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The Upbringing
In a land of evil magical overlords, imprisoned within the confines of a magical castle, young Ewl struggles to understand herself and those around her; as her strange powers try to emerge to the surface. tilted...
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 26, 2023
The only book so far I had the honour of receiving as a gift from the author herself - I managed to finish it in just the matter of one week. A magical joyride, jam-packed with excitement, fantasial rigour, and it's just as if Harry Potter met Fantastic Beasts and where to find them...
It is very rare to see the flawless mix of two completely different languages into one book - it is this unique technique that really gave a good kick into my imagination. Fantasy and Magic are amongst the lowest of my themes I'd choose to read, but this book is truly a light in the dark...
I am in love with how the characters are developed, and the story is still mesmerising my thoughts to this moment I'm writing this review... Cannot wait for part II to come around! This book deserves to be spoken about much, much more. Highly recommended!
It is very rare to see the flawless mix of two completely different languages into one book - it is this unique technique that really gave a good kick into my imagination. Fantasy and Magic are amongst the lowest of my themes I'd choose to read, but this book is truly a light in the dark...
I am in love with how the characters are developed, and the story is still mesmerising my thoughts to this moment I'm writing this review... Cannot wait for part II to come around! This book deserves to be spoken about much, much more. Highly recommended!
May 25, 2023
Had the pleasure of receiving the book as a gift from the author herself.
While this would be classified as a fantasy novel, yet I interpreted Ewliena's upbringing characterised by a strict discipline and a suppression of her powers as reflective of an educational system, which though functional, yet does not allow for true identification and growth of individual talents.
This leads to a final act of rebellion with Ewliena surrounded by her own flames while the population of Miragasia is slowly dying of heat.
I might be wrong in my interpretation, but looking forward to reading the sequel to this book, and how Ewliena deals with and exercises her powers later on in her life. Does she emerge 'a winner'?
While this would be classified as a fantasy novel, yet I interpreted Ewliena's upbringing characterised by a strict discipline and a suppression of her powers as reflective of an educational system, which though functional, yet does not allow for true identification and growth of individual talents.
This leads to a final act of rebellion with Ewliena surrounded by her own flames while the population of Miragasia is slowly dying of heat.
I might be wrong in my interpretation, but looking forward to reading the sequel to this book, and how Ewliena deals with and exercises her powers later on in her life. Does she emerge 'a winner'?
August 14, 2023
'The Upbringing' is a fantastic fantasy novel that brings to mind a rather lonesome and dystopian world, far into the future in some misbegotten world. The author brings to mind a rather crude and dark tale - where a young girl being brought up by her Godmother is terribly mistreated and is suppressed greatly.
As a reader, I would have liked to see some more of the world - perhaps a map at the start of the book. Furthermore, I humbly beseech the author to find some pity and give Ewliena a well-deserved break, the poor child has had it rough and I felt very frustrated, angry and helpless at how she was treated by her Godmother (who remains one of my least favourite characters within the tale).
I would have liked to see more of Kmand Luap throughout the tale, as he seemed to be here and there - coming in the end with a slightly big reveal which dropped my jaw, but not as much as the reveal done in the epilogue, although I personally would have preferred having this relevation done beforehand, to understand the Godmother's actions and with the knowledge from both sides, after weighing our own judgement, we ourselves would choose a side rather than stick with Ewliena.
A final suggestion that I would have really liked to see was the connection between Makkya and Ewliena. I do not know why, but I felt that Makkya (albeit a tree) has some important purpose because it is referenced greatly. Regarding the tree, at the start of the tale we see Elwiena pluck some boughs/twigs from the tree as a punishment by her godmother. I would have liked it (and I expected it to be) that when Elwiena would pluck the twigs from the tree, she would feel her hair being ripped apart - this would perhaps reference the relationship the girl had with Makkya.
All in all, this book was enjoyable and I do want to see what will come next as this novel ends in a cliffhanger which greatly left me rather shocked and perplexed, thinking only what on Miragasia will happen in Miragasia!
As a reader, I would have liked to see some more of the world - perhaps a map at the start of the book. Furthermore, I humbly beseech the author to find some pity and give Ewliena a well-deserved break, the poor child has had it rough and I felt very frustrated, angry and helpless at how she was treated by her Godmother (who remains one of my least favourite characters within the tale).
I would have liked to see more of Kmand Luap throughout the tale, as he seemed to be here and there - coming in the end with a slightly big reveal which dropped my jaw, but not as much as the reveal done in the epilogue, although I personally would have preferred having this relevation done beforehand, to understand the Godmother's actions and with the knowledge from both sides, after weighing our own judgement, we ourselves would choose a side rather than stick with Ewliena.
A final suggestion that I would have really liked to see was the connection between Makkya and Ewliena. I do not know why, but I felt that Makkya (albeit a tree) has some important purpose because it is referenced greatly. Regarding the tree, at the start of the tale we see Elwiena pluck some boughs/twigs from the tree as a punishment by her godmother. I would have liked it (and I expected it to be) that when Elwiena would pluck the twigs from the tree, she would feel her hair being ripped apart - this would perhaps reference the relationship the girl had with Makkya.
All in all, this book was enjoyable and I do want to see what will come next as this novel ends in a cliffhanger which greatly left me rather shocked and perplexed, thinking only what on Miragasia will happen in Miragasia!
November 27, 2025
Young person's fantasy series with a cracking first book. It might sound like a cliche plot with a coming-of-age girl held prisoner by her strict, wicked godmother, but there are neat twists.
Ewliena has latent magical powers and strange friends.
She appears to have synesthesia abilities when she enters a chamber that "smells green." I'd like to have seen that develope more.
It's certainly a caution for Vellia, the godmother, to use magic to restrain a young person when she is developing her own. However, Telling has her own dry wit moments: "...luckily for both (of us) I'm smart."
Who will win in this energetic, sorcery-filled dual? A great summary is uttered in desperation by the godmother describing the girl, our main character: "She's a hotheaded, irresponsible, ungrateful young..."
May 30, 2023
The novel "The Upbringing" is a rare combination of dark fantasy and dramatic storytelling, not commonly found in Maltese literature. It will be well-received by young adult readers who enjoy fantasy and other genres, as the complex and culturally-relevant story draws on hidden references to Malta's past and present. "The Upbringing" will undoubtedly contribute to the growing efforts of established and emerging authors in bringing this genre to the forefront. The novel explores complex moral issues through the use of allegories and metaphors, commenting on Maltese social realities and turbulent family relationships.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews