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The Way of the River
"Two curious young adventurers find themselves in the strange heart of a magical forest, and at the center of their own family secrets, in The Way of the River by Shan L. Spyker, the first book in the Kellandale Wood series. Despite a high-fantasy atmosphere reminiscent of Narnia and other incredible YA realms, this story remains a uniquely plotted tale, as well as deeply symbolic. The concept of nature being a source of untold power and strength, coupled with a healthy nod towards paganism and older belief systems, makes this novel impactful for a broad range of readers. The prose is accessible, the protagonist dynamics are touching, particularly between the girls and Henry, and the more whimsical aspects of this novel keep it balanced and compulsively readable from the first page." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½
The Way of the River (368 pages), is a fantasy/adventure for lovers of middle grade fiction and is a reflection on cherishing our own interconnectedness with nature, to one-another, and to all living beings.
Life is perfect for fifteen-year-old Elinora Wolton…for the most part. Anxious by nature and resistant to the often painful metamorphosis of growing up, she is most content when she is able to avoid uncomfortable feelings and experiences. This proves easy enough to do living a secure, sheltered life at Kellandale, a quiet country estate that has been isolated from many of the world’s problems. But in Kellandale Wood (Book One): The Way of the River, a tween fantasy/adventure set a hundred years ago in the country of Eldmoor, this estate also happens to sit on the edge of a vast forest. Known as Wyches Wood to some, it is a forest with a centuries-old reputation of being haunted. No one has dared to enter it for the last two hundred years, and Elinora and her precocious, easily bored younger sister Tillie have been strictly forbidden from going near it by their parents—a fact that drives Tillie mad.
This all changes when they witness a man dropping a mysterious parcel into the river within their property. Despite Elinora’s initial reluctance, Tillie—curious and relentlessly persistent—persuades Elinora to go searching for it with her, taking them deep into the woods. There they discover an abandoned puppy with an extraordinary ability, setting them off on a dangerous rescue mission.
In order to help Henry find his canine family, Elinora is forced to confront her deepest fears as she, Tillie, and their allies are pitted against a greedy and unscrupulous showman. Over time, they unravel the circumstances surrounding his abandonment, discovering what links their family to the forest, and the forest to Henry’s own traumatic past. Together, they set out to achieve what seems impossible, ultimately revealing the truth of the legendary enchanted woods and the mystic river that flows through it.
The Way of the River (368 pages), is a fantasy/adventure for lovers of middle grade fiction and is a reflection on cherishing our own interconnectedness with nature, to one-another, and to all living beings.
Life is perfect for fifteen-year-old Elinora Wolton…for the most part. Anxious by nature and resistant to the often painful metamorphosis of growing up, she is most content when she is able to avoid uncomfortable feelings and experiences. This proves easy enough to do living a secure, sheltered life at Kellandale, a quiet country estate that has been isolated from many of the world’s problems. But in Kellandale Wood (Book One): The Way of the River, a tween fantasy/adventure set a hundred years ago in the country of Eldmoor, this estate also happens to sit on the edge of a vast forest. Known as Wyches Wood to some, it is a forest with a centuries-old reputation of being haunted. No one has dared to enter it for the last two hundred years, and Elinora and her precocious, easily bored younger sister Tillie have been strictly forbidden from going near it by their parents—a fact that drives Tillie mad.
This all changes when they witness a man dropping a mysterious parcel into the river within their property. Despite Elinora’s initial reluctance, Tillie—curious and relentlessly persistent—persuades Elinora to go searching for it with her, taking them deep into the woods. There they discover an abandoned puppy with an extraordinary ability, setting them off on a dangerous rescue mission.
In order to help Henry find his canine family, Elinora is forced to confront her deepest fears as she, Tillie, and their allies are pitted against a greedy and unscrupulous showman. Over time, they unravel the circumstances surrounding his abandonment, discovering what links their family to the forest, and the forest to Henry’s own traumatic past. Together, they set out to achieve what seems impossible, ultimately revealing the truth of the legendary enchanted woods and the mystic river that flows through it.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Shan L. Spyker
1 book8 followersShan Spyker makes art, screens t’s + writes things
Her passion for writing was first ignited when she discovered the world of publishing through her love of music, when at age 14 she created her first zine. She's been 'zine-making ever since and into current times producing several online collaborative creative writing, music, art, and photography publications throughout the years.
She grew up along the shores of Lake Erie in NE Ohio earning a BA in studio art, and later, a secondary degree in IT with a concentration in web design and development. Following college, she worked for several non-profit organizations, serving as both publication editor and author/writer for fundraising campaign literature. Today she owns and operates her own independent business, offering design and writing services to small businesses, academic publishers, and non-profit organizations, as well as consulting and interior book design services to other independent authors.
She lives with her family–all artists and creatives in their own right–and their two very unique felines and an aquatic frog named Gerard. Watercolor and pen and ink, gardening, cooking, traveling, hiking, the desert southwest soaking up favorite films and series, nature, outer space, Faber-Castell India Ink pens, screen printing and being in the company of family and friends are among her biggest joys in life.
She also wishes to be a companion animal owner to an elephant, a water buffalo, and a humpback whale, but since this is seriously impractical and she recognizes it is best they remain in the wild, she instead supports them through organizations who help take care of those in need. Her deep interests in nature, the environment, the pursuit of animal rights, human rights, and social justice strongly influence and inform her art and writing.
Her passion for writing was first ignited when she discovered the world of publishing through her love of music, when at age 14 she created her first zine. She's been 'zine-making ever since and into current times producing several online collaborative creative writing, music, art, and photography publications throughout the years.
She grew up along the shores of Lake Erie in NE Ohio earning a BA in studio art, and later, a secondary degree in IT with a concentration in web design and development. Following college, she worked for several non-profit organizations, serving as both publication editor and author/writer for fundraising campaign literature. Today she owns and operates her own independent business, offering design and writing services to small businesses, academic publishers, and non-profit organizations, as well as consulting and interior book design services to other independent authors.
She lives with her family–all artists and creatives in their own right–and their two very unique felines and an aquatic frog named Gerard. Watercolor and pen and ink, gardening, cooking, traveling, hiking, the desert southwest soaking up favorite films and series, nature, outer space, Faber-Castell India Ink pens, screen printing and being in the company of family and friends are among her biggest joys in life.
She also wishes to be a companion animal owner to an elephant, a water buffalo, and a humpback whale, but since this is seriously impractical and she recognizes it is best they remain in the wild, she instead supports them through organizations who help take care of those in need. Her deep interests in nature, the environment, the pursuit of animal rights, human rights, and social justice strongly influence and inform her art and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 28, 2021
This independently published middle grade book is quite the adventure! With a large cast of boys, girls, and animals to adore. While the introduction was a bit slow and disjointed for me, The Way of the River more than makes up for it with it's evil circus ringmaster/owner and his minions whom are awful to both humans and animals alike. Add in a big dose of talking animals from a magical forest, healing water, mystical powers, and some good ol' sibling rivalry; and you've got yourself the recipe for Shan Spyker's debut novel (and first in a series).
Disclaimer
Normally I would put this at the end of my review. But in this case I think it's important I be really upfront. I know Shan Spyker. I donated to her Kickstarter for this novel, and am thanked in the book's liner notes (which is super cool for me!). So this review does need to be taken as it is. I've tried to be as honest and up-front as always; but I will confess it is possible that I've given Spyker more room for improvement and less critical comments than I might another debut author. The Way of the River is not without its faults (as you will read below) but overall I am super proud to say I had a teeny tiny piece in getting it to it's audience and have proudly gifted copies to all the little kiddos in my life.
It's an Indie Book
As always I think it's important to note this is an indie book. No big publishing house editor looked at it, critiqued it, or edited out the typos. So there are some to be stumbled over. I've let Spyker know of my list so that she can fix them up for the eBook, or a second edition publication.
Additionally I found a few points in the book to be quite weak. Sadly the introduction is one of them. For the first 50 pages or so I had a hard time figuring out if Kellandale Wood was supposed to be on Earth, or in another magical realm or planet. For the record it's in another land. Adding to this was my confusion about timeline. There is mention of events from hundreds of years before; but no real mention of 'today's' timeline. This also added to my confusion on if we were supposed to be in today's world and timeline or not. When you say things like 100 years ago, it makes more sense if I have a basis for what the present day looks like. In this case we do not.
Once I got over my time and place issues I then had to contend with large jumps in the timeline for our main characters, the kids. There are times where a few weeks go by, a day or two, and then months at once. While Spyker does a decent job of ensuring we are aware of when we are, it does feel a little leap froggy to me and made my head spin once or twice to keep track of when we were in the current storyline.
These are all critiques that are standard fare for an indie book; but are still elements that do bring the enjoyment down for many readers.
The Narration
Minus our introductory elements discussed above, the narration in The Way of the River is fabulous! I mean really, truly strong. I felt like I was in a movie at moments when our kids are infiltrating the circus and I felt the change in points of view was done gracefully as the narration is clear on who is speaking or thinking at any given moment. Spyker is a talented action writer. Many middle grade and young adult authors struggle with this. They do well at the editorializing and info-dump; but fail in creating truly captivating action. Not so for Spyker. I would compare the action here to recent debut YA author Tomi Adeyemi; whose overall first novel I wasn't a huge fan of but there was no discounting her ability to write some engrossing action scenes. Spyker fits well into this same category. The action and plot are not at all a problem. Some of the finer details about the magic, time, and place are needed to really bring this to the next level.
Characters
I know it's not right... but this nearly 40-year-old woman (yes that's me) loves Alister. I mean adores him more than any adult should fan-girl over a teenage boy. This is unusual as it's often a girl I am most drawn to in MG/YA books; but here it was Alister. His adoration of the circus animals, cunning and swift thought process; plus the fact that he's young and quick all contributed to me loving every moment his name came up on the page. But don't worry there are two young girls to adore here, including the adorable Tillie that most girls under 10 are likely to want to be, the older Elinore that reminded me of Susan from Narnia (a bit stoic and definitely in-charge), and then the other boys/cousins that are around. One thing I lament is that I lost track of Tillie's BFF at some point near the end and I'm not sure what happens to her. I hope this comes back around in book 2. Or I need to reread the story as maybe I simply missed her role in our exciting climax. In fairness there are a lot of characters to keep track of.
Overall
I wanted to love this book. I really did. And I have to say after a rocky start I'm happy to recommend it as a great debut novel. You need to know what you are getting into, as per my Indie Book section written above; but if you want to treat yourself (or a child you know) to a story that is very exciting, has lots of characters (and animals!) to love; and is quite magical then you cannot go wrong with The Way of the River. I know Spyker is planning (hopefully writing currently!) the second installment. One warning this book does not have a wrap it all up in a bow ending. We have resolution for some of our characters but not all (including my boy Alister!). So be prepared to want the next book immediately!
My huge thanks to Spyker for allowing me to be a part of her journey and donate to her Kickstarter. And for putting my name in her liner notes! This is hugely exciting to me and as a lover and reviewer of books I'm proud to say I had one of the first copies in my hand. <3
Disclaimer
Normally I would put this at the end of my review. But in this case I think it's important I be really upfront. I know Shan Spyker. I donated to her Kickstarter for this novel, and am thanked in the book's liner notes (which is super cool for me!). So this review does need to be taken as it is. I've tried to be as honest and up-front as always; but I will confess it is possible that I've given Spyker more room for improvement and less critical comments than I might another debut author. The Way of the River is not without its faults (as you will read below) but overall I am super proud to say I had a teeny tiny piece in getting it to it's audience and have proudly gifted copies to all the little kiddos in my life.
It's an Indie Book
As always I think it's important to note this is an indie book. No big publishing house editor looked at it, critiqued it, or edited out the typos. So there are some to be stumbled over. I've let Spyker know of my list so that she can fix them up for the eBook, or a second edition publication.
Additionally I found a few points in the book to be quite weak. Sadly the introduction is one of them. For the first 50 pages or so I had a hard time figuring out if Kellandale Wood was supposed to be on Earth, or in another magical realm or planet. For the record it's in another land. Adding to this was my confusion about timeline. There is mention of events from hundreds of years before; but no real mention of 'today's' timeline. This also added to my confusion on if we were supposed to be in today's world and timeline or not. When you say things like 100 years ago, it makes more sense if I have a basis for what the present day looks like. In this case we do not.
Once I got over my time and place issues I then had to contend with large jumps in the timeline for our main characters, the kids. There are times where a few weeks go by, a day or two, and then months at once. While Spyker does a decent job of ensuring we are aware of when we are, it does feel a little leap froggy to me and made my head spin once or twice to keep track of when we were in the current storyline.
These are all critiques that are standard fare for an indie book; but are still elements that do bring the enjoyment down for many readers.
The Narration
Minus our introductory elements discussed above, the narration in The Way of the River is fabulous! I mean really, truly strong. I felt like I was in a movie at moments when our kids are infiltrating the circus and I felt the change in points of view was done gracefully as the narration is clear on who is speaking or thinking at any given moment. Spyker is a talented action writer. Many middle grade and young adult authors struggle with this. They do well at the editorializing and info-dump; but fail in creating truly captivating action. Not so for Spyker. I would compare the action here to recent debut YA author Tomi Adeyemi; whose overall first novel I wasn't a huge fan of but there was no discounting her ability to write some engrossing action scenes. Spyker fits well into this same category. The action and plot are not at all a problem. Some of the finer details about the magic, time, and place are needed to really bring this to the next level.
Characters
I know it's not right... but this nearly 40-year-old woman (yes that's me) loves Alister. I mean adores him more than any adult should fan-girl over a teenage boy. This is unusual as it's often a girl I am most drawn to in MG/YA books; but here it was Alister. His adoration of the circus animals, cunning and swift thought process; plus the fact that he's young and quick all contributed to me loving every moment his name came up on the page. But don't worry there are two young girls to adore here, including the adorable Tillie that most girls under 10 are likely to want to be, the older Elinore that reminded me of Susan from Narnia (a bit stoic and definitely in-charge), and then the other boys/cousins that are around. One thing I lament is that I lost track of Tillie's BFF at some point near the end and I'm not sure what happens to her. I hope this comes back around in book 2. Or I need to reread the story as maybe I simply missed her role in our exciting climax. In fairness there are a lot of characters to keep track of.
Overall
I wanted to love this book. I really did. And I have to say after a rocky start I'm happy to recommend it as a great debut novel. You need to know what you are getting into, as per my Indie Book section written above; but if you want to treat yourself (or a child you know) to a story that is very exciting, has lots of characters (and animals!) to love; and is quite magical then you cannot go wrong with The Way of the River. I know Spyker is planning (hopefully writing currently!) the second installment. One warning this book does not have a wrap it all up in a bow ending. We have resolution for some of our characters but not all (including my boy Alister!). So be prepared to want the next book immediately!
My huge thanks to Spyker for allowing me to be a part of her journey and donate to her Kickstarter. And for putting my name in her liner notes! This is hugely exciting to me and as a lover and reviewer of books I'm proud to say I had one of the first copies in my hand. <3
June 7, 2021
This was amazing! I absolutely loved it! This has not only fantasy & adventure, but 1 of the most important things to me-animal rights & treatment. I have advocated AGAINST any & all circuses that have any animals for YEARS now. So when I saw that very same idea on the treatment of animals & their rights in this book-I was overjoyed. Books like this help open people’s eyes-even ones who won’t realize it at the time, because at the same time it’s an amazing fantasy adventure that you also love for that! Not only have I mentioned in other posts of mine stuff like riding elephants is NOT ok, & my feelings on circuses..but I’ve mentioned the word bull hook(& like always, if you look this word up be prepared, it’s not good). So when I saw that word in this book, telling the dark truth of it & what these places do with it-I knew the author was my kinda person. Most people have no idea what that even is-so again, spreading the information is so important. Not easy to read hard truths like that, but important to. The circus or any place similar may look amazing from the outside, but what’s hidden is horrible-& no matter what, these are WILD animals & are not here for our entertainment & it in no way makes them happy, but quite the opposite.
Anyway!(sorry, y’all know I could go on forever about this stuff)highly impressed by that! THEN you have all the other parts that make up this story! Such amazing characters! I love a story w/a big group of kids on an adventure like this! They are all easy to remember, & all amazing in their own right. The way they talk, their house w/gardens & the forest, dress, & everything make me feel like I’m reading a children’s classic-like the same feeling almost as I had recently when I read The Secret Garden. These kids, animals, & the plot are just so charming, delightful & magical.
These kids are so brave, loyal, & smart as well. Their dog Henry has my heart, as does Wildflower(oh my heart!). It would be hard because I love them all so much, but if I had to pick favorite human characters it would be-Alister, Tillie, & even Abigail(she is mostly a side character but I just loved her!). This whole world, the forest(everything about it including the fascinating backstory), the magic system, & the plot were so creative & great. So much adventure, magic, danger, & suspense. There are also several moments in the book when you see what simply being kind can accomplish. Big focus on animal rights, family, friendship, kindness, & the environment & nature as a whole. The ending was epic! I cannot wait for book 2! Highly recommend! Beautiful cover by Thomas L. Spyker too!💜
Anyway!(sorry, y’all know I could go on forever about this stuff)highly impressed by that! THEN you have all the other parts that make up this story! Such amazing characters! I love a story w/a big group of kids on an adventure like this! They are all easy to remember, & all amazing in their own right. The way they talk, their house w/gardens & the forest, dress, & everything make me feel like I’m reading a children’s classic-like the same feeling almost as I had recently when I read The Secret Garden. These kids, animals, & the plot are just so charming, delightful & magical.
