Devlin's Door

Forests of the Fae #1

by K. Kibbee, Taylor Basilio (Editor)

Forests of the Fae: Devlin’s Door, depicts the perilous journey of a young girl who stumbles upon a ghost town filled with dilapidated Victorian homes hidden deep within a forest in rural Washington state. As she unearths the tragic secret behind the mass disappearance of the town’s inhabitants nearly a century ago, our young heroine finds herself becoming a part of the town’s tapestry. Hushed references to Faerie folk and Changeling sacrifices stir the air as she reads aloud from an enchanted journal penned by one of the town’s youngest residents and the homes, like resurrected corpses, begin to creak and moan with signs of life. But in the near distance, under a monstrous mound erupting like a boil from the earth, something else has awakened along with them.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Fae, Paranormal

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Kristine Kibbee is a Pacific Northwest native with a love of language, nature, and animals. Kristine’s passion for creative writing began in her early youth and led her to Washington State University, where she earned a degree with a concentration in professional writing. Kristine has since had works published in The Vancougar, The Salal Review, S/tick Literary Review, and she is a featured columnist in the nationally syndicated magazine, Just Frenchies.

From the small town of Castle Rock, Washington, nestled among 22 acres of towering fir trees, Kristine relishes time spent outdoors with her two French bulldogs and one husband. She dreams of making the everyday world more magical with her fantasy novels.

Whole in the Clouds is her first middle grade novel.

Reviews

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin's Door is about a young girl named Anne who goes to Woodland, Washington to stay with her aunt and uncle. Anne soon discovers the long lost town of Devlin. There she finds lost treasures of the previous owners. Secrets unfold and she learns unbelievable truths.

Devlin's Door is fantastic! I was captivated by the first page! I feel like the book is fast paced and that's what makes it great because you capture so much adventure and detail. The book is haunting, the diary entries of Grace made it for me. The secrets of Devlin unfolded in front of me. It's definitely a book that I would read again. I think it's great for all readers, especially young adults. Five stars!

[Olivia McCloskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Devlin's Door was a quick, action packed book with multiple unforeseeable twists and turns. I particularly enjoyed how the mystery unraveled slowly rather than all at once at the very end of the novel. Its setting within an abandoned village whose inhabitants disappeared without a trace certainly made for an eerie read.

One of the novel's strong suits was undeniably the vastly differing characters. Anne specifically underwent dramatic character development throughout the course of the book. Her background was laid out well and provided an explanation for many of her actions and decisions. She was also admirable for her wide range of positive and negative traits and mannerisms, contributing to a believable and relatable character overall. She was resourceful and a quick thinker, both of which were to her advantage. Anne was also notable for her uncharacteristic independence - after all, how often does one stumble upon a strong, self-reliant female protagonist in young adult literature?

My main complaint was with the world building, primarily with respect to the faeries. They played an essential role to the plot, yet, having finished the book in its entirety, I still don't have a good understanding as to what a faery is and why they decided to wreak havoc on Devlin. Overall, I was hoping for more development rather than having seemingly unconnected information flung at readers during various stages of Anne's adventure. Consequently, I struggled to fully immerse myself in the world that Kibbee had crafted and found myself struggling to understand how immediately accepting Anne was of this new environment.

Lastly, I was hoping for a more exciting climax. The novel seemed to be building up to some pertinent revelation regarding the faeries or the world itself only to fall flat with a disappointing, lack-luster ending. At the very least, I was expecting a massive, life-altering cliff-hanger or open-ended resolution that left the conclusion up to the reader's interpretation but to no avail.

[Dev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Ok let me just start by saying I'm not sure why both version on here say there are 230ish pages because my copy was 150 pages and although you kind of just have to take it on faith for an ebook version, it definitely felt like 150 pages and not 230. It probably would have been better at 200+ pages because my main complaint with this book is that it seemed a little bit rushed.

It was a good concept and I love to see how different authors build up their own fairy mythology. That said, I would have liked the fairies to feature a bit more prominently, it would have been interesting to see the girls communicate with them in some way to actually learn more about them. I did enjoy it but the characters seemed a bit two-dimensional and the plot moved a little bit too quickly and easily, it seemed like every time they needed something it was just dropped into their laps.

However, this is primarily a middle grade book and I think it would be a fun and engaging read for children, it just isn't one of those middle grade books that translates well to adult reading.

[Kirsty Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Forests of the Fae: Devlin's Door was a very quick and fast-paced read. I was actually very interested in this book as I love anything to do with magic, evil fairies and different realms. I have also just found out that this is actually the first book in a series, which is quite interesting. I don't know much about the second book, but it would be interesting to see what it's like and if it's any better than this one.

When thirteen-year-old Anne is sent to spend the summer with her dreadful relatives in a small Washington state town, she is left with little hope that anything intriguing will happen to her. However, when she learns of an abandoned town full of old Victorian homes hidden in the woods nearby, she embraces the lore and becomes bolstered by the idea that an adventure might await.

Her sadistic cousin Lexie feeds Anne's curiosity and leads her to the mysterious town in the woods, where Anne is goaded by her cousin and friends to enter one of the abandoned homes, alone, and is locked inside.

While searching for a way out, Anne stumbles through a hole in the floor and unknowingly falls into an ominous, ghost-filled mystery. As she digs deeper into the secrets of this house, she discovers a weathered journal that reveals a magic-infused history hundreds of years old and a tragic secret: a curse has trapped the town and its inhabitants in a place not meant to be found by humans.

Even though this book is 236 pages, it just seemed to be really rushed. I'm going to try and keep this review as concise as I can but I have a feeling that this is going to be a long one. Let's start with the plot... I think that Kibbee had a very interesting idea here. A girl moves to a weird town, discovers an abandoned town and a magical doorway to a fairy realm. It is a very brilliant concept but I think that Kibbee could have at least had another 100 more pages to just add some more detail to certain elements of the book, and to take the time to expand of a few story arcs. For one, the boy that we meet on the train whilst Anne is travelling to her aunt and uncle's house... What happened to him? We were introduced to him, and he was in the book for about 5 pages. I think that he could have been included more in the book as he was the first person to divulge information about the abandoned town to Anne.

Then there's Anne's cousin: Lexie. Wow, she was just awful. Well-written, but I absolutely hated her. I really don't get why she was so horrible to Anne. Yeah ok, she wanted to impress her friends, but there's being a show-off and then just being evil.

"The beasts' backs were turned, and with bodies nearly identical in color to their forest surroundings, their features were difficult to distinguish. They were huddled around a makeshift pit, and they held long, slender hands over it, as if warming them by a fire, though none burned there. Both were crouching and alternated between miming enjoyment of the imaginary heat and balancing on the ground, as would apes. Their bodies were long and thin, with rib bones exposed beneath taut, dirty flesh."

- K. Kibbee, Forests of the Fae: Devlin's Door

One of the things that I really loved about this book was that *minor spoilers ahead* Anne could bring the town to life by reading Grace's diary aloud. Slowly, the town started coming back to life, but along with that, the evil magic started to creep back to life as well and the faeries started to take back control of the abandoned town. The beginning of the book was actually written at a really good pace, but as soon as the plot started to pick up and we were introduced to the magic, everything just seemed to whizz by - and not in a good way. I felt like I was being thrown into the deep end of the novel and I had no idea what was going on. Things just seemed to happen for no reason, people were introduced with no build up and then suddenly, the book ended.

But! I will say this, the ending was absolutely brilliant and now it makes complete sense that there is actually a second book. Hopefully, it wraps everything up. Even though I didn't really enjoy this book because of the pacing, I'm actually looking forward to reading the second book as I am hoping that it will clarify a few things from Devlin's Door and take the time to wrap up the story.

Disclaimer: this book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Ailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thanks to the author for giving me the book for a fair review.

Anne is sent to her aunt for a holiday when her parents embarked on a mission for 3 months, in her journey to the town, she met a cheeky young boy who had told her about Nowhere Town. It was a slow start, as Anne had some issues to settle, and places to find.
It did not take long before she stumbles into Nowhere Town, somehow my impression was skewed, I thought it was a ghost story. It still kind of is, but more supernatural and paranormal things are afoot. Anne's adventure starts then, when she found a journal. Things did start to get interesting and creepy from there.

There are many reasons to read this book, the main reason would be the story line itself. It is original and well researched. The author focused on the scary part of faeries rather than the happy pretty part. Plot thickens with every chapter as the author releases bit and pieces about the history behind the forgotten town.

Although the characters could use some work, Anne and Grace seem to have found their personality, while others like cousin Lexi could probably need some attitude readjusting. Not to mention the weird change between her aunt, and her boring uncle who is borderline unimportant. Aside from the main characters, the side ones seem to be there to propel the story along.

Hopefully book two would see more of Anne's adventures, and I would reiterate that I really do not like cliffhangers (hate is a strong word).

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow, unfolding mystery, with magic, faeries and intrigue, which alternates between the past and present.
I love the opening pages of this book. Great description, an interesting character dynamic and dialogue that is realistic.
I also like the genuine shocks this has. The book gave me a jolt on more than one occasion and I feel creeped out after finishing it.
You don't know where this is going to go. The metaphors are marvellous. This also has more female characters than male, which is no bad thing and I don't think there is enough fiction with female perspectives.
The only criticism I have is the infuriating cliff-hanger and the wait for part 2.

[Coleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

The book starts off pretty interestingly and I was hooked - for awhile anyway. Thirteen year old Anne was sent to stay with her Aunt and Uncle and older female cousin for the summer while her parents are out of the county. They are not particularly nice to her, but after all, she just got there. Things do not improve when she rides with her cousin and some friends into a nearby town known as Nowhere Town. The cousin and friends lock Anne in an old house and then leave her, with her cousin taking Anne's bike as well as her own.

The plot could be thickening and it does - somewhat. A few more interesting characters and some action but then the story stalls. It goes around and around.

The really scary part to me was that it seemed there was a different writer for the second half of the book. The language was as if someone was translating the book from a foreign language and did not have a good comprehension of English. Yes, there were more typos than there should have been. But there was also word usage that was just bizarre... HUH?

Without giving anything away - the book ends - with a "To Be Continued'. That indicated to me that this might be the first of a series, but so far I have not seen any books following.

Unfortunately, even if there were more books coming, my interest waned in the middle of the first book.

[Maurice Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. In addition to a good story, the author's powers of description are exceptional. I could almost smell the mud. The characters are well developed, both sympathetic and otherwise.
I just purchased book 2, The Raven Queen. I think that's the best recommendation a reader can give.
I know I can't give spoilers. I wish I could, but I can't. Let me just say there is something waiting for you the reader.

[Thomas Murch · Rating 2 out of 5]

In some ways, Forests of the Fae: Devlin's Door is the mirror-image of Kibbee's earlier work, Whole in the Clouds; they are similar, but with one notable inversion. Whilst they both see young girls venturing forth from unpleasant everyday lives into fantastical worlds, Devlin's Door is not the dose of light escapism that its predecessor was - the tale it tells is notably darker in tone. To say more would be to verge into Spoiler Country, but suffice it to say that a reader coming from Whole in the Clouds expecting another story by the author in that lovely, happy vein is in for something of a shock.

Beyond this gulf in tone, the two texts share the same strengths and weaknesses. Kibbee is an excellent composer of sentences; I first became interested in her books via her Twitter account, which marked her out as a writer to watch, and even though her skill has increased in the intervening years, Devlin's Door has some nice pieces of prose within it. However, the pacing does feel rather abrupt throughout, hurrying through events without giving the characters much time to breathe, making the book feel more like a first draft than a finished story. Normally with Kindle books, I find myself complaining about a lack of careful editing, but in this case I find myself confronted with a rare problem that seems to have been caused by insufficient AND excessive editing. I quote:

“About an hour into the trek, they fell to a walk, and the absence of their huffs welcomed [[welcomed what?]] in the stillness of the forest.”

It seems to me that the bracketed portion is a suggested edit that hasn't been purged from the manuscript; a small problem, but I find reading such flaws (and re-reading them several times, to make sure that I'm not being silly and missing the point) to be deeply immersion-breaking, especially since this one occurs very close to a key scene in the story. As for the story itself, I felt it started relatively strong, with scenes of protagonist Anne's normal life and her first tentative steps into the mystical; the second half of the story is actually somewhat sparse in terms of plot, seeming more like a series of events than an actual narrative. However, if I might veer vaguely towards Spoiler Country for a moment, Devlin's Door ends with a very strong 'To Be Continued...' vibe, and I have no wish to dissect a story that I haven't truly finished.

And finish it, I shall. As my rating implies, this is an OK story, and I will begin reading the sequel the next time I dig out my Kindle. If it seems strange that I should persevere with a series I've just spent half an hour complaining about, well, that's only because I'm not used to writing reviews and it's easier to criticise art than compliment it. The author knows how to write good prose; it is the structuring of her stories that I think needs improving.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can also check out my review on my blog, Maybe Books Will Be Our Always! ;D

I received this copy in exchange for a honest review.

From the second I opened this book, I was pulled in. I absolutely love K. Kibbee's take on the entire Fae world. It really pulls the reader in and makes the reader carious about what will happen next. The ending of this was phenomenal. PHENOMENAL! It completely caught me off guard! Kibbee gives this sense that everything is going to be okay at the end. But, then she's like, you thought. As far as I know, I think there won't be a sequel... I seriously hope there is one. Not only would I like to see more of this world from Kibbee, I would also just like to in general like to see more writing from her! ;D

This story follows Anne, a thirteen year old who is spending her summer break with some of her relatives. On the train ride there a boy tells her the story of Nowhere Town, a town that supposedly in the past was once full of people, one day is suddenly disserted. Not a person in sight, still empty of people, and still full of the previous owners belongings. Let's just say everybody stays clear of Nowhere town. No one still really knows why the people went up and left. This pokes at Anne's curiosity and decides that eventually she will visit and investigate the so called Nowhere town. She gets her chance to investigate when her cousin and her cousin friends invite her to tag along. They end up abandoning her there in a house that they succeeded in locking. Anne, left all alone, begins to look for a way out, while also looking at what is in the house. She stumbles across a journal that dates back to the 1920's. As she reads through the journal, entry by entry, the mysterious Nowhere Town comes to life.

I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Maria Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

This book is amazing. Right from the very first line when Kibbee describes the main character, Anne, watching rain on a train window, I was hooked. This novel is exceptionally well written, with immersive descriptions and a very gripping main character.

Not only that, but the novel contains a very powerful unique concept- that when Anne has to go stay with her relatives in a very rural area called Woodland, she hears about a nearby town where decades earlier the inhabitants mysteriously vanished. Intrigued by the disappearing townspeople, Anne visits the town to find an abandoned old journal and later gets swept up into a magical realm.

I won't say any more of the plot because of spoilers, but it really did hook me from beginning to end with great, well developed characters and a few surprises along the way! Looking at the other reviews there seems to be a criticism about the novel feeling rushed and not enough time for world-building - while I respect their opinions, personally it didn't feel that way for me. For me not knowing everything and having knowledge about the magical realm come in drips only led to the suspense - I felt like I really was there alongside Anne, mystified and horrified at what had happened to the town and personally I would've felt like any more slowing of the pace or paragraphs about the world, while interesting, would've taken me out of the suspense.

Overall this was an excellent read, with beautiful writing and a delicious balance between fantasy and horror. I've already got the second book and can't wait to continue Anne's journey!

[BookzBookzBookz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really gave this 3.5 Stars
Growing up, I almost never wanted to be a fairy. I wasn't that type of girl. I didn't walk with my head in the clouds- are you kidding? Why would I want to when I could ride atop a dragon or sword fight... as an Elven Warrior Princess!? I was and am still a Tomboy, can you tell?

I love fantasy and this book has it. It's about a girl, Anne, who's been dropped into the prickled hands of her aunt, uncle and unloving cousin, Lexie, due to her parents both being committed to missionary work. She's trapped with a family she barely knows and a cousin who sets her up for pain and humiliation in a town with nothing to do.

So when she gets to visit a town, Nowhere Town, that's supposed to be haunted, she's all over it. After being 'Punked' into entering an abandoned house in Nowhere Town, she stumbles across a book, a journal, that takes her on a fantastical journey. With a girl who's been dead over 200 years. Literally!
​ Devlin's Door: Forests of the Fae, by K. Kibble, was a change for me. I was looking for the adventure as soon as I'd read the summary. I even (Shhh, I won't say this too loud), purchased the book! Yup, I took a chance and snagged up the Kindle version. Ever since reading Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, I've been all over the trickery of the Fae and I was really loving that this story carried a similar feel. Now this book isn't the same, but the concept of the Changelings lulled me in. ...

*For the full review: http://tinyurl.com/z7cld2k
**eBook is from my personal library.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars!
I really enjoyed this book. It's about a girl named Anne who goes to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin over the summer out in the country. On the way there she passes an abandoned town which she becomes interested in. When she asks her family about it they tell her that all the inhabitants mysteriously disappeared one day and that she should steer clear of it. Her cousin Lexie takes her along to hang out with friends and they go to the town which she finds out is called Devlin. They dare her to go into one of the old houses and when she does she falls through the floor and discovers an old chest containing a diary. She continues to return to the town and as she reads from the diary parts of the town come to life. She then meets a girl named Grace who says she is from Devlin and that's where Anne's adventure truly begins.
I thought this book was a really interesting premise. It was a sort of historical fantasy. I enjoyed the adventures Anne and Grace had in the fairy realm and the secrets that they discovered. The ending was a great surprising twist.
I would have liked to know more about why and how the original deal was started between the people of Devlin and the fairies.
I hope that this book is not a standalone novel and that there is more to come.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

[Jessica Bronder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne is being sent to her aunt and uncles place while her parents are on a 3 month mission. Of course she doesn’t fit it and it doesn’t help that her cousin Lexie is going to try and make this visit an even bigger disaster. But Anne hears about an abandoned town in the forest and is curious. After being locked in one of the houses she finds a journal and the more that she reads from it more of the town start rejuvenating.

But this town has a dark secret. In the 1920’s, when surrounding towns were dying this one was the only one to thrive. But then everyone disappeared and left all of their belonging behind. Anne is very curious about this and the more she learns the deeper she gets until she finds out what happened and falls into the mound by the town.

I really liked this book. I couldn’t help but feel bad for both Anne and Grace. The both are in a crummy position but they try to do their best. I loved the fae in this book since I love the darker views of the fae. I was really blown away by the ending, I didn’t expect that one at tall.

This is a great midgrade with lots of action and adventure. This is a great story that any age will like. I can’t wait to see what happened in the next book.

I received Devlin’s Door for free from Sage’s Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to begin but the ending, well, it’s genius! I didn’t see it coming!

I found at times the story going a little boring for me. But, now I get it! So, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, stories of evil fairies, an abandoned town, Goosebumps (the books), haunted houses, and a twist of an ending then this is for you!

When I normally read a book for review, I look at it the blurb and then I don’t look at it again until after I read the book. Sometimes jumping into something I don’t remember the blurb for. It makes it that much more fun. After I write my review, I look at other reviews and see if I felt the same as they did. Which I didn’t.

I yelled “Oh no she didn’t” with the last words of the book! I see other people had a problem with the ending but I think it is a perfect ending! You got to read it to decide for yourself.

I can’t tell you anything you have to experience it yourself, it’s relatively short. It’s a YA book. It changes your views on the sweet fairies. It has a bratty teenager who is selfish and hurtful. It has the makings of a forever friendship. It has some mild violence. It has an ending that has some readers hating it and others loving it!

[Elizabeth Ehlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne isn’t pleased about having to spend the summer at her aunt and uncle’s house with her insufferable cousin. But when she gets to poke around a town whose residents mysteriously disappeared almost 100 years ago, and discovers a journal written by 13 year old Grace, she may open a portal that was best left closed. Can she and Grace protect each other and escape the malicious Fae?

In an age where everyone equates fairies with cute little sprites no more mischievous than Tinkerbell, I really appreciated a story that recreates the true malevolence of the Fae. The writing was descriptive and sucked you into the story, and while I can’t say I was totally stunned by the ending I was pleasantly surprised that the author was not afraid to take risks with the characters. Now I’m left wondering if the story stands alone and should not be tampered with, or if I want to see a series!

[J.H. Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin's Door. Where do I begin? The cover alone should have told me that this tale would be a spooky one, and it certainly didn't disappoint. A page-turner from start to finish, I had to find out what would happen to Anne after she uncovers the mystery behind a town, filled with Victorian homes, where the residents up and vanished a long time ago. I don't want to give anything away, because K. Kibbee does a great job of keeping you guessing. I never predicted what would happen next until I read the words on the page. To me, that is the mark of great writing.

K. Kibbee had me laughing within the first chapter, and practically biting my nails by the last. Forests of the Fae promises to be an amazing trilogy. I can't wait for the second in the series, The Raven Queen, to come out later on this year. I'll have my finger on the 'Buy' button, as soon as it's available!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway with the request for an honest review~

At first I wasn't sold. The dialogue in the beginning didn't feel very realistic, but eventually once our lead met Grace the author clearly hit her stride.

The two girls were interesting. There were a lot of close calls for our lead which diminished the tension you felt each time, but overall the pacing was solid.

The world building was okay. Not the best. But I figured we weren't going to get the perspective of the fairies as it wasn't their story. I hope the sequel will build on the world and flesh it out better.

I will have to keep my eye out for when the sequel comes out. I think I'll probably want to get my hands on it.

[Sage Adderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin's Door is a rad book! I love young adult fantasy and this one did not disappoint. Author K. Kibbee does a beautiful job in blending a historical time, modern-day life, and a faerie underworld. I adore the main character Anne. She has guts and compassion which is just what long-lost Grace needs in finding the community she once lived with, including her own family. Great imagery and a fun, twisting plot. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars!

[Douglas B Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin's Door is an engaging story filled with wonder and fantasy with more than a dollop of dark mixed in for good measure. Kibbee somehow manages to place the reader right behind the eyes and in the mind of a troubled young girl and takes us on a journey. A journey to places filled with memorable characters and wondrous places that I still can see in my mind's eye. Highly recommended.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. It provided a whole new take on Faeries--not the sweet, beautiful ones I grew up with, but a darker, sinister type. I was hypnotized until the very end, and then left wanting for more! Can't wait for the next book!

[Claudia Foglein-Goins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on fairies and abit dark.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

I know this book came out in 2016, but I strongly believe that just because a book is a few years old, it shouldn’t be forgotten. Some of the best books come out during a time when there’s a huge fad focus on a book or series that is so fantastic, that other books fall to the wayside forgotten or missed.

This is why I often request older books from publishers and review them here for you, the reader, to check out and decide for yourself if it’s something that you should have read sooner and/or paid closer attention to.

This middle-grade book, is one such forgotten gem.

This is the first book of an ongoing series. The main character is strongly written, with a noticeable character development throughout the book. She is independent and strong-willed, intelligent and forthright. I enjoyed seeing her decision making and the ramifications of same. Her behavior helped the plot, which was fast-paced and exciting move along with plenty of twists and turns to keep you vested in what was happening.

The whole premise hooked me in right away and I couldn’t wait to see how the author handled the story. It was creepy and intriguing. The second book promises to be as equally thrilling and with the way this one ended, I’m hoping to learn more about the fairies and their world and why this town was cursed by them. Adult readers must keep in mind that this IS for middle-grade readers, so it will read as such. Don’t be disappointed if you expect the book to transition magically into an adult read and it doesn’t; knowing this–you’ll enjoy it immensely. I also believe it will appeal to higher chapter book readers too.

I’m hoping the world-building continues to grow as the series moves along. A fun and fascinating read and I loved every moment of it!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half of the book and was leaning toward 4 stars. It had a fun mystery, a beautiful, mysterious, haunting town in the middle of a forest that the author brought to life descriptively. I even was okay with the life spent with her relatives with her cousin being a frustrating, petty villain. I was expecting for the book to be aimed more at a teenage audience, so I was a bit disappointed that this was actually a younger middle-grade book with the heroine feeling more like she was 9 or 10 rather than 13. As the book wore on, Anne did feel like she lacked in personality. She was just a typical kid without really any likes or dislikes to give her flavor, she was actually rather interchangeable with Grace and I frequently got the two mixed up. The point where I lost interest with the book was precisely the moment when they entered into the Fae world. From that point, the book turned into just a ramble through woods. The Fae were really boring, they were just cartoony monsters that popped up every so often without even any speaking lines. And the plot just turned into a jumble of trying to tell us there were different colors of forests, and different ways for escaping each forest in which the girls had to obtain a particular amulet to escape a particular forest, which amounted to a whole lot of walking through various forests to find the spot where particular amulets were. And oddly the aunt and uncle do an entire personality shift at the end of the book without any reason why. Admittedly, after a while I was just skimming the second half of the book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **

This book is actually more of a 3.5 stars but I decided to up that a little because it was really fun! The world was interesting, the characters, especially the main one were well-drawn and realistic and it was easy to care for them. This may very well have been a 5 star book except for the fact that it was a bit short, I would have liked more information about Devil in the past, and the over-use of descriptors. I'm all for using adverbs and adjectives to help bring life to a story but this book used a few too many for me. And some of the adjectives/adverbs used didn't really seem to fit the mood of the story. Still, this was a fun, quick read and I enjoyed it!

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book begins a trilogy of novels about a young girl's adventures in the land of the fairies with another girl from a different time period. It has a lot of classic fantasy elements and deals with friendships and family and how people relate to each other. It also shows how people often make decisions and deals that aren't good for anyone ever. The book was interesting but sometimes got creepy.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good middle grade level book and has an interesting story.

I had to laugh at the way Anne's Aunt and Uncle talk because it's nothing like how the vast majority of people in and around Woodland talk. (Not to say that there aren't some people out in the backwoods that speak like country bumpkins, but most do not and it threw me off every time they spoke.)

[Brandi Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well-written young adult novel. Anne's character was realistic and relatable as she journeyed through Devlin's door with her friend, Grace. There, they encounter a world a stark contrast to their own and proceeded to try to find their way out while surrounded by Faeries. I'm glad I had the second novel ready to go because this ended on a cliffhanger. My only complaint was that the chapters felt too long for a YA novel.

[Austin Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Can't put it down!

Amazing story. Well written. Believable characters. Story moves along and keeps the reader interested and engaged. This author can write! I loved Devin's Door.

[Sonia Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page.

The characters are lively and fun, and the plot twists and turns, keeping you wondering until the very end. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!