and abundance of talent and imagination that she has poured onto the pages of this book to deliver something that is not only delightful, but worth reading, and that is a rare talent indeed. As well, the book is priced to sell, and while we do not take that into consideration when recommending a book, we think you should when buying a book (HINT: It is worth every penny!).
Full Review: https://fantasiareviews.com/2016/11/1...
We always gripe about formatting, and this book is no different, it is a bit off. Nothing too heinous, and most probably will not notice. Maybe it is just us, who knows. However, Miss Winters’ style is truly something to behold; her lines are well designed which lends her an assist in turning this story from something good into something special. She paints in broad strokes and fine details, giving us food for thought and imagery to fawn over – we loved it.
So, again, it’s a story. A very fun story, but mostly just a story. We will not be delving into the depths of the human soul here, but it is better than some at handling those young adult themes we know so well. Teenage angst, small minded parent, ignores daughter’s big dreams, maybe I’m special, but no one will notice me here – these are fairly standard things to see in a YA novel, but Miss Winters works through those and still manages to blend it into a story about worlds and places we can only fathom in our imaginations, or perhaps, our dreams.
If you enjoy YA fantasy or just fantasy, we recommend this book. Miss Winters possesses and abundance of talent and imagination that she has poured onto the pages of this book to deliver something that is not only delightful, but worth reading, and that is a rare talent indeed. As well, the book is priced to sell, and while we do not take that into consideration when recommending a book, we think you should when buying a book (HINT: It is worth every penny!).
Full Review: https://fantasiareviews.com/2016/11/1...
April 16, 2017
Have you ever been wrapped up in your own thoughts, dreams, goals, and ambitions that the world around you seemed to disappear for what seemed like forever? Have you ever wanted to help someone so much that you were willing to do anything in your own power to help that person? Have you ever been so consumed by your own memories that the world around you seemed to change? Well, that is what this book is all about.
The story is told by a girl named Daisy who has a lot going on in her life at the young age of 18. She is becoming shop owner of the family antiques shop, she has a father with a heart condition that needs an operation, a best friend who is secretly in love with her, and the task of defeating him in the Nameless. All of this going on around her and all she can dream about is traveling the world and writing books.
The book starts off normal enough for it being a fantasy novel, but then after some back story into some of the characters and shops items, the book turns weird, as most fantasy books do and should. One of the items that the shop has is a letter and the story will tell you that it is not to be open by anyone other than who it is addressed to. However, it does get opened and Daisy is sent on an adventures to follow this map in hopes of saving her father. The map was to lead her to this beautiful place where life was everlasting and all your dreams came true. Instead the map leads her to some place entirely different, the Nameless, and she spends what feels like weeks trying to get out of the Nameless and save everyone who is trapped there.
The book was well-written, thought out, and put together in such a way that there are surprises around every corner. The book, as unexpected as it was, had some life lessons as well about memories, how you treat others, and caring for those around you. The book ended with a twist and definitely not in the way I had pictured, but the ending was perfect for the book. It ended nicely, but left room to build on, especially since there is a second book in the series.
This book is an all around 5 star from the writing, to the content, to the ending. I cannot wait to start the second novel in this series.
The story is told by a girl named Daisy who has a lot going on in her life at the young age of 18. She is becoming shop owner of the family antiques shop, she has a father with a heart condition that needs an operation, a best friend who is secretly in love with her, and the task of defeating him in the Nameless. All of this going on around her and all she can dream about is traveling the world and writing books.
The book starts off normal enough for it being a fantasy novel, but then after some back story into some of the characters and shops items, the book turns weird, as most fantasy books do and should. One of the items that the shop has is a letter and the story will tell you that it is not to be open by anyone other than who it is addressed to. However, it does get opened and Daisy is sent on an adventures to follow this map in hopes of saving her father. The map was to lead her to this beautiful place where life was everlasting and all your dreams came true. Instead the map leads her to some place entirely different, the Nameless, and she spends what feels like weeks trying to get out of the Nameless and save everyone who is trapped there.
The book was well-written, thought out, and put together in such a way that there are surprises around every corner. The book, as unexpected as it was, had some life lessons as well about memories, how you treat others, and caring for those around you. The book ended with a twist and definitely not in the way I had pictured, but the ending was perfect for the book. It ended nicely, but left room to build on, especially since there is a second book in the series.
This book is an all around 5 star from the writing, to the content, to the ending. I cannot wait to start the second novel in this series.
July 1, 2016
This delightful book was given to me as a gift. Winters has done an exceptional job creating a story that functions on two levels.
On the first, this is a charming children's story, reminiscent of Never Ending Story, A Wrinkle In Time, and The Labyrinth. The main characters become lost in a world, attempting to save the inhabitants and escape. To do so, they must preserve their memories, which are sought after by a dark wizard who is only known as The Entity. At this level, the story would surely attract younger children with its exciting plot developments, samplings of burgeoning relationships, and delightfully described landscapes.
On the second level, the book encourages the reader to consider the role memories have in shaping who we identify ourselves to be. Many times while reading the book, I found myself considering which memories were most cherished, what evidence someone could provide me with to convince me I had lost a memory, and how I would respond had I come to discover that a memory was stolen. Memories are already fickle enough (I have enough difficulties recalling what I ate for breakfast three days ago) and to think that there might be someone / something striving to steal them was enough to make this book a wonderful tool for personal reflection.
The writing is exceptionally clear and presents the reader with a world and characters that draw the reader to the next page. Anyone who is looking for an opportunity to escape the day (and given the prevalence of our usage of technology this is likely the majority) would do well to lose him or herself in this book.
Beyond the isolated read, this is a wonderful book to be shared with friends and family. It'll make for a wonderful conversation starter and provide you with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the relationships that allow you to create the memories that you wish to keep.
In particular, I believe that a parent looking to share a book with a child would do well to read this book . Perhaps the memory of sharing the story with your own child, as my mom had done with me and A Wrinkle In Time, would be a memory you and your child will continue to cherish.
On the first, this is a charming children's story, reminiscent of Never Ending Story, A Wrinkle In Time, and The Labyrinth. The main characters become lost in a world, attempting to save the inhabitants and escape. To do so, they must preserve their memories, which are sought after by a dark wizard who is only known as The Entity. At this level, the story would surely attract younger children with its exciting plot developments, samplings of burgeoning relationships, and delightfully described landscapes.
On the second level, the book encourages the reader to consider the role memories have in shaping who we identify ourselves to be. Many times while reading the book, I found myself considering which memories were most cherished, what evidence someone could provide me with to convince me I had lost a memory, and how I would respond had I come to discover that a memory was stolen. Memories are already fickle enough (I have enough difficulties recalling what I ate for breakfast three days ago) and to think that there might be someone / something striving to steal them was enough to make this book a wonderful tool for personal reflection.
The writing is exceptionally clear and presents the reader with a world and characters that draw the reader to the next page. Anyone who is looking for an opportunity to escape the day (and given the prevalence of our usage of technology this is likely the majority) would do well to lose him or herself in this book.
Beyond the isolated read, this is a wonderful book to be shared with friends and family. It'll make for a wonderful conversation starter and provide you with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the relationships that allow you to create the memories that you wish to keep.
In particular, I believe that a parent looking to share a book with a child would do well to read this book . Perhaps the memory of sharing the story with your own child, as my mom had done with me and A Wrinkle In Time, would be a memory you and your child will continue to cherish.
September 29, 2015
Dive into Utopia and unleash the power of your imagination!
If you like to imagine how it would be to live for a few hours in a world that is full of magic, fantasy, surprising creatures, whimsical natural environments, love in the air and mystery that seems impossible to be solved, then Strange Luck is the right book for you! It is not only very entertaining, but it gives your mind a break from this ordinary life to enter in a complete parallel world where you are a witness of two very enthusiastic and energetic friends that will invite you to live the most fantastic and adventurous journey. Strange Luck is the kind of book that once you start reading it, you have to tell yourself to stop so you still have more to read the next day. The author was very skillful in creating the right amount of mystery to be solved so you don't feel lost on what the main characters are looking for and trying to accomplish. You also learn a very important life lesson from its story: save your memories because they are your real treasures in life! If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you will not be disappointed by this fun, eloquent, and fantastic story. Read it and be taken away!
If you like to imagine how it would be to live for a few hours in a world that is full of magic, fantasy, surprising creatures, whimsical natural environments, love in the air and mystery that seems impossible to be solved, then Strange Luck is the right book for you! It is not only very entertaining, but it gives your mind a break from this ordinary life to enter in a complete parallel world where you are a witness of two very enthusiastic and energetic friends that will invite you to live the most fantastic and adventurous journey. Strange Luck is the kind of book that once you start reading it, you have to tell yourself to stop so you still have more to read the next day. The author was very skillful in creating the right amount of mystery to be solved so you don't feel lost on what the main characters are looking for and trying to accomplish. You also learn a very important life lesson from its story: save your memories because they are your real treasures in life! If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you will not be disappointed by this fun, eloquent, and fantastic story. Read it and be taken away!
February 16, 2017
A dark Alice in Wonderland!
What drew me to Strange Luck was the cover and then the description. As a reader, I love any book that can pull me in on page one and keep me turning pages. Strange Luck is definitely such a tale and as someone who grew up in a part of the country where every old house has a ghost, the idea of a shop entirely devoted to "haunted" items enticed me.
Daisy, Strange Luck's main character, is a skeptic of all things haunted and full of the usual small-town-girl-needs-to-escape angst, but as her father's sole heir, her future as owner of Strange Luck, the store that had been in her family for two generations, is a given. Forget her dreams of studying writing in London, her father needs her so that dream most likely isn't going to happen.
What I found fascinating about the story was the ensuring adventure and the characters she would meet along the way. Strange Luck is a bit like a dark Alice in Wonderland, full of ups, downs, turnarounds and unexpected surprises.
Can't wait to read the next book!
What drew me to Strange Luck was the cover and then the description. As a reader, I love any book that can pull me in on page one and keep me turning pages. Strange Luck is definitely such a tale and as someone who grew up in a part of the country where every old house has a ghost, the idea of a shop entirely devoted to "haunted" items enticed me.
Daisy, Strange Luck's main character, is a skeptic of all things haunted and full of the usual small-town-girl-needs-to-escape angst, but as her father's sole heir, her future as owner of Strange Luck, the store that had been in her family for two generations, is a given. Forget her dreams of studying writing in London, her father needs her so that dream most likely isn't going to happen.
What I found fascinating about the story was the ensuring adventure and the characters she would meet along the way. Strange Luck is a bit like a dark Alice in Wonderland, full of ups, downs, turnarounds and unexpected surprises.
Can't wait to read the next book!
June 26, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was interesting, and had a different concept. I enjoyed the little back story about the objects in the shop and the psychological factor of the book and how important memories are to the story. It is a quick and easy read, with a light tone to it. The main issue I had with it was the dialogue because it felt a little more juvenile than it should have been. I don't think that deterred from the story too much, however.
For my in-depth review check out my blog: http://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/2...
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was interesting, and had a different concept. I enjoyed the little back story about the objects in the shop and the psychological factor of the book and how important memories are to the story. It is a quick and easy read, with a light tone to it. The main issue I had with it was the dialogue because it felt a little more juvenile than it should have been. I don't think that deterred from the story too much, however.
For my in-depth review check out my blog: http://linzthebookworm.blogspot.com/2...
October 27, 2018
Great book and wonderful adventure. Reminded me of A Wrinkle In Time and The Giver. Very whimsical, heart-warming, and magical. Loved the items in the antique shop, the characters, and The Nameless. Original story. Overall, now that I've read all three books, I would recommend this series.
March 7, 2020
Love the whimsical stories
February 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it with my nine-year-old daughter. It is a cute story. Sort of reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. Such a fun adventure to read with kids or for an adult who likes adventure.
I liked the characters too. My daughter loved Daisy and the magic cricket.
I liked the characters too. My daughter loved Daisy and the magic cricket.
December 8, 2018
Review also available on my blog The Shameful Narcissist Speaks.
I added this to my TBR list because the main character's sole dream was to be a writer, and that was something I could relate to. I initially liked Daisy, and I think she deserved better supporting characters (I did like her until she shit-talked cats grrrr). Her father is supposed to be sympathetic, but he comes off as a selfish dick wanting her to take over the shop so that he can hunt for Utopia while she puts her dreams of going to London on a hold. What kind of parent would do that to their child? It's bad enough he tries to guilt her into staying in order to continue the family business when that's not what she wants, but then he decides he's going to foist the shop off on her while he goes on an adventure.
Then we have Roger her best friend who's always been in love with her.
He has the fucking audacity to throw a hissy fit when she doesn't recognize his feelings or reciprocate, and I'm just goddamn sick of entitled dudes. He also shames her for not instantly believing in Utopia when she has no empirical evidence of it. I'm sorry I don't just buy bullshit without any proof. I would absolutely check out where a potential portal might be, but I won't abandon all my responsibilities to frolic of to fairyland without at least seeing the door. So Daisy has two entitled men to deal with.
The logic of the book starts to go off the rails when they get close to the portal (which we of course know exists). Daisy and Roger see a man turn into a monster, yet they're not terrified to camp out in the open right near the place he's trying to get to?
The straw that caused me to DNF was the acceleration of the romance between the two of them. I had absolutely zero interest in reading about that because it was so fucking trite. It's like "Oh how convenient! The male best friend likes the girl he's known for years, tells her about it not long after the story starts, throws a shit fit when she doesn't realize how long he's been mooning over her, shames her for not believing in fairy tales, and then all of a sudden she likes him while they're swimming, and they kiss even though there's been zero chemistry shown between them." At least Final Fantasy X developed the characters and their relationship before the watery kissing scene.
Daisy goes from being portrayed as super capable to a scared little girl who needs a man to command her.
"But I'm a weak swimmer. And I'm scared!"
"You don't have the option of being scared. Just do it," he commanded.
Fuck. That. I called quits at 35%. The novel has mostly high reviews though, and the majority of comments, while acknowledging the writing and character quality falls off (even more so as you continue) seem to give it a pass. Concrit helps build better writers, and though I was snarkier than I normally try to be, there were just too many inconsistencies in this story to not call out.
1.5 stars.
I added this to my TBR list because the main character's sole dream was to be a writer, and that was something I could relate to. I initially liked Daisy, and I think she deserved better supporting characters (I did like her until she shit-talked cats grrrr). Her father is supposed to be sympathetic, but he comes off as a selfish dick wanting her to take over the shop so that he can hunt for Utopia while she puts her dreams of going to London on a hold. What kind of parent would do that to their child? It's bad enough he tries to guilt her into staying in order to continue the family business when that's not what she wants, but then he decides he's going to foist the shop off on her while he goes on an adventure.
Then we have Roger her best friend who's always been in love with her.
He has the fucking audacity to throw a hissy fit when she doesn't recognize his feelings or reciprocate, and I'm just goddamn sick of entitled dudes. He also shames her for not instantly believing in Utopia when she has no empirical evidence of it. I'm sorry I don't just buy bullshit without any proof. I would absolutely check out where a potential portal might be, but I won't abandon all my responsibilities to frolic of to fairyland without at least seeing the door. So Daisy has two entitled men to deal with.
The logic of the book starts to go off the rails when they get close to the portal (which we of course know exists). Daisy and Roger see a man turn into a monster, yet they're not terrified to camp out in the open right near the place he's trying to get to?
The straw that caused me to DNF was the acceleration of the romance between the two of them. I had absolutely zero interest in reading about that because it was so fucking trite. It's like "Oh how convenient! The male best friend likes the girl he's known for years, tells her about it not long after the story starts, throws a shit fit when she doesn't realize how long he's been mooning over her, shames her for not believing in fairy tales, and then all of a sudden she likes him while they're swimming, and they kiss even though there's been zero chemistry shown between them." At least Final Fantasy X developed the characters and their relationship before the watery kissing scene.
Daisy goes from being portrayed as super capable to a scared little girl who needs a man to command her.
"But I'm a weak swimmer. And I'm scared!"
"You don't have the option of being scared. Just do it," he commanded.
Fuck. That. I called quits at 35%. The novel has mostly high reviews though, and the majority of comments, while acknowledging the writing and character quality falls off (even more so as you continue) seem to give it a pass. Concrit helps build better writers, and though I was snarkier than I normally try to be, there were just too many inconsistencies in this story to not call out.
1.5 stars.
March 2, 2021
Strange Luck is such a gem! I knew from the first few pages that it was going to be an amazing story, but it even blew my high expectations out of the water! I have read a lot of books that start out strong and then fizzle out in the middle, but Strange Luck was strong all the way through. The characters had such real presences that made me feel like I was there with them, and the setting and the way the author describes things is just absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful prose, without distracting from the actual story. The whimsy of it reminded me of my favorite classic book Alive in Wonderland, but there was a dark side that really added a lot of depth. Some scenes were so wonderfully eerie I got chills while reading them! But the awesome thing is, the author didn't just entertain me, she also brought up some really thought provoking points on memories and the mind and the power of creativity. All in all such a great read, I highly recommend! I don't normally read books very quickly but this one I finished in just a few days and I'm so eager to start the next one. Amie Irene Winters has become one of my favorite authors and I'm confident this book will make her a lot of other people's favorites too!
October 19, 2016
This review is also posted on my blog: www.loveserially.wordpress.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The second book in the series is The Nightmare Birds and I will be posting a separate review once I have finished reading that book.
Overall Rating: 4
Quick Summary: Daisy Darling has spent her life listening to far-fetched stories in her father’s shop Strange Luck. Specializing in the mythical, mystical and mysterious, Daisy has enough material to pursue her dream of writing for years. But Daisy has to take care of the store, especially since her father needs a heart transplant that they can’t afford. When Daisy finds out that these stories aren’t just made up, she’s trapped in a world that she can’t quite decipher or escape.
This is not a love story in the traditional sense. There is a bit of romance, but the story is much more focused on the journey. Instead, it’s a coming of age novel where Daisy realizes that there are more possibilities in life than she originally thought. I appreciate that the lesson Daisy learns has to do with the place of dreams and memories in creating meaning in our lives. This is such an important lesson and I love that it is interwoven into an exciting tale of adventure.
The writing and dialogue are smooth and the world that Amie Winters creates is vivid and interesting. However, there are some lingering questions in my mind. I don’t quite understand everything that happens in the novel and that unsettles me. Fantasy/paranormal is a genre in which a lot of odd things occur, but I still like everything to add up. So that’s my only real problem with the novel. I don’t want to go into more detail because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else.
Is it worth buying? (Kindle $2.99)
Yes! It’s a lot of fun and it’s a quick read. Although it is a part of a series it can stand alone with no cliffhanger ending and I would definitely recommend it to my 17-year-old sister.
Something else you might enjoy:
The Savannah Witches series is another great young adult fantasy/paranormal series. I loved it and it is one of the first books I reviewed on my blog so it has a fond place in my heart.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The second book in the series is The Nightmare Birds and I will be posting a separate review once I have finished reading that book.
Overall Rating: 4
Quick Summary: Daisy Darling has spent her life listening to far-fetched stories in her father’s shop Strange Luck. Specializing in the mythical, mystical and mysterious, Daisy has enough material to pursue her dream of writing for years. But Daisy has to take care of the store, especially since her father needs a heart transplant that they can’t afford. When Daisy finds out that these stories aren’t just made up, she’s trapped in a world that she can’t quite decipher or escape.
This is not a love story in the traditional sense. There is a bit of romance, but the story is much more focused on the journey. Instead, it’s a coming of age novel where Daisy realizes that there are more possibilities in life than she originally thought. I appreciate that the lesson Daisy learns has to do with the place of dreams and memories in creating meaning in our lives. This is such an important lesson and I love that it is interwoven into an exciting tale of adventure.
The writing and dialogue are smooth and the world that Amie Winters creates is vivid and interesting. However, there are some lingering questions in my mind. I don’t quite understand everything that happens in the novel and that unsettles me. Fantasy/paranormal is a genre in which a lot of odd things occur, but I still like everything to add up. So that’s my only real problem with the novel. I don’t want to go into more detail because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else.
Is it worth buying? (Kindle $2.99)
Yes! It’s a lot of fun and it’s a quick read. Although it is a part of a series it can stand alone with no cliffhanger ending and I would definitely recommend it to my 17-year-old sister.
Something else you might enjoy:
The Savannah Witches series is another great young adult fantasy/paranormal series. I loved it and it is one of the first books I reviewed on my blog so it has a fond place in my heart.
February 16, 2016
Daisy is not happy. What she wants more than anything it to travel the world and be a writer. Instead, due to her father’s failing health, she must take over the family business, a curio shop for strange, haunted and paranormal items. Not only would she rather be anywhere else, but she just doesn't believe in the supernatural. She must test that disbelief when she comes across an old map of a Utopian paradise that may lead to cure for her father. She and her best friend, Roger, set out to find it. Getting there is just the beginning. For all of its beauty and wonder, they quickly realize it is a trap, a prison where memories are stolen and going home again isn’t an option, even if you remember that there is home to go home to. Though they meet the occasional friendly denizen, and many not so friendly, along the way, their only real ally in this fantastical realm is a wizard from childhood stories.
I had heard so many wonderful things about this book from reviewers on Goodreads and was excited to be asked to review it myself. I was not disappointed. This book has all the fun stuff, fairy creatures, wizards, magic and the power of imagination. The curio shop sounds as if it belongs in its own reality tv show. It would be a fun place to work, I think. Utopia is a truly wondrous scary kind of place with many strange creatures. It me think that Alice’s Wonderland meets wizard of OZ. I loved how the relationship between Daisy and Roger grew, in spite of the twist. I also enjoy the message that she doesn’t have to give up her dreams just because life has thrown up a few obstacles. Life also doesn’t to be lucky, but it helps. I seriously enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I had heard so many wonderful things about this book from reviewers on Goodreads and was excited to be asked to review it myself. I was not disappointed. This book has all the fun stuff, fairy creatures, wizards, magic and the power of imagination. The curio shop sounds as if it belongs in its own reality tv show. It would be a fun place to work, I think. Utopia is a truly wondrous scary kind of place with many strange creatures. It me think that Alice’s Wonderland meets wizard of OZ. I loved how the relationship between Daisy and Roger grew, in spite of the twist. I also enjoy the message that she doesn’t have to give up her dreams just because life has thrown up a few obstacles. Life also doesn’t to be lucky, but it helps. I seriously enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2017
First, beautiful cover. I feel like it fits the playful, whimsical, slightly mysterious tone of the story.
Second, I loved the complex and unique use of memories. It was a great way to shape the fantastical world Daisy finds herself in, and it was a neat way to bring so many fantastical elements together – in a world of happy memories and dreams, anything goes! The danger of Daisy losing memories added a great sense of tension. Her romantic partnership with her best friend Roger was also believable and made me care about the characters. And, how she gradually learns how to save the day was creative and pulled it all together.
I have to admit that Daisy’s character bugged me a bit. At times she’s loving and confident and brave. At other times she flies off the handle and is snippy and doesn’t think before saying or doing something stupid. This would sometimes all happen in the same scene, and it felt a little unnatural. Also, towards the middle of the book, the maturity level of the writing shifted weirdly. The book was plugging away and feeling very YA, and then suddenly it was like the dialogue and action were more fitting for a far younger audience. I still liked the story during this part, but it was a bit jolting to read.
BUT, I really enjoyed the last half of the book. I felt like the plot finally had solid direction, and I loved how everything I’d been wondering about came together. The twist towards the end was pretty cool too – although you worry for a second. And I really liked the time jump at the end that further showed how everything turned out.
Overall, I’d recommend this for anyone who likes YA fantasies that give you a mystery to figure out.
Second, I loved the complex and unique use of memories. It was a great way to shape the fantastical world Daisy finds herself in, and it was a neat way to bring so many fantastical elements together – in a world of happy memories and dreams, anything goes! The danger of Daisy losing memories added a great sense of tension. Her romantic partnership with her best friend Roger was also believable and made me care about the characters. And, how she gradually learns how to save the day was creative and pulled it all together.
I have to admit that Daisy’s character bugged me a bit. At times she’s loving and confident and brave. At other times she flies off the handle and is snippy and doesn’t think before saying or doing something stupid. This would sometimes all happen in the same scene, and it felt a little unnatural. Also, towards the middle of the book, the maturity level of the writing shifted weirdly. The book was plugging away and feeling very YA, and then suddenly it was like the dialogue and action were more fitting for a far younger audience. I still liked the story during this part, but it was a bit jolting to read.
BUT, I really enjoyed the last half of the book. I felt like the plot finally had solid direction, and I loved how everything I’d been wondering about came together. The twist towards the end was pretty cool too – although you worry for a second. And I really liked the time jump at the end that further showed how everything turned out.
Overall, I’d recommend this for anyone who likes YA fantasies that give you a mystery to figure out.
February 1, 2016
Daisy works at her families store Strange Luck, where they purchase oddities with great stories. But she doesn’t believe in any of it and doesn’t want to be stuck there. But one of the items will have Daisy going on a quest to help her sick father. Her best friend Roger goes along to help and protect her. They find themselves in a land ruled by a wizard that is stealing people’s memories. Without any way out it looks like Daisy ad Roger are going to be the next victims of the wizard as they both start to lose memories.
Daisy doesn’t believe in magic, all she wants to do is travel and write books but she is stuck at Strange Luck. But once she learns the truth, her whole world opens up for her. I loved Roger; he loves Daisy so much that even though she is so oblivious to things he still keeps trying. There are so many great characters both meet along on their adventure. You can’t help but feel bad for them, your memories really do make you and without them you are nothing more than a shell.
Although I was not a fan of the ending but it does work for this book. Everything does work out well. Those that like young adult stories will really like this one. Make sure to get a copy, you won’t be disappointed.
I received Strange Luck for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy doesn’t believe in magic, all she wants to do is travel and write books but she is stuck at Strange Luck. But once she learns the truth, her whole world opens up for her. I loved Roger; he loves Daisy so much that even though she is so oblivious to things he still keeps trying. There are so many great characters both meet along on their adventure. You can’t help but feel bad for them, your memories really do make you and without them you are nothing more than a shell.
Although I was not a fan of the ending but it does work for this book. Everything does work out well. Those that like young adult stories will really like this one. Make sure to get a copy, you won’t be disappointed.
I received Strange Luck for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2017
Daisy Darling wants nothing more than to leave the town of Sea Salt and her family's oddity shop, Strange Luck, behind. Travel the world and study to become a writer. She has an imagination that knows no bounds, but even she can't bring herself to believe the tales spun about the store she would be forced to run. It was said every item within had Supernatural secrets, from ravens that spoke in riddles to more dangerous curiosities. Quite simply Daisy Darling did not believe. But something was about to happen to change all that. For one hundred years Strange Luck has guarded a letter, and the secrets within will change the very course of her life.
Strange luck by Amie Irene Winters reminds me very much of a combination between the old TV series Friday the thirteenth and The Neverending Story. A vast world of fantasy and imagination is created, overflowing with charm and adventure. The characters of Daisy and Roger, the two main protagonists, are well-developed and embark upon a wonderful journey which could be enjoyed by adult and child alike. This tale, and the skill with which it is told is a testament to the author's talents. It was a truly wonderful read.
Strange luck by Amie Irene Winters reminds me very much of a combination between the old TV series Friday the thirteenth and The Neverending Story. A vast world of fantasy and imagination is created, overflowing with charm and adventure. The characters of Daisy and Roger, the two main protagonists, are well-developed and embark upon a wonderful journey which could be enjoyed by adult and child alike. This tale, and the skill with which it is told is a testament to the author's talents. It was a truly wonderful read.
April 25, 2016
"Strange Luck" by Aime Irene Winters was a very intriguing read! I really didn't know what to expect when I first started the novel, but I was enraptured by the well-developed characters, and the character-driven plot. There were a few times in the story that I thought the "luck" to the characters was a little too convenient, but then again - the novel is called "Strange Luck!" Ms. Winters did a great job writing a novel that grabs the attention of the reader and keeps it so throughout the entirety. Despite my personal, hectic schedule, I was constantly thinking about the book and when I would be able to get back to it. I wanted to know what was going to happen again! I highly recommend "Strange Luck" to anyone who enjoys a mystifying young adult novel with little twists of luck!
April 8, 2016
Strange Luck is a great book for those looking for something different or just a well written fantasy that strays from the mushy romance and unruly angst that seems to plague most young teen books nowadays. The premise feels a little like Oz and Wonderland, which is great since they are my favorite kind of books. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and was very happy to get it for an honest review. I recommend this to those looking for a wonderful adventure into a world that gets better and more fantastic with every page!!
February 3, 2017
I came across this story after looking for something similar to the Shades of Magic series, and I was not disappointed.
I found Strange Luck completely addicting, the concept unique, and the pacing perfect. My favorite parts took place in the oddities shop and coming across all the weird and magical items that people brought in. I also loved the scenes in the Nameless. I lived for the scenes with the entity and Daisy. I want to visit both places! This was truly a great book. Highly recommended if you love other worlds, magic, and mystery.
I found Strange Luck completely addicting, the concept unique, and the pacing perfect. My favorite parts took place in the oddities shop and coming across all the weird and magical items that people brought in. I also loved the scenes in the Nameless. I lived for the scenes with the entity and Daisy. I want to visit both places! This was truly a great book. Highly recommended if you love other worlds, magic, and mystery.
October 27, 2015
This book is amazing! The story draws you in to a world of scary wizards, beautiful imaginary landscapes, and psychological challenges. The heroine of the story, Daisy Darling, has to use the power of her mind, rather than brute force, to conquer the evil overlord and save life as she knows it. It's an incredibly imaginative and accomplished story. I can hardly believe this is Winters' first novel. I'll certainly be watching for more books by this author.
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