These kids are so brave, loyal, & smart as well. Their dog Henry has my heart, as does Wildflower(oh my heart!). It would be hard because I love them all so much, but if I had to pick favorite human characters it would be-Alister, Tillie, & even Abigail(she is mostly a side character but I just loved her!). This whole world, the forest(everything about it including the fascinating backstory), the magic system, & the plot were so creative & great. So much adventure, magic, danger, & suspense. There are also several moments in the book when you see what simply being kind can accomplish. Big focus on animal rights, family, friendship, kindness, & the environment & nature as a whole. The ending was epic! I cannot wait for book 2! Highly recommend! Beautiful cover by Thomas L. Spyker too!💜
August 23, 2021
There's a lot to love about The Way of the River.
To start, the book has a touch of old-fashioned charm, a bit like The Secret Garden or Anne of Green Gables, but with modern sensibilities and a fantasy setting. Something about that combination reminded me of the Old Kingdom in Garth Nix's Sabriel series, too. (Though the stories are entirely different.)
While details throughout remind you this isn't our world, the manor home, carriages, and village towns feel quaintly familiar. Yet, the structure of society has some major differences, with much more care given to education and equality. (I hope future books delve more into the planned community school!)
The sisters have a delightful relationship. I was curious if that might be disrupted when the cousins showed up, and I liked the tension that was added with one of the visitors. Avoiding spoilers, I'll just say it was a relatable issue in a group of longtime friends, especially for kids.
The story takes its time settling in with the characters and world-building. Honestly, I was equally torn between enjoying that pace and feeling impatient to see where the story would eventually go. Yet, once the story does pick up steam, it really gets moving, and builds to an exciting climax! In hindsight, I like that it eased in, giving me time to feel immersed in the world.
The first book in a fantasy series always has a lot to accomplish by way of set-up. The Way of the River does a good job of starting simply and layering in deeper mysteries about Kellendale Wood and the family's unusual past. It reads as if the author has put a lot of work into developing a rich backstory that will likely be explored more in later books. It's always nice to see that, especially from a debut author!
Overall, the characters were delightful, the story took unexpected turns, and the enchanted forest is a place I definitely want to visit again!
To start, the book has a touch of old-fashioned charm, a bit like The Secret Garden or Anne of Green Gables, but with modern sensibilities and a fantasy setting. Something about that combination reminded me of the Old Kingdom in Garth Nix's Sabriel series, too. (Though the stories are entirely different.)
While details throughout remind you this isn't our world, the manor home, carriages, and village towns feel quaintly familiar. Yet, the structure of society has some major differences, with much more care given to education and equality. (I hope future books delve more into the planned community school!)
The sisters have a delightful relationship. I was curious if that might be disrupted when the cousins showed up, and I liked the tension that was added with one of the visitors. Avoiding spoilers, I'll just say it was a relatable issue in a group of longtime friends, especially for kids.
The story takes its time settling in with the characters and world-building. Honestly, I was equally torn between enjoying that pace and feeling impatient to see where the story would eventually go. Yet, once the story does pick up steam, it really gets moving, and builds to an exciting climax! In hindsight, I like that it eased in, giving me time to feel immersed in the world.
The first book in a fantasy series always has a lot to accomplish by way of set-up. The Way of the River does a good job of starting simply and layering in deeper mysteries about Kellendale Wood and the family's unusual past. It reads as if the author has put a lot of work into developing a rich backstory that will likely be explored more in later books. It's always nice to see that, especially from a debut author!
Overall, the characters were delightful, the story took unexpected turns, and the enchanted forest is a place I definitely want to visit again!
February 25, 2022
I'm so glad I stumbled on this book. What a delight!!! Shan Spyker expertly works with a large cast of lovable, unforgettable characters. This story has so much heart, I couldn't wait to get back to every time I put it down. I'll be on the lookout for Book Two.
April 2, 2022
There is power in love, and sometimes love is the catalyst for great magic. Kellandale Wood has long been thought of as dangerous, and for those residing at Kellandale Manor, the woods are a beautiful, forbidden space. One day, a man is seen throwing a mysterious bag into the river traversing the woods, and sisters Tillie and Nora make the bold decision to disobey their parents and venture into Kellandale Wood to investigate. What they find is not what they expected, and they must keep their discovery a secret from their families lest it be taken from them. As more information comes to light, the children use their big hearts and bravery to protect others from harm and bring them to a space filled with wonder and safety.
This fantasy adventure revolves primarily around the characters and relationships involved in the story. Each character has a unique personality and strong feelings, and these are often referenced and discussed throughout the narrative. Because the focus is on the characters, there is not a great deal of world-building or action; instead, readers observe the events primarily through the emotions of the characters themselves. The narration frequently transitions between characters, giving readers insight into their thoughts at opportune moments within the text. This background knowledge helps make the events within the story make sense and encourages prediction and empathy as each moment unfolds. Magic and mystery are important components of the narrative, and these additions help readers suspend their disbelief while becoming closer to the characters and their experiences.
Early young adult readers will find this book to be accessible in both writing style and intensity. Though there are occasional moments of light violence and animal abuse, the overall message of the book revolves around the love and connections shared by the characters in the story. As the first in its series, this book introduces readers to a large collection of characters and establishes some of the foundation for the subsequent novels. Longer chapters lend this book to confident readers, but because of the emotion-driven narrative, these chapters can move quickly. Representing an assortment of human backgrounds and types of love, this book has a little something both for fantasy readers and for those who enjoy stories about strong and interconnected relationships.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
This fantasy adventure revolves primarily around the characters and relationships involved in the story. Each character has a unique personality and strong feelings, and these are often referenced and discussed throughout the narrative. Because the focus is on the characters, there is not a great deal of world-building or action; instead, readers observe the events primarily through the emotions of the characters themselves. The narration frequently transitions between characters, giving readers insight into their thoughts at opportune moments within the text. This background knowledge helps make the events within the story make sense and encourages prediction and empathy as each moment unfolds. Magic and mystery are important components of the narrative, and these additions help readers suspend their disbelief while becoming closer to the characters and their experiences.
Early young adult readers will find this book to be accessible in both writing style and intensity. Though there are occasional moments of light violence and animal abuse, the overall message of the book revolves around the love and connections shared by the characters in the story. As the first in its series, this book introduces readers to a large collection of characters and establishes some of the foundation for the subsequent novels. Longer chapters lend this book to confident readers, but because of the emotion-driven narrative, these chapters can move quickly. Representing an assortment of human backgrounds and types of love, this book has a little something both for fantasy readers and for those who enjoy stories about strong and interconnected relationships.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
October 1, 2022
A wonderful book filled with atmosphere and warm, cozy feelings. Perfect for animal lovers. I want to say this is middle-grade, but not sure how some parents would feel about a child getting their fingertip cut off (in the book). Personally, I would've read this in middle school (and loved it!).
The author shined light on the plight of animal abuse suffered in circuses, while equally creating a rich, secret safehaven where animals coexisted. I loved the description of three waterfalls deep in Kellandale Wood. I did wish that Vivienne in her dragon form contributed more. And perhaps gotten more of a peek at Alister and Elinora's budding romance.
The main antagonist also had a flicker of redemption, though the ending showed it didn't hold up. It still made him interesting and not two-dimensional like so many in other stories.
The pacing is slower than what's popular these days, but I didn't mind. I took my time, diving into Henry's world and immersing myself. If you're looking for an escape into a world where animals can communicate with you (who doesn't?!), this book if for you.
The author shined light on the plight of animal abuse suffered in circuses, while equally creating a rich, secret safehaven where animals coexisted. I loved the description of three waterfalls deep in Kellandale Wood. I did wish that Vivienne in her dragon form contributed more. And perhaps gotten more of a peek at Alister and Elinora's budding romance.
The main antagonist also had a flicker of redemption, though the ending showed it didn't hold up. It still made him interesting and not two-dimensional like so many in other stories.
The pacing is slower than what's popular these days, but I didn't mind. I took my time, diving into Henry's world and immersing myself. If you're looking for an escape into a world where animals can communicate with you (who doesn't?!), this book if for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
I’m actually rating it a 3 1/2
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews