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Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird
Having escaped through the magical doorway in an old, gnarly tree, Twigs and Thistle enter the ravaged realm of the thunderbird. Trees have been burned, mountains scarred and not a single living creature can be seen in this desolate land.
But then the friends discover some hideaways who are living in fear. A foolish choice has been made, and now the protected have become the hunted. The angered thunderbird wants revenge, and Twigs and Thistle must face the mythical beast in order to improve their chances of finding a doorway home.
In this, the second book of the enchanting series, Broken Twigs, the feisty fae and her elf friend must find their courage if they ever hope to see Faerie Forest again.
Early praise for Broken Realm of the
"I love Charlotte’s imaginative mind and her Broken Twigs stories. They awaken the child in me. These stories are not only engaging but also teach young readers qualities they require to become good adults—something needed in our world.”
Michelle Tanmizi, International Bestselling Author of Late Dawn.
But then the friends discover some hideaways who are living in fear. A foolish choice has been made, and now the protected have become the hunted. The angered thunderbird wants revenge, and Twigs and Thistle must face the mythical beast in order to improve their chances of finding a doorway home.
In this, the second book of the enchanting series, Broken Twigs, the feisty fae and her elf friend must find their courage if they ever hope to see Faerie Forest again.
Early praise for Broken Realm of the
"I love Charlotte’s imaginative mind and her Broken Twigs stories. They awaken the child in me. These stories are not only engaging but also teach young readers qualities they require to become good adults—something needed in our world.”
Michelle Tanmizi, International Bestselling Author of Late Dawn.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2021
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte L. Taylor
9 books22 followersCharlotte is currently a primary teacher, living in the lovely Forest of Dean with her husband, three beautiful daughters, a dog, two cats, many chickens, three noisy geese and two turkeys. Aside from writing and reading, her other main passions are beekeeping and camping with her family.
She has always loved the local woods, as they are so full of places where her imagination can take off, and where she can easily imagine fairies and other magical creatures existing. She loves to write because, even on the coldest, wettest days when no-one wants to venture outside in the real world, she can embark on an adventure in a world of her choosing. One of her favourite quotes she tells the children at school is this: If you don’t read, then you live one lifetime; if you read, you could live thousands.
Twigs developed very organically in her classroom one day, several years ago, when the class were looking for a naughty fairy to blame for all the missing objects. To this day, Twigs still visits the children who are going through tough times at home and leaves a small stick on their seat to show them she is thinking of them. For Charlotte and the children she teaches, Twigs has become a very real entity, one which Charlotte absolutely loves sharing in her writing.
She has always loved the local woods, as they are so full of places where her imagination can take off, and where she can easily imagine fairies and other magical creatures existing. She loves to write because, even on the coldest, wettest days when no-one wants to venture outside in the real world, she can embark on an adventure in a world of her choosing. One of her favourite quotes she tells the children at school is this: If you don’t read, then you live one lifetime; if you read, you could live thousands.
Twigs developed very organically in her classroom one day, several years ago, when the class were looking for a naughty fairy to blame for all the missing objects. To this day, Twigs still visits the children who are going through tough times at home and leaves a small stick on their seat to show them she is thinking of them. For Charlotte and the children she teaches, Twigs has become a very real entity, one which Charlotte absolutely loves sharing in her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 24, 2021
I love Twigs' adventures, and they just get better with each book. They are so magical and lyrical, and even though they are meant for children, adults can enjoy them too. In this book, Twigs and Thistle are sent to the realm of the Thunderbird. This adventure is even more fun and thrilling, slightly darker (it's still a middle grade book, of course!) and it keeps you glued to your seat until the very last chapter. I love how Twigs has her flaws and behaves in a childish way sometimes, but despite everything she has a heart of gold and always ends up doing the right thing. In this story both friends have many opportunities to show their courage and grow. Looking forward to the next adventure!
September 4, 2021
Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird is a very special book to me personally because it's the sequel to the first chapter book I ever read with my son. We'd both been eagerly waiting for the release of this book and bought it the day it came out. Every night we read a chapter or two before bed, which is the only reason my son went to bed without any fuss.
I want to do something a little different for this review. I could sit here and tell you how wonderful this book is. I could tell you about the important lessons it teaches, how Charlotte's writing style is poetic and an absolute joy to experience, and how the wonderful vocabulary she uses taught my son numerous new words. However, instead I'm going to let my seven year old son have a say. I allowed him to decide how many stars to give this book and now I'm going to ask him to share his thoughts.
Here is what he says about Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird:
"My favorite character is Bumble. I like him and I wish that there is a ten star review. If there was, I would give a ten star review because it's even better than a five star review. I can't wait for the next book. It was great. I can't wait to see what happens to Twigs. They already finished the Thunderbird part and I wonder what the next part will be. I really like the pictures. My favorite picture was the Silvamor picture at the end. My favorite part is when they return the egg to the Thunderbird because it was very happy and it was good for the Thunderbird. I really really really can't wait for the next book. I keep wanting to read it and I love Twigs. Twigs is the best series chapter book ever!"
So there you have it. I think he said it just as well as I could've!!
I want to do something a little different for this review. I could sit here and tell you how wonderful this book is. I could tell you about the important lessons it teaches, how Charlotte's writing style is poetic and an absolute joy to experience, and how the wonderful vocabulary she uses taught my son numerous new words. However, instead I'm going to let my seven year old son have a say. I allowed him to decide how many stars to give this book and now I'm going to ask him to share his thoughts.
Here is what he says about Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird:
"My favorite character is Bumble. I like him and I wish that there is a ten star review. If there was, I would give a ten star review because it's even better than a five star review. I can't wait for the next book. It was great. I can't wait to see what happens to Twigs. They already finished the Thunderbird part and I wonder what the next part will be. I really like the pictures. My favorite picture was the Silvamor picture at the end. My favorite part is when they return the egg to the Thunderbird because it was very happy and it was good for the Thunderbird. I really really really can't wait for the next book. I keep wanting to read it and I love Twigs. Twigs is the best series chapter book ever!"
So there you have it. I think he said it just as well as I could've!!
August 3, 2021
Twigs’ journey continues in book two Realm of the Thunderbird by author Charlotte Taylor. Prepare to be transported once again to Twig’s magical world, although this time the setting is much darker, much more bleak for our fiery protagonist. It is the ultimate testing ground for Twigs and this next step in her journey.
Twigs, Thistle, and Bumble return after saying goodbye to Faerie Forest. You will also meet a few new characters. I really enjoyed meeting these new characters and found them to be well-developed; characters that seemed to breathe life off the page made wonderfully real by Taylor’s fantastic use of imagery and her command over the English language.
Reading the Realm of the Thunderbird was a treat. I wish this book existed when I was a child, but at least I look forward to reading it to my son once he’s old enough. The recommended age group is 7-12 years old or adults, like me, who cannot get enough of a good story no matter how old.
Twigs, Thistle, and Bumble return after saying goodbye to Faerie Forest. You will also meet a few new characters. I really enjoyed meeting these new characters and found them to be well-developed; characters that seemed to breathe life off the page made wonderfully real by Taylor’s fantastic use of imagery and her command over the English language.
Reading the Realm of the Thunderbird was a treat. I wish this book existed when I was a child, but at least I look forward to reading it to my son once he’s old enough. The recommended age group is 7-12 years old or adults, like me, who cannot get enough of a good story no matter how old.
August 6, 2021
The sequel Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird is a compelling read. Charlotte Taylor is a weaver of words, a goddess of imagination, and a story teller extraordinaire. Twigs and Thistle certainly have their courage tested when they go through the magical portal and find themselves in a strange new world. The twist in the story is clever, and the world building is fabulous. Of course, the feisty faerie, Twigs, is a character to love, and watching her development is heart warming. As Twigs' friendship with Thistle flourishes, he helps her learn important values all faeries need to know. The book is filled with life lessons—morals and consequences—and is a brilliant read for adults and children alike. The suburb illustrations make the book all the better. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2021
The sequel Broken Twigs: Realm of the Thunderbird is a compelling read. Taylor is a master storyteller. Twigs and Thistle are engaging and heartwarming characters and as their friendship blossoms, Twigs learns some valuable lessons. The book is filled with morals and highlights there are always consequences for your actions. A brilliant book for adults and children.
The beautiful illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.
I highly recommend this book.
The beautiful illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.
I highly recommend this book.
August 20, 2021
These books have been so much fun to read! With a delightful mix of action, adventure, and daring, I find I can't help but root for the feisty little fairy and her new elf friend, Thistle. I really enjoyed the progression of Twigs's character in this second story, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
September 25, 2021
Awesome fantasy story for children
I found this book to be an awesome fantasy filled with fairies, and more, in a truly make-believe setting. The characters come to life with the illustrations that support them. Children learn many lessons and honesty is one lesson. Children learn what can happen if one steals what isn't theirs, and the consequences of such acts. Highly recommended.
I found this book to be an awesome fantasy filled with fairies, and more, in a truly make-believe setting. The characters come to life with the illustrations that support them. Children learn many lessons and honesty is one lesson. Children learn what can happen if one steals what isn't theirs, and the consequences of such acts. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Broken Twigs, Realm of the Thunderbird
Author: Charlotte L. Taylor
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 16 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
12 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I liked this book a lot, but I liked the first book best. I loved the two characters Twigs and Thistle. They must be brave in this story. The mythical thunderbird is cool.” Girl, aged 10
“Loved the first book. This is 95% as good! Boring in the beginning then I got into it. I think the cover is not so good as the story is darker then the cover suggests. Eleven and twelve years will love this book – and the first book too!” Girl, aged 12
“This book is filled with twists I didn´t see coming. I didn´t read the first book but I understood the story anyway. I liked the characters, and I thought the story was easy to follow. I think the second half of the story was the best as it was the most exciting.” Boy, aged 9 – with a little help from his mum
“I thought the first two chapters were slow. But then it got better. The pics looked cool too. The story is interesting. I think it you like fantasy and magical worlds full of evil, this is for you. I think 7 year olds might find it too scary. I´m 12 so it wasn´t a problem for me.” Girl, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A novel for 9 – 12 year olds packed full of magic and adventure!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Broken Twigs, Realm of the Thunderbird
Author: Charlotte L. Taylor
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 16 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
12 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I liked this book a lot, but I liked the first book best. I loved the two characters Twigs and Thistle. They must be brave in this story. The mythical thunderbird is cool.” Girl, aged 10
“Loved the first book. This is 95% as good! Boring in the beginning then I got into it. I think the cover is not so good as the story is darker then the cover suggests. Eleven and twelve years will love this book – and the first book too!” Girl, aged 12
“This book is filled with twists I didn´t see coming. I didn´t read the first book but I understood the story anyway. I liked the characters, and I thought the story was easy to follow. I think the second half of the story was the best as it was the most exciting.” Boy, aged 9 – with a little help from his mum
“I thought the first two chapters were slow. But then it got better. The pics looked cool too. The story is interesting. I think it you like fantasy and magical worlds full of evil, this is for you. I think 7 year olds might find it too scary. I´m 12 so it wasn´t a problem for me.” Girl, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A novel for 9 – 12 year olds packed full of magic and adventure!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 12, 2021
Another great example of the second installment knocking it out the park. Charlotte's wonderful yet dark tale about the fairy who lost her way continues with her new friend, Thistle, in an all new and dire locale. The stakes larger than before, both for Twigs and behind the scenes, the plot thickens even more in Realm of the Thunderbird.
Man, where do I even begin? The story itself? Longer than the last book with so much of what I loved from Book 1 being enhanced and improved upon in the sequel. The action was even more exciting, the world more fascinating, the lessons more dynamic; it was all excellently woven together and kept me turning page after page! The characters? Not only were there more of them, but they each had their own story to tell, their own motivations to follow! And of course, it comes as no surprise that existing characters only got developed more and more, a once again excellent feat. The morals? Hoo boy, a lot to take away from this one, ones I'm confident will be very important for the younger crowd! It's simply awesome! (Special mentions also go to all the chapters all about a particular bee, those were really cute!)
If I had some critique, though, one of my biggest points would have to be this: Even though the story IS longer than the last book, it still unfortunately suffers from some chapters being really short, even with illustrations. That, and one of the chapters felt a *tad* tone-deaf, but that was about it; this is a really solid book, and just one in what I'm sure will be a long line of successes for Charlotte!
Man, where do I even begin? The story itself? Longer than the last book with so much of what I loved from Book 1 being enhanced and improved upon in the sequel. The action was even more exciting, the world more fascinating, the lessons more dynamic; it was all excellently woven together and kept me turning page after page! The characters? Not only were there more of them, but they each had their own story to tell, their own motivations to follow! And of course, it comes as no surprise that existing characters only got developed more and more, a once again excellent feat. The morals? Hoo boy, a lot to take away from this one, ones I'm confident will be very important for the younger crowd! It's simply awesome! (Special mentions also go to all the chapters all about a particular bee, those were really cute!)
If I had some critique, though, one of my biggest points would have to be this: Even though the story IS longer than the last book, it still unfortunately suffers from some chapters being really short, even with illustrations. That, and one of the chapters felt a *tad* tone-deaf, but that was about it; this is a really solid book, and just one in what I'm sure will be a long line of successes for Charlotte!
February 17, 2022
Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews