A Misplaced Child

by Heather Michelle

Torn between two worlds, which will she embrace?

Elodie Harper is heir to the magical kingdom of Aluna. Trapped by an evil wizard in an illusion; Elodie grows up caught between two worlds, one of magic, and one of technology.

As the facade of her mundane life of lies and fake smiles cracks, her kingdom crumbles in the absence of its ruler. Join Elodie as she navigates both lives not knowing which to embrace, and which to push into the back of her mind and forget as a bad dream.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

Heather Michelle is an emerging author of young adult fantasy. She lives in Acworth, GA with her cat Mister Bingley and a slew of unique roommates.

Growing up, Heather Michelle spent more time living in her imagination than outside of it. Small town life sandwiched between the redwood forests and the Pacific ocean provided a rich scope for the imagination. Before the age of twelve, Heather Michelle was not a reader, but a chance encounter with a rented audiobook launched her into the vast world of the printed word, and she never looked back.

Reviews

[aikaterine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a truly powerful read!

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Elodie is the princess of a magical kingdom, one she doesn’t have access to. Instead, she is living a normal life. Except, she’s in between two worlds!

This book’s plot and concept offered me a truly unique experience, and I loved following Elodie’s story and her struggle to find and maintain her place in both worlds, all the while facing different problems in each one!
This was a well-written and well-executed, fun adventure with a heroine that proved to be more courageous than she ever imagined.

I totally recommend this book to fans of the genre!

[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elodie is the twelve year old princess of the magical kingdom of Aluna. The problem is that there’s a spell that’s keeping her trapped in the Illusion, aka our real world and she can’t be the aquire the throne, since she can’t stay there. Her visits to Aluna are sudden, not planned and she has no idea how long they will last or when she’ll be summoned to get back there. Her life is devided between two worlds. In one of them she deals with doctors, pills, bullies. In the other world she’s the princess, she’s surrounded by magical creatures, wizards, magic.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved how it was both magical and also educational, since it spoke about mental illness as well. I had so many theories while reading this book, wondering if this kingdom was real or if that was a part of Elodie’s mind. The book takes us back and forth between the two fictional worlds. Aluna is definitely a more fascinating world, than the reality that Elodie is facing in the Illusion. She has some friends like Silas, Callie and Gedas. Silas was definitely my favorite one! It was fascinating how time worked in a different way than the Illusion and how this affected Elodie and her relationships there.

Overall, the book had a slow pace, but it was really enjoyable and kept you wondering. I definitely recommend this one, especially for middle graders and teens. Thank you to the author for gifting me my copy.

[Jenny (Bookbookowl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elodie is trying to live a normal life. She hates worrying her parents, she hates being bullied at school for being the ‘weird kid’, but that’s an impossible feat, considering she’s living between two worlds. At completely unexpected intervals, Elodie is whisked back and forth between Aluna, where she is the princess of a magical kingdom and earth. As she tries to balance her two lives, she is trying desperately to discover the secret to how to break the spell that keeps returning her to ‘the illusion’ on earth. Her mentor, the wizard Gedas, knows more than he’s letting on, but he refuses to give her any information on a prophecy surrounding Elodie and the spell.

A Misplaced Child was a really fun book and although Elodie was twelve years old and the story is suitable for a middle grade audience, it also felt at home for an older YA audience too. I often pictured Elodie as quite a bit older than she was described. The struggles Elodie faced trying to either convince her parents she wasn’t making the magical world up, or pretending she had fabricated the whole thing, just to stop them worrying was heartbreaking and I appreciated the struggle her parents must have faced with the situation too. Elodie’s friendship with Silas in the Twoshy (magical world) was the highlight of the book for me. It was lovely and genuine, with a real twist due to his changing age, while she stayed the same!

I’m looking forward to book two and if you enjoy stories set part way between the mundane and fantastical worlds, make sure you add this one to your TBR!

[Mridula Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child is torn between two worlds- the real world for people like us and Twoshy, a magical land. Elodie is the heir to the crown of Twoshy but a curse has trapped her in an alternate world, where she has to go to school and is struggling with bullies.

The concept of two worlds, the concept of time in each of the realm and the vast difference between the people including the world-building was well planned. The pace is a bummer because it's extremely uneven and there is a lot of info dump, but the plot and the characters really shine through.

[Luka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved a free cory of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The concept of this book was really great. I liked how the main character, Elodie, had to navigate between two different worlds (Ours and a magical one) and how she had to kind of find her place in both worlds. It was a really fun and unique read.
It took me a while to get into this book since the beginning was a little slow, through I think I feel that way since I've been reading mostly adult fantasy this year, but as soon as I got into it, I was hooked. Also, it was a very quick read for me, which I always appreciate.
It was a little difficult for me to relate to the mc, since she's so young, and sometimes it felt like the book was meant for a much younger audience, but it didn't make it any less great to read about Elodie's many struggles to find her place, and follow her as the grew with each obstacle.
All in all, great read, awesome concept and likable characters.

[Meg Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really fun! I was hooked trying to figure out what was going to happen to Elodie. The whole concept was pretty unique and I felt really immersed in the story and excited about where it could go!

[Mr Pink Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author and Indie Blog Hop for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

A Misplaced Child is about a little girl (a princess) snatched from her world (Eres) and transplanted into our world by a magical spell cast when she was a baby and has to navigate her life between the two places. She gets pulled back and forth between both realms randomly by the magic, but time flows differently in each realm, and the last time she disappeared into her world, she was gone for two weeks in ours.

Her parents get her to speak with a psychiatrist, Doctor Abernathy, who puts her on some pills, but after the school bully scares her into believing Dr. Abernathy will get her institutionalized, she starts lying about her disappearances.

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would; the writing is fluid and the world of Eres comes to life beautifully; some really entertaining and likable characters; wonderful magic system, especially in regards to story-telling.

AMC is the start os an epic fantasy, so, yes, it is slow to start and unpacks a lot of background - but - it is written for a younger audience, I think, and I enjoyed reading these elements from the innocent eyes of a child, and is suitable to a middle-grade audience; more to the older scale, perhaps, due to some mature themes. This is also enjoyable for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: A Misplaced Child

Author: Heather Michelle

Book Series: The Misplaced Children

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: fantasy, middle grade lovers

Publication Date: September 15, 2020

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, mental illness, bullying)

Publisher: Late for Dinner Press

Pages: 360

Synopsis: Torn between two worlds, which will she embrace?

Elodie Harper is heir to the magical kingdom of Aluna. Trapped by an evil wizard in an illusion; Elodie grows up caught between two worlds, one of magic, and one of technology.

As the facade of her mundane life of lies and fake smiles cracks, her kingdom crumbles in the absence of its ruler. Join Elodie as she navigates both lives not knowing which to embrace, and which to push into the back of her mind and forget as a bad dream.

Review: This was a pretty good book! The plot was intriguing and it kept me interested in the book throughout it. The world building was well done and I loved the characters and how developed they were.

However, the book is really slow, especially in the beginning, and the book is kinda weird in that it reads like an adult novel, but feels like a book for younger audiences.

Verdict: It’s really good!

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series, it tells us an amazing story of a little girl who is stuck between two world, in our world, she is kind of more common, but she is the lead of the magical world. I really loved the way fantasy was so well blended magic, I really loved the gradual world buildings. It definitely took me a bit time to get into the story but as I was 100 pages in, the book got more and more interesting.
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I really loved the themes that have been brought in the storyline. I am someone who needs atleast a few twists in any story, I could really see them coming in this one. I loved Elodie too, she is just so mature than her age, she is strong and so well built. Another character I really liked was Silas!
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I definitely enjoyed it and I am eagerly looking forward to read the next one soon, hopefully.
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Rating: 4🌟

[Amanda Martinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! What a wonderful adventure this book was! I am so pleased I was able to review it.
I loved the juxtaposition between The Illusion (the real world) and The Twoshy (the magical world). Elodie is a young girl caught between two worlds. In one, she is an awkward, depressed preteen struggling with pressures of bullies, being adopted, and knowing she doesn’t belong there. In the other world, she’s the princess waiting to break the spell that keeps her in the real world so she can rightfully sit on her throne.
This story is so imaginative. Heather Michelle doesn’t just spin a wonderful story but creates a full world of magic.
Reading along as Elodie learns life lessons, faces her struggles and grows in her confidence is very empowering.
I recommend this book to everyone, but especially those that struggle with their place in the world. Those of us who feel like they just don’t belong. This is a fantastic book. Read it and share it with the girls in your life. Thank you, Heather. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Misplaced Child by Heather Michelle is a fantastic middle grade to young adult story about Elodie a twelve year old who is living in two worlds.

In one world, Elodie is the princess of Aluna where she is surrounded by magic and wizards. In the other world called Illusion or Earth, she is bullied at school, sees a psychiatrist three times a week and on medications. She is transported from the worlds without any warning - when she is at Aluna, days and weeks pass, while only minutes pass on Earth.

I enjoyed reading this book and many readers will resonate with Elodie as issues of mental health, bullying, friendships and family are addressed and weaved within the story. I found the book to be well written, easy to read, well paced and entertaining.

I recommend this book for a nice escape read.

[Ruth Job Salamanca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will be sorting things out in my head for a while. Real review coming up later 🙂

Thank you to MLC Tours and the author for sending me a free copy in exchange of an honest review.

4.25/5 🌟

“You were created for a plan and a reason, so embrace it, and forget anyone who tries to tell you anything else,”

A young girl who is a misplaced heir of a kingdom in another dimension who is trapped in a spell of illusion on Earth. It sounds like a tall order on how the story would flow seamlessly. However, this book has been a page turner for sure! The author did a great job of easing us in from the normality of Earth to the magical land of Twoshy. The world building was superb and I was kept engage throughout the book.

The imagery was just spot on! I felt like I was being pulled by the ruakh whenever Elodie’s pulled from one world to another. I felt as disoriented as her (in a good way) because I felt the confusion, the fog that tended to overwhelm her. It was because whatever progress she had in Twoshy vanishes when she’s back in the “illusion” here on Earth.

Another reason why I love this so much was because it was full of positivity. The lessons integrated into the book has me giving this the seal of approval. It’s something I wish young people, readers and non readers alike, to be able to read.

The friendship that Vanessa and Elodie have, of Callie and Ellie, and that unwavering loyalty from Silas to his princess, all of these added together makes for an adventurous and emotional read.

“Will you tell her that no matter who she is, what she does, or what is done to her, she always has been and will be that beautiful and bright calendula?”

Finally, I love how it tackles on aspects of mental health. It is something we need to talk about, and it is something that we need to read more of. The world would be a better place only if we have someone we could talk about how we feel and feel how much they care.

With that, I leave you with one of my fave quotes in the book: “It doesn’t make you weak as long as you try to do what’s right.”

Happy Sunday, everyone and be kind to one another! 💕

[Zoe L.]

A Misplaced Child tells us the story of a girl stuck between two worlds: the “real world” and a magical realm in which she is a princess. This is a whimsical and lush story that interweaves some deeper themes throughout. As I read it I kept flipping back and forth with theories on the underlying themes and just fully immersed myself in the story. This was truly just such a delightful book!

While this book is fun and whimsical there is still so much depth to the story. There is something almost dark to the content that is layered in magic and wonder. And the switches from the real world to the magical world of Twoshy and the characters in each of the worlds just makes this story seem that much bigger! Yet everything was still really well elaborated on and I never felt lost or confused.

This book definitely toes the line between middle grade and ya. I could see younger individuals really connecting with the story as well as some sightly older ones. Plus the magic and delightfulness of the story just makes it something that can be easily enjoyed by anyone. So if you’re in need of some comforting and heartwarming magic, this one is for you!

You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/

[Evelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to mention how beautiful this book is. Not only the map impressed, but also the mature world of the novel, its manner of speaking, and the presence of the writer in it. Very enjoyable reading, accurate to the smallest detail, guides the reader through. The structure of the world and the kingdom that was created fascinated and amazed me. It is not only rich in description, but also in characters. Elodie got very close to me, I was excited about the plot along with her and I look forward to the sequel as this is not just the beginning of a novel but a great adventure. A real bomb that explodes the minds of readers and demands even more of it. Those who take it in their hands once will find it difficult to put it down.

The book invites you to a real adventure where you can’t say no, and you don’t really want to, as you’ve already sniffed yourself in the front pages and won’t let go. Getting to know the two different worlds, the real and the fictional, gives the novel a plus that makes it unique and separate.

After reading the last pages and lines, all you can think is that it wasn’t enough, you need more and more, you can’t let go of the plot and want to read the next volume right away. It is a real, immersive, eye-catching piece by the pen of a very talented writer, who has already convinced me with this novel that it will be worth paying attention to it, because from here it will only become really interesting. I don’t get a word out after the big finale, I didn’t expect such an excellent and fun first part, but the thing is, I loved it from start to finish and I think I managed to have a new favorite series.

I love novels where magic has the main role and A Misplaced Child is one of them. A lovable, magicak adventure on the border of two kindoms.

Thank you for the experience!

[Melissa (thereaderandthechef) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This review can also be found on The Reader and the Chef! Huge thanks to the author & MTMC Tours for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.*

A Misplaced Child is one of those soft books that often make you pause to take it all in. Our main character is quite literally torn between two worlds as she is trapped inside an illusion: one that keeps her in the human (our) world, instead of the Kingdom of Aluna in which she is their princess.

Elodie goes through so much trying to deal with her two realities–from doctors, pills, bullying and loneliness due to not being understood by her parents; to the random times she is allowed to go back to Aluna where magic exists and she has friends.

It’s not an action-packed read but it does draw you in, rooting for Elodie and wanting to give her a big hug, not to mention that the world of Aluna is a wonderful place to explore.

[Kasey Connors-Beron · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried. I really did. I loved the first chapter (the psychologist in me loves any mentions of mental illness), but as soon as she goes to Twoshy I lost interest. I put it down for a few days then tried again. When that didn’t work, I put it down for a few more days. When I picked it up today it felt like work to read. And it’s not that I’m in a slump, since I’m reading (and finishing) other books in between those breaks.

The concept is great. The character, Eloide, is relatable and likable. The writing is done well, although definitely for a younger crowd (low middle grade I would say). But I just couldn’t read it past 20%. I have no idea why other than it just wasn’t for me. And I HATE saying that, especially when I do connect with similar books.

That being said, I am definitely in the minority. It has numerous positive reviews already and I think this is something my daughter will enjoy in a few years (she’s currently 8).

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading this book I went into knowing I was reading something that is aimed at teens and young adults and I believe the author hit the mark. I actually enjoy reading the books aimed at this age group from time to time as they tend to not be as heavy. It was a little slow to begin with but maybe that is because it isn't aimed at older adults like me. Once I got into it, it was a fast read and very enjoyable. We have a young girl Elodie who is trapped between two worlds. The "real" world and a magical world. She has real world problems of many teens of trying to fit in and being bullied and the like. But in the magical realm she is royalty. The author does a great job of pulling you into each world and keeping you interested. It is a book that I would for sure recommend to young adult and teen readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally just finished The Misplaced Child and it’s so, so good. It leaves you wanting more, and thankfully, the book’s very last words are letting us know the next book is coming soon! While it was slow-going early on for me (I blame this more on me trying to start a book while also beginning to pack for a move than on any fault of the author), it wasn’t long before I was forcing myself to put the book down and get some sleep. Heather Michelle did such a fantastic job creating a unique story, and taking us to a brand new world. So often YA fantasy doesn’t feel wholly original. This, this does! There weren’t any moments where it felt like I’d heard this before or this term and name are so familiar. The last time I felt that way was reading Harry Potter for the first time. Cannot wait for the next book. You need to read this!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

The idea of being stuck between two worlds was intriguing and made for a unique story. This book would be good for those who are unsure of their place in the world and who feel like they don't belong.

I believe this is Heather Michelle's first published novel and it shows in parts of her writing. The pacing was weird in some places and the writing felt more juvenile and simple than I expected, though it might have been a purposeful choice since the main character is only 12. However, the consistent use of 'anyways' took me out of the story every time. There were also a few info dumps on the world of Twoshy and the curse that Elodie is under that were hard to parse through. Overall, though, the plot and characters made for an interesting read.

Total rating: 3.5 stars

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story's world! The princess is unable to access her kingdom, locked away in the normal world! I loved how Elodie's curse keeps her from gaining what is rightfully hers....her throne.

This was a completely engrossing story that keeps you glued to the pages to see what happens next. I think it's the perfect story for readers that enjoy YA fairytale fantasy stories!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jesse Gaspard · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do anything this summer, freaking read this gorgeous book! I just finished the second one, and am trapped in a glass case of emotions. I can't recommend it enough, I'm so blown away. They're so much fun to read, I was captivated the entire time. It's all I could think about since the second book came out, and every time I had to put it down all I wanted to do was pick it back up and keep going. For real, add these to your summer reading list, and thank me later.

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it from start to finish in less than 24 hours. I really enjoyed it. The two separate worlds, the struggle of going between them, especially the struggle of going between them, along with the rest of the mess that goes along with being 12. Well done. I look forward to book two.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Isla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love the concept! It took me a couple of chapters to get into because I felt there wasn't much exposition and I like to know as much as the protagonist does but once I caught up with her story it was exciting and hard to put down! I'm very excited for the next book!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to review by the author.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved that there was the two worlds that Elodie was caught between. Michelle creates a wonderful world full of magic and I’m definitely going to read the story again.

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m slowly getting back into fiction and really enjoyed this. One thing I really enjoyed was that Heather has a pronunciation guide on authorheathermichelle.com - which was VERY helpful for words like Twoshy. I definitely read it wrong.

The story regularly had me questioning what was real and who was good or bad. It kept me on my toes and never felt like I knew what was next. It definitely kept things interesting.

I won’t spoil the ending explicitly, but it made me cry. I’m very interested to see what happens next in the second book!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! It’s so well written. The characters are well developed and the story is unique. There aren’t any lags and it flows at a good pace. I’m going to order the 2nd book because I must know what happens!

[Seonaid Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting when I started this book, but what I got was amazing.
A girl caught in a spell bringing her to her home, and a place of imagination. Sometime she isn't sure which is which.
Wizards, knights, princesses and modern day girl problems. What more could you want.

[K. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and would recommend! I see the author now has a part two-can't wait to read it. I can really see this turning into a multiple book series --and I really hope it does!

[Dani Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor confused Elodie. Heather Michelle does so well building likable as well as unlikable characters. She made me want to shake the bullies and hug others. A very enjoyable read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative and layered story told in a beautiful way. Heartwarming and intriguing... I can’t wait to read the next one!