The String Bean and the Firefly: The Year of the Firefly, Book 1

by GeAnn Powers

Ariel is a fairy princess from a colony of scavengers. Her life has been one of hunger, emptiness, and fear. In a year's time, she will have to chose one of her ruthless barbarian kin to marry and be condemned to a life of servitude and hopelessness.
Basil is a well educated young elf, used to a life of books, warmth and friendship. With his pack full of vials and potions, he was just wanting to get home.
One chance encounter with a spider web entangled their lives and changed their worlds forever.

Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2020

Reviews

[Pam Groom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series! The characters are interesting. The setting is charming. The underlying allegory and the transformation of the main character Ariel are delightful! I highly recommend this book and its two sequels. I'm eagerly awaiting the publishing of the fourth in the series. I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for them to be finished, so I can see what happens next!

[Avonlea Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, while intended for upper elementary and middle schoolers, was a fun and touching read. If you enjoyed reading The Borrowers, you'd enjoy this tale of Ariel, from the rustic flyer community and hopper Basil, the musician and healer. While it is a "fairy story," it doesn't include magic in the usual sense. The magic is in the tiny world they inhabit--the fairies, gnomes, and others scavenge and hunt for things in nature and items cast away by humans--and in the societies and cultures they have formed. They face challenges such as venomous spiders, as well as broken relationships and hurts within their communities, and are challenged to learn patience, forgiveness, how to deal with life when things don't go the way we want.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. It is very well written. The characters have depth and personality and are very enjoyable. There is a tremendous amount of detail and the fast fun pace keeps the reader wanting more. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series!