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Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm
When a young girl learns she is the Last Heir to the infamous pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.
Avalina Jones, the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, has never heard of Sea Magic, flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, or creatures called Half Ones. And she has never understood her strange connection to water. When a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life explodes with more adventures than she can possibly imagine. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world’s most nefarious pirates.
Raised as a Landlubber, Avalina quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships—food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face, and not everyone can be trusted.
When Avalina is accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever—and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!
Avalina races to unlock the secrets of the ship, and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her new friends Charlie, Pippa and Bummy, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.
Worlds collide for middle-grade readers who will love the fast-paced thrills, colorful characters, secrets, legends, and the interplay of fantasy and reality in Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm. Author Lori Adams expertly delivers a story that is timeless, bringing together elements of sea lore, magic, and adventure. The first book in a seven-book series, Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm, is a romping tale for middle graders who are searching for the next enduring fantasy classic.
Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.
Avalina Jones, the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, has never heard of Sea Magic, flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, or creatures called Half Ones. And she has never understood her strange connection to water. When a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life explodes with more adventures than she can possibly imagine. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world’s most nefarious pirates.
Raised as a Landlubber, Avalina quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships—food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face, and not everyone can be trusted.
When Avalina is accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever—and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!
Avalina races to unlock the secrets of the ship, and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her new friends Charlie, Pippa and Bummy, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.
Worlds collide for middle-grade readers who will love the fast-paced thrills, colorful characters, secrets, legends, and the interplay of fantasy and reality in Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm. Author Lori Adams expertly delivers a story that is timeless, bringing together elements of sea lore, magic, and adventure. The first book in a seven-book series, Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm, is a romping tale for middle graders who are searching for the next enduring fantasy classic.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
360 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2021
9 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Lori Adams
7 books155 followersLori Adamsis the author of the Avalina Jones Series, the Kate March Mysteries, and the Soulkeepers Series. She grew up in Oklahoma and now lives in California.
During her nomadic travels, she attended six different colleges and universities before starting a career in writing. Lori is a Classic Hollywood Movie buff and explorer of beaches and tidepools, always on the lookout for unusual shells, rocks, or the occasional buried treasure.
During her nomadic travels, she attended six different colleges and universities before starting a career in writing. Lori is a Classic Hollywood Movie buff and explorer of beaches and tidepools, always on the lookout for unusual shells, rocks, or the occasional buried treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 30, 2021
Pirates meet school of magic! What isn’t there to love?
Avalina grew up in an orphanage and had a strange affinity for water. When she discovered that she was the last heir to the pirate Davy Jones and “kidnapped” to a ghost school ship she encountered a world filled with magic, strange creatures and danger.
Yes, people will recognize some similarity to another famous series about an orphan and magic school but there are differences too. I thought this world was even more populated with strange foods and creatures. Although there was a form of class competition the big event was a treasure hunt that the entire ship had to decipher and it wasn’t just about the classes competing against one another. The bad guy was a bit obvious.
While targeted at Middle Grade age, if you like pirates, magic and friendship this is a fun and exciting read for any age.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Avalina grew up in an orphanage and had a strange affinity for water. When she discovered that she was the last heir to the pirate Davy Jones and “kidnapped” to a ghost school ship she encountered a world filled with magic, strange creatures and danger.
Yes, people will recognize some similarity to another famous series about an orphan and magic school but there are differences too. I thought this world was even more populated with strange foods and creatures. Although there was a form of class competition the big event was a treasure hunt that the entire ship had to decipher and it wasn’t just about the classes competing against one another. The bad guy was a bit obvious.
While targeted at Middle Grade age, if you like pirates, magic and friendship this is a fun and exciting read for any age.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
Avalina Jones' safety is in jeopardy because she may or may not have the "Jones curse" in her blood. Her parents' decision was to isolate her from their kind (Pirate Heirs) and leave Avalina to a directress of an orphanage Miss Ward (a landlubber). Landlubbers usually hate pirates because most pirates have "Sea Magic", and when Avalina showed her first signs of having this magic, Miss Ward didn't take it well. After that, Avalina questioned herself if she really belonged to a place like this; until a woman entered the highly secured orphanage at ease looking for Avalina Jones.
The story started really good with the introduction of Avalina Jones and her life at the orphanage. Although, it felt like the idea was a little overused, this one really did it well in my opinion. I can think of several books that have school setting but I've never encountered a school that is also a ship. This is where it felt dull, when Avalina Jones arrived at the ship, she and other "pirate heirs" were sorted into groups. There was an officer who chooses which duffel bag is appropriate to a pirate heir, and that bag has a tag (buccaneers, renegades, scallywags and others). This one is similar to Harry Potter's sorting hat that labels children to different houses. The buccaneers was like Gryffindor where every friends that Avalina met before the sorting duffel bag happened to be in this group. While renegades was like Slytherin where they are viewed as "the bad guys" and are always against the main character. The other houses don't have much spotlight because most interactions happen between the buccaneers and renegades. After that, the events were just like every story that has school setting: classes, trials, rules, penalties for misbehaving. I was close to dnf'ing this one but I'm glad I pushed on because the events around 60% of the book got me hooked. From there until the end, it was absolutely amazing.
My expectations on this one was a book filled with adventures, going from one island to the other. But, the first half was just Avalina going to classes and it felt like the element of being in a ship cruising the ocean was left off. The first treasure hunt even happened inside a classroom, it wasn't even bad, it's just that the setting happens in a very large ship where there's even a lagoon in the middle of it, and the treasure hunt can't be arranged in a place larger than a room. However, all of these was changed when the High Fleet (three other ships, this means three other schools) arrived and compete with each other to find one treasure. It was so fun looking for clues, going from one island to the next, and circling around the seas when someone misunderstood a clue. For this, I commend the author for a major come back on the plot.
There were also hybrid creatures aboard the ship, like HumantaRays (half human and half manta ray), Octosapien (half human and half octopus), their kind is also called Half Ones. The diversity of characters in this book is remarkable, there were Nigerian, African, Puerto Rican pirate heirs along with Avalina. It makes this book perfect for middle grade readers to expand their imagination.
In summary, the book might be a familiar read at first, but as what I was hoping, it branched out to different elements in the later part of the book. It's full of mystery with its treasure hunting, secrets that were kept aboard the ship, and full of magic. I recommend this one if you love pirates, mysteries, and magical realism (because they were sailing the seas around Madagascar and Mozambique).
Actual rating: 3.75/5
The story started really good with the introduction of Avalina Jones and her life at the orphanage. Although, it felt like the idea was a little overused, this one really did it well in my opinion. I can think of several books that have school setting but I've never encountered a school that is also a ship. This is where it felt dull, when Avalina Jones arrived at the ship, she and other "pirate heirs" were sorted into groups. There was an officer who chooses which duffel bag is appropriate to a pirate heir, and that bag has a tag (buccaneers, renegades, scallywags and others). This one is similar to Harry Potter's sorting hat that labels children to different houses. The buccaneers was like Gryffindor where every friends that Avalina met before the sorting duffel bag happened to be in this group. While renegades was like Slytherin where they are viewed as "the bad guys" and are always against the main character. The other houses don't have much spotlight because most interactions happen between the buccaneers and renegades. After that, the events were just like every story that has school setting: classes, trials, rules, penalties for misbehaving. I was close to dnf'ing this one but I'm glad I pushed on because the events around 60% of the book got me hooked. From there until the end, it was absolutely amazing.
My expectations on this one was a book filled with adventures, going from one island to the other. But, the first half was just Avalina going to classes and it felt like the element of being in a ship cruising the ocean was left off. The first treasure hunt even happened inside a classroom, it wasn't even bad, it's just that the setting happens in a very large ship where there's even a lagoon in the middle of it, and the treasure hunt can't be arranged in a place larger than a room. However, all of these was changed when the High Fleet (three other ships, this means three other schools) arrived and compete with each other to find one treasure. It was so fun looking for clues, going from one island to the next, and circling around the seas when someone misunderstood a clue. For this, I commend the author for a major come back on the plot.
There were also hybrid creatures aboard the ship, like HumantaRays (half human and half manta ray), Octosapien (half human and half octopus), their kind is also called Half Ones. The diversity of characters in this book is remarkable, there were Nigerian, African, Puerto Rican pirate heirs along with Avalina. It makes this book perfect for middle grade readers to expand their imagination.
In summary, the book might be a familiar read at first, but as what I was hoping, it branched out to different elements in the later part of the book. It's full of mystery with its treasure hunting, secrets that were kept aboard the ship, and full of magic. I recommend this one if you love pirates, mysteries, and magical realism (because they were sailing the seas around Madagascar and Mozambique).
Actual rating: 3.75/5
September 28, 2021
4.5 ⭐
I picked this book because I love pirates. Add in the fantasy element and I'm your girl. Half a star was nicked because I thought it was incredibly info dumpy at first, which significantly slowed down the storyline. But then passed the 60% mark it was just non stop action, mystery and fun. When the blurb said "any Hogwarts fans might find themselves equally enthralled..." I was a little apprehensive at first. To have a new magical middle grade story compared to such a much loved series made me worry I would feel biased and not give Avalina Jones a fair chance. And while I can draw some parallels to HP, aside from it being a magic school, certain teachers and a group of close friends, I feel this story has the potential to become what HP was for the generation back then.
Can't wait to read the next one!
Thank you Netgalley for providing this arc
I picked this book because I love pirates. Add in the fantasy element and I'm your girl. Half a star was nicked because I thought it was incredibly info dumpy at first, which significantly slowed down the storyline. But then passed the 60% mark it was just non stop action, mystery and fun. When the blurb said "any Hogwarts fans might find themselves equally enthralled..." I was a little apprehensive at first. To have a new magical middle grade story compared to such a much loved series made me worry I would feel biased and not give Avalina Jones a fair chance. And while I can draw some parallels to HP, aside from it being a magic school, certain teachers and a group of close friends, I feel this story has the potential to become what HP was for the generation back then.
Can't wait to read the next one!
Thank you Netgalley for providing this arc
January 1, 2022
This book was un-put-down-able from start to finish. Once I knew Avalina, I had to know more. I felt bad that she had the start she did, but as time goes by, some of that grit, that gumption, that I can survive anything attitude really comes into play, and you can't help but wonder...was that why she grew up where and how she did? (*ponders*) The moment her non-Anna-esque time comes to seek bigger, grander adventures, I was in awe...I mean it's not often a character LITERALLY escapes in/on Cloud #9 (inside joke...read it, you'll see!), lands where she does, gets passed around like a bad omen, only to find a home she never knew to look for, with friends that are by her side through thick and thin! Pirating may be her heritage, but the size of her heart is the real treasure...and I know a couple of Buccaneers that would swear to that statement in a heartbeat, let alone members of the crew.
Get on board this new Children's Fantasy series post haste because once the ship has sailed...okay, well the only thing that will happen is you'll have to play catch up in order to read the series, but seriously, be IN THE KNOW NOW and you can grab top rank in the fandom order of things!
**ecopy for review; opinions are my own
Get on board this new Children's Fantasy series post haste because once the ship has sailed...okay, well the only thing that will happen is you'll have to play catch up in order to read the series, but seriously, be IN THE KNOW NOW and you can grab top rank in the fandom order of things!
**ecopy for review; opinions are my own
October 27, 2021
Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm is a fun and exciting read. I would highly recommend it for Middle to High School readers! It would even be an exciting read-to-them story for upper elementary.
Avalina is an orphan that knows there is something special about her. When she discovers her pasr and her heritage, a fantastical adventure begins. With loyal friends, fascinating classes, and a court case mystery too, there is something for everyone here.
Avalina is an orphan that knows there is something special about her. When she discovers her pasr and her heritage, a fantastical adventure begins. With loyal friends, fascinating classes, and a court case mystery too, there is something for everyone here.
November 2, 2021
What worked:
Avalina’s been living in an orphanage since the age of four but later discovers she’s the daughter of magical pirates. Both parents have died, and now Avalina is retrieved and taken into the world of pirate Heirs. Magical pirates may sound strange, but their world is similar to most stories with unusual and amazing events and characters. The pirates don’t go around casting spells, although some have unique abilities, life on the pirate ship school is full of magic. Below the deck, readers will find a world of caves, beaches, and classrooms that are magically enhanced to reflect the mood and needs of the ship. The setting underneath the ship’s deck is clearly larger than the size of the ship itself.
Avalina lived most of her life as a Landlubber, so she’s not readily accepted by many of the other pirate students and Heirs. Plus, she may, or may not, have the family curse, and she’s rejected by the bullying Renegades, the house of pirates she was assigned to. Luckily, she’s accepted by her new friends in the Buccaneers. She has a natural connection to water (she can breathe underwater), so she wonders if it might be evidence of the curse. In addition, the ghost of a treacherous, dead pirate captain has sworn to kill every last relative of Davy Jones, and Avalina is the last one still living. The threat of his attack looms throughout the entire book.
Rather than writing two separate books, the author divided the book into two parts. The first half deals with Avalina’s efforts to graduate from Pog to Shellback, and problems and characters complicate things for her. She’s blamed for everything that goes wrong due to thoughts about her curse, and she’s charged with a serious crime that could expel her from living among the pirate Heirs. Avalina recognizes one teacher is not as nice as she seems, and this teacher seems out to get Avalina. She’s the one who accuses Avalina of the crime. The second half of the book sees the crew in a contest with three other pirate ship schools to decode a treasure map and retrieve the long-lost booty. Avalina is a key member of a select group trying to figure out the clues, even though the prejudices against her continue. Mysteries thrive as the plot progresses, and several surprises spring up as the events near their climax.
What didn’t work as well:
The Renegades are presented as antagonists in Avalina’s life, but they come off as more annoying than actual threats. They tease her whenever possible, and some skirmishes arise during the course of events. They especially enjoy when the teacher mentioned earlier punishes Avalina, usually unfairly. The Renegades aren’t as evil as they could have been, but maybe that’s due to a pirate code of loyalty. Treating other pirates dishonorably is something most of the characters avoid, lest they be kicked off the ship.
The final verdict:
Magical adventure on the high seas! The story can be compared to other books where characters discover an unknown world of magic or fantasy. The addition of pirates creates some interesting and unique twists, and the story feels fresh despite its similarities to other middle-grade books. Overall, lovers of speculative fiction will enjoy this book and will anxiously yearn for the sequel once it's published.
Avalina’s been living in an orphanage since the age of four but later discovers she’s the daughter of magical pirates. Both parents have died, and now Avalina is retrieved and taken into the world of pirate Heirs. Magical pirates may sound strange, but their world is similar to most stories with unusual and amazing events and characters. The pirates don’t go around casting spells, although some have unique abilities, life on the pirate ship school is full of magic. Below the deck, readers will find a world of caves, beaches, and classrooms that are magically enhanced to reflect the mood and needs of the ship. The setting underneath the ship’s deck is clearly larger than the size of the ship itself.
Avalina lived most of her life as a Landlubber, so she’s not readily accepted by many of the other pirate students and Heirs. Plus, she may, or may not, have the family curse, and she’s rejected by the bullying Renegades, the house of pirates she was assigned to. Luckily, she’s accepted by her new friends in the Buccaneers. She has a natural connection to water (she can breathe underwater), so she wonders if it might be evidence of the curse. In addition, the ghost of a treacherous, dead pirate captain has sworn to kill every last relative of Davy Jones, and Avalina is the last one still living. The threat of his attack looms throughout the entire book.
Rather than writing two separate books, the author divided the book into two parts. The first half deals with Avalina’s efforts to graduate from Pog to Shellback, and problems and characters complicate things for her. She’s blamed for everything that goes wrong due to thoughts about her curse, and she’s charged with a serious crime that could expel her from living among the pirate Heirs. Avalina recognizes one teacher is not as nice as she seems, and this teacher seems out to get Avalina. She’s the one who accuses Avalina of the crime. The second half of the book sees the crew in a contest with three other pirate ship schools to decode a treasure map and retrieve the long-lost booty. Avalina is a key member of a select group trying to figure out the clues, even though the prejudices against her continue. Mysteries thrive as the plot progresses, and several surprises spring up as the events near their climax.
What didn’t work as well:
The Renegades are presented as antagonists in Avalina’s life, but they come off as more annoying than actual threats. They tease her whenever possible, and some skirmishes arise during the course of events. They especially enjoy when the teacher mentioned earlier punishes Avalina, usually unfairly. The Renegades aren’t as evil as they could have been, but maybe that’s due to a pirate code of loyalty. Treating other pirates dishonorably is something most of the characters avoid, lest they be kicked off the ship.
The final verdict:
Magical adventure on the high seas! The story can be compared to other books where characters discover an unknown world of magic or fantasy. The addition of pirates creates some interesting and unique twists, and the story feels fresh despite its similarities to other middle-grade books. Overall, lovers of speculative fiction will enjoy this book and will anxiously yearn for the sequel once it's published.
December 2, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Spyhop Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Avalina Jones in an orphanage and come to find out she's inquisitive and bit of a handful. However, she has a secret and is trying to keep it a secret. One day she is escorted away from the orphanage and discovers another world she had no idea existed. Avalina realizes her secret may not be a secret any more. She has found others like her and perhaps she has found her home. This book is about discovery for Avalina, not just the new adventure but more about herself.
I thought this was a fast paced, adventurous, and fun read. It gave me major Harry Potter vibes with a semester at sea magic school. If you like mystery, a pirate world filled with lore and magic, the school setting, and some very healthy competition, this book is for you. Avalina is a character you see grow over the course of the story. She's relatable and vulnerable at times. I loved that you and Avalina are on this journey together. You're both experiencing things and on this adventure together. There are typical set characters in this book: the best friend, the sweet and smart yet weird friend, the class clown, the bully, the teacher you love, the teacher you loathe, and the man in charge that is stern but not scary. Each one had their own personality and I felt over the course of the book they were developed. This appears to be the first in a series so I'm excited to see their growth going forward. The world building was spot on. I felt that I was "one of the crew" the whole way through. You can tell the author put a lot of time in the details for this world. It was also a really creative idea. The introduction of new terminology was well done and explained, so you're not completely clueless or hung up on the words. There is a lot of name dropping, which intrigued me and made me want to know more about that world.
This was definitely one of the most exciting and adventurous middle grade books I've read recently and highly recommend it for those that are longing for a hint of nostalgia, action packed adventure, a comfort like home, and loveable characters.
We meet Avalina Jones in an orphanage and come to find out she's inquisitive and bit of a handful. However, she has a secret and is trying to keep it a secret. One day she is escorted away from the orphanage and discovers another world she had no idea existed. Avalina realizes her secret may not be a secret any more. She has found others like her and perhaps she has found her home. This book is about discovery for Avalina, not just the new adventure but more about herself.
I thought this was a fast paced, adventurous, and fun read. It gave me major Harry Potter vibes with a semester at sea magic school. If you like mystery, a pirate world filled with lore and magic, the school setting, and some very healthy competition, this book is for you. Avalina is a character you see grow over the course of the story. She's relatable and vulnerable at times. I loved that you and Avalina are on this journey together. You're both experiencing things and on this adventure together. There are typical set characters in this book: the best friend, the sweet and smart yet weird friend, the class clown, the bully, the teacher you love, the teacher you loathe, and the man in charge that is stern but not scary. Each one had their own personality and I felt over the course of the book they were developed. This appears to be the first in a series so I'm excited to see their growth going forward. The world building was spot on. I felt that I was "one of the crew" the whole way through. You can tell the author put a lot of time in the details for this world. It was also a really creative idea. The introduction of new terminology was well done and explained, so you're not completely clueless or hung up on the words. There is a lot of name dropping, which intrigued me and made me want to know more about that world.
This was definitely one of the most exciting and adventurous middle grade books I've read recently and highly recommend it for those that are longing for a hint of nostalgia, action packed adventure, a comfort like home, and loveable characters.
October 27, 2021
Adventure awaits on the high seas. Avalina Jones has spent the first part of her life protected within the walls of the orphanage. But, the headmistress knows her secret and shares it with Avalina when strange occurrences begin to take place. Water snakes follow her and she can breathe underwater. Danger creeps closer and Avalina must leave the orphanage to embrace her destiny as the heir of Davy Jones. She is taken to a special school, just for pirate heirs. Unfortunately, there is a curse on the Jones Heirs and Avalina could become its next victim. There are treasure hunts, lessons to be learned and lives to be saved.
This book was the perfect middle grade action filled adventure. It kept me intrigued from the start. There were a few moments at the very beginning that were a little slow, bogged down with backstory, but it did help to build the colorful and creative pirate world. Once the pace picks up, the prose flows with lots of descriptive imagery that paints a picture of the magical pirate world Avalina finds herself immersed in. Avalina is a fantastic character. She is bold and brash, a bit of a troublemaker at times, but she is also compassionate and curious. She has an amazing blend of character traits that young readers will connect with and aspire to be. She stands up for what is right and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty in the process. The book's description says it is perfect for Harry Potter fans, and it is very apparent that the author took a lot of notes from that series and transplanted them into this one. It has a familiar feel, but at a much younger level. There were times with the wording that I had to remind myself that this was written for middle grade and was not a YA, although this very easily could have been lengthened to become a YA with no problem. The content has a couple of scary moments, but very little of the violence a parent may worry about with pirates being the core plotline.
The book is the first of a series of seven planned books so there is a lot more of Avalina's wild adventures still to come. The series will captivate readers and they will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
This book was the perfect middle grade action filled adventure. It kept me intrigued from the start. There were a few moments at the very beginning that were a little slow, bogged down with backstory, but it did help to build the colorful and creative pirate world. Once the pace picks up, the prose flows with lots of descriptive imagery that paints a picture of the magical pirate world Avalina finds herself immersed in. Avalina is a fantastic character. She is bold and brash, a bit of a troublemaker at times, but she is also compassionate and curious. She has an amazing blend of character traits that young readers will connect with and aspire to be. She stands up for what is right and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty in the process. The book's description says it is perfect for Harry Potter fans, and it is very apparent that the author took a lot of notes from that series and transplanted them into this one. It has a familiar feel, but at a much younger level. There were times with the wording that I had to remind myself that this was written for middle grade and was not a YA, although this very easily could have been lengthened to become a YA with no problem. The content has a couple of scary moments, but very little of the violence a parent may worry about with pirates being the core plotline.
The book is the first of a series of seven planned books so there is a lot more of Avalina's wild adventures still to come. The series will captivate readers and they will find themselves eagerly awaiting the next installment.
November 30, 2021
Peter Pan meets Harry Potter in this fast paced Middle Grade debut from Lori Adams. From The first page I was hooked (no pun intended). For as long as she can remember, Avalina, has been living in an orphanage. She tells the other orphans of wild and crazy adventures she dreams up - and is a bit of a wild card. When Scarlet Reid, magically, shows up at the school to collect Avalina her entire life changes. She's the last living heir of the Davy Jones line - which is supposedly cursed! Her new life is filled with magical ships, food that has personality and some that believe she's cursed!
A wild ride! I stayed up late each night until I finished this - just one more chapter! The writing style was smooth and easy, great for pre-teens and young adults alike. The characters were diverse and relatable. The magic system was one of my favorite aspects - I love watching an author's imagination come to life! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series by this author - she has made me a fan.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
A wild ride! I stayed up late each night until I finished this - just one more chapter! The writing style was smooth and easy, great for pre-teens and young adults alike. The characters were diverse and relatable. The magic system was one of my favorite aspects - I love watching an author's imagination come to life! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series by this author - she has made me a fan.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2021
Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm (#1)
And the Eye of the Storm
by Lori Adams
Pub Date 29 Nov 2021
Spyhop Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Sci Fi & Fantasy
I am reviewing a copy of Avalina Jonesboro: And the Eye of the Storm through Spyhop Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association and Netgalley:
After a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.
Avalina Jones never heard of sea magic flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, undead pirates, or creatures called Half Ones. But when a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life soon has more adventures than she could have ever imagined. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world's most nefarious pirates.
Avalina who was raised as a Landlubber, quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships—food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face. And not everyone can be trusted.
After Avalina was accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever—and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!
Avalina finds herself in a race to unlock secrets of the ship and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her deckmates, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.
I give Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
And the Eye of the Storm
by Lori Adams
Pub Date 29 Nov 2021
Spyhop Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Sci Fi & Fantasy
I am reviewing a copy of Avalina Jonesboro: And the Eye of the Storm through Spyhop Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association and Netgalley:
After a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.
Avalina Jones never heard of sea magic flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, undead pirates, or creatures called Half Ones. But when a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life soon has more adventures than she could have ever imagined. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world's most nefarious pirates.
Avalina who was raised as a Landlubber, quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships—food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face. And not everyone can be trusted.
After Avalina was accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever—and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!
Avalina finds herself in a race to unlock secrets of the ship and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her deckmates, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.
I give Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
September 12, 2021
The book takes place on a pirate school ship where everything is enchanted and nothing is easy.
The story follows a ten year old girl called Avalina Jones. Avalina grew up in an orphanage on land and has no knowledge of the enchanted world she is a part of. One night after finding out that she is no longer safe at the orphanage she goes with a mysterious woman to start the adventure of her new life.
The book has mystery and excitement and a very entertaining plot I had a hard time putting it down I liked it so much. I really liked this book. I have never heard about anything like this. The idea of a pirate school ship is a brilliant one.
The story follows a ten year old girl called Avalina Jones. Avalina grew up in an orphanage on land and has no knowledge of the enchanted world she is a part of. One night after finding out that she is no longer safe at the orphanage she goes with a mysterious woman to start the adventure of her new life.
The book has mystery and excitement and a very entertaining plot I had a hard time putting it down I liked it so much. I really liked this book. I have never heard about anything like this. The idea of a pirate school ship is a brilliant one.
May 8, 2022
This was such a fun read! Definetely what I was expecting and I did not leave this book disappointed. Avalina is a fierce young woman and her adventures throughout the book were so interesting to read about. I also like the last one of her kind trope, so my opinion is sort of biased, but believe me when I tell you that this is a book for all ages that you won´t regret picking up! Can´t wait to read the rest of the series and see where the author does with this story!
December 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Was finally able to get to finishing this book and I absolutely adored it!
A perfect middle grade pirate story. The first in, I hope, many novels for this series!
Was finally able to get to finishing this book and I absolutely adored it!
A perfect middle grade pirate story. The first in, I hope, many novels for this series!
February 21, 2022
Cute book! If your kids liked Harry Potter then they will fall in love with Avalina Jones too. She is a fun character with lots of charm and adventure. My students are going to love this book!
Currently reading
October 15, 2021Inviting my friends to read AVALINA JONES AND THE EYE OF THE STORM, a middle grade fantasy adventure. Read for free in exchange for a review on Netgalley.
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November 26, 2021
High seas and pirating adventure mixes with imagination and quirky magic to create a very rich world, which is more than just a bit of fun.
Avalina Jones has spent more than half of her childhood at the orphanage, gazing at the Mississippi River. Strange things happen around her, which makes her positive she isn't like the other children, but the headmistress refuses to explain exactly what it is. When an odd woman comes to the building in a flying boat and kidnaps Avalina with the promise to take her where she truly belongs...and the woman knows her dead parents...the adventure begins. Avalina is a 1st year student on a famous, pirate ship school, might have a curse, and has more than a few enemies.
This is a fun adventure from beginning to end. It packs imagination...and I do mean to the gills. Every page swims with magical hints, objects, characters, and quirkiness, creating a very rich fantasy world, where nothing seems to be impossible and surprises lurk past every gangway. The characters are just as rich and pop off the page. There's never a second for boredom and always something happening. So, get ready for fast-paced because this book is that.
To say that this one reminds me of Harry Potter's Hogwarts is an understatement. There are many parallels in the world, although in this book, everything takes a very strong pirate twist. In that sense, I even found it clever and loved getting lost in the fun. However, all the fun details also became too much and ended up overwhelming the plot and scenes, at times, until I felt distracted and would lose the main line. But this could just be me, since the richness is amazing and is sure to thrill younger readers.
Avalina Jones is a character to root for from beginning to end. She gets herself into sticky situations, is a bit head-strong, and yet, even held back, at times. She fits her age group all right and definitely slides into a great character for a middle grade read. The tale is tense and also stays age appropriate....but then, it's simply a lot of fun. Fantasy and pirate fans are sure to enjoy this one.
I received an ARC through Netgalley and really enjoyed the fun in these pages.
Avalina Jones has spent more than half of her childhood at the orphanage, gazing at the Mississippi River. Strange things happen around her, which makes her positive she isn't like the other children, but the headmistress refuses to explain exactly what it is. When an odd woman comes to the building in a flying boat and kidnaps Avalina with the promise to take her where she truly belongs...and the woman knows her dead parents...the adventure begins. Avalina is a 1st year student on a famous, pirate ship school, might have a curse, and has more than a few enemies.
This is a fun adventure from beginning to end. It packs imagination...and I do mean to the gills. Every page swims with magical hints, objects, characters, and quirkiness, creating a very rich fantasy world, where nothing seems to be impossible and surprises lurk past every gangway. The characters are just as rich and pop off the page. There's never a second for boredom and always something happening. So, get ready for fast-paced because this book is that.
To say that this one reminds me of Harry Potter's Hogwarts is an understatement. There are many parallels in the world, although in this book, everything takes a very strong pirate twist. In that sense, I even found it clever and loved getting lost in the fun. However, all the fun details also became too much and ended up overwhelming the plot and scenes, at times, until I felt distracted and would lose the main line. But this could just be me, since the richness is amazing and is sure to thrill younger readers.
Avalina Jones is a character to root for from beginning to end. She gets herself into sticky situations, is a bit head-strong, and yet, even held back, at times. She fits her age group all right and definitely slides into a great character for a middle grade read. The tale is tense and also stays age appropriate....but then, it's simply a lot of fun. Fantasy and pirate fans are sure to enjoy this one.
I received an ARC through Netgalley and really enjoyed the fun in these pages.
November 10, 2021
trigger warning
Avalina Jones knows she is special, but is reluctant to hide this from her fellow orphans in the orphanage, though the headmistress tells her she really should. Then, one night, she is taken - abducted - brought to a magical school for pirates!
Especially in the beginning, this felt a lot like Harry Potter. Our protagonist is taken by a kind adult to a mysterious school that has a certain magical aspect to it, and is sorted into one of four houses. There is one arch-enemy nobody from her house likes. Pupils compete on who can gain the most house points, only since they're pirates, it's coins.
I had some problems with this, but they both boil down to me not being in the mood - I kept thinking about real life pirates and how their deeds are cutified in this novel, but I can hardly fault a middlegrade pirate book for not talk about certain things - and me having read tons of books about magical schools, because that's a trope I usually really like.
I think that if you were in the target audience, you'd love this. Heck, I would have gobbled this up in my early reading years.
The author is very creative in all the small details. Weird signs on board of the school ship, the food they eat if they manage to trick it, things learned in lessons.
I am not very interested in reading the rest of the series, hoewever I would love to come to this author in a few years and see where she has been going with her writing.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Huge edit: I wanted to make sure to talk about this and of course I plain forgot! One thing that really annoyed me was the depiction of lemmings as the dumb animals that jump from cliffs, which is a myth Walt Disney inforced. Have an article with some nice pictures about it: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/an...
Avalina Jones knows she is special, but is reluctant to hide this from her fellow orphans in the orphanage, though the headmistress tells her she really should. Then, one night, she is taken - abducted - brought to a magical school for pirates!
Especially in the beginning, this felt a lot like Harry Potter. Our protagonist is taken by a kind adult to a mysterious school that has a certain magical aspect to it, and is sorted into one of four houses. There is one arch-enemy nobody from her house likes. Pupils compete on who can gain the most house points, only since they're pirates, it's coins.
I had some problems with this, but they both boil down to me not being in the mood - I kept thinking about real life pirates and how their deeds are cutified in this novel, but I can hardly fault a middlegrade pirate book for not talk about certain things - and me having read tons of books about magical schools, because that's a trope I usually really like.
I think that if you were in the target audience, you'd love this. Heck, I would have gobbled this up in my early reading years.
The author is very creative in all the small details. Weird signs on board of the school ship, the food they eat if they manage to trick it, things learned in lessons.
I am not very interested in reading the rest of the series, hoewever I would love to come to this author in a few years and see where she has been going with her writing.
The arc was provided by the publisher.
Huge edit: I wanted to make sure to talk about this and of course I plain forgot! One thing that really annoyed me was the depiction of lemmings as the dumb animals that jump from cliffs, which is a myth Walt Disney inforced. Have an article with some nice pictures about it: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/an...
September 14, 2021
*Author's Description:
When a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
*Overall Opinion:
I just adored this book! Despite being well into my adult years, and this being a middle-grade book, I found I couldn't put it down, lol. Lori Adams has an amazing knack for whimsical descriptions that just made me smile every page. From food that actually tries to run off your plate, to sea-creature deckhands, I was quickly immersed in a very colorful and fun world. She manages to do a lot of world building in an age appropriately small amount of pages. If you are a fan of the ocean, pirates, fun adventures or mystery, then there will be something in this book for you to enjoy!
The only reason this book was not a 5 star for me was that it borrowed very heavily from Harry Potter. Story beat by story beat you can see the connection. It was enough that I might have given it a bad review, except Lori takes very familiar story beats and puts them in such an imaginative and creative setting that I honestly stopped caring about the similarities because the differences were just magical.
*Parent Perspective:
This book was definitely written for younger middle aged readers. There was a little bit of scary content, but for the most part if your child is capable of reading this book then it will be appropriate for them. It's very light hearted, filled with great friendships, over-coming bullies and good-natured fun.
When a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.
*Overall Opinion:
I just adored this book! Despite being well into my adult years, and this being a middle-grade book, I found I couldn't put it down, lol. Lori Adams has an amazing knack for whimsical descriptions that just made me smile every page. From food that actually tries to run off your plate, to sea-creature deckhands, I was quickly immersed in a very colorful and fun world. She manages to do a lot of world building in an age appropriately small amount of pages. If you are a fan of the ocean, pirates, fun adventures or mystery, then there will be something in this book for you to enjoy!
The only reason this book was not a 5 star for me was that it borrowed very heavily from Harry Potter. Story beat by story beat you can see the connection. It was enough that I might have given it a bad review, except Lori takes very familiar story beats and puts them in such an imaginative and creative setting that I honestly stopped caring about the similarities because the differences were just magical.
*Parent Perspective:
This book was definitely written for younger middle aged readers. There was a little bit of scary content, but for the most part if your child is capable of reading this book then it will be appropriate for them. It's very light hearted, filled with great friendships, over-coming bullies and good-natured fun.
November 26, 2021
Avalina Jones has a fairly boring life in The House of the Forgotten, an orphanage for girls. Well...except for the fact that she can stay underwater far longer than anyone else and water seems to behave strangely around her. And there are the hints that Miss Ward, the owner of La Maison des Oublies, can't seem to finish uttering. Avalina thinks life will go on this way indefinitely, but then Scarlet Read shows up and kidnaps her. Things happen very quickly after that - her education as a Pirate Heir begins aboard a floating schoolship along with other heirs. Classes in knot tying, map reading, and other essential skills fill much of their time. When they are not in class the students explore the ship, learn about new foods such as "Plankton Pizza [that] had glowing green algaeroni that swam around in the cheese," or playing "Water Wars, a popular but sloppy board game." Avie makes friends, but rumors of a curse on the ancestors of Davy Jones also earn her enemies - and someone is out to sabotage her standing on the ship and get rid of her. Can she and her friends find out what is really going on and reveal the villain in time?
Readers who enjoy stories like Harry Potter with a magical school setting, loyal friends, family secrets, mysterious enemies, missing treasures, and even a cranky cat, will want to give Avalina Jones a try. This first adventure has a satisfying conclusion, but still leaves plenty of territory to cover in future titles.
Readers who enjoy stories like Harry Potter with a magical school setting, loyal friends, family secrets, mysterious enemies, missing treasures, and even a cranky cat, will want to give Avalina Jones a try. This first adventure has a satisfying conclusion, but still leaves plenty of territory to cover in future titles.
April 26, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved Avalina Jones when we met her in the orphanage. She's a bit brash and swashbuckling (appropriate as seen by the cover). Her unexplained power with water was fascinating.
As the story progressed, I couldn't help but see similarities to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. However, if a younger child isn't family with HP, I think they will enjoy this story with its clever magic, bad-natured teachers, and of course Avalina and her friends. Life is rough when people believe you're cursed!
One thing that worried me was how one of the pet breeds (a lemming) was known as being "suicidal" and the kids had to watch that it wouldn't jump overboard. I didn't like the word "suicidal" in a middle-grade book when this is a growing problem in society. (Picky, I know, but it could have been something else.)
On another positive, I liked how creatures from the ocean were used. The half creatures. Dangerous critters. And I also loved how members of the crew weren't who they seemed—or better said, not as they portrayed themselves.
This is an adventurous novel and kids will enjoy it!
I loved Avalina Jones when we met her in the orphanage. She's a bit brash and swashbuckling (appropriate as seen by the cover). Her unexplained power with water was fascinating.
As the story progressed, I couldn't help but see similarities to Harry Potter and Hogwarts. However, if a younger child isn't family with HP, I think they will enjoy this story with its clever magic, bad-natured teachers, and of course Avalina and her friends. Life is rough when people believe you're cursed!
One thing that worried me was how one of the pet breeds (a lemming) was known as being "suicidal" and the kids had to watch that it wouldn't jump overboard. I didn't like the word "suicidal" in a middle-grade book when this is a growing problem in society. (Picky, I know, but it could have been something else.)
On another positive, I liked how creatures from the ocean were used. The half creatures. Dangerous critters. And I also loved how members of the crew weren't who they seemed—or better said, not as they portrayed themselves.
This is an adventurous novel and kids will enjoy it!
November 28, 2021
Avalina has lived in an orphanage from the age of four. Soon after her tenth birthday, Avalina develops strange powers like breathing underwater. A mysterious, beautiful woman appears to her in a swirling waterspout and turns her life upside down.
This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.
Avelina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avelina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.
This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.
Avelina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avelina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.
November 21, 2021
Avalina has lived in an orphanage from the age of four. Soon after her tenth birthday, Avalina develops strange powers like breathing underwater. A mysterious, beautiful woman appears to her in a swirling waterspout and turns her life upside down.
This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.
Avelina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avelina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.
This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.
Avelina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avelina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.
January 10, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an EARC of this novel. The free copy did not influence my review.
Avalina Jones has been living at an orphanage for her entire life. She has magical powers that allow her to breathe underwater as well as being a bit of a daredevil by swinging from high places and playing lots of little pranks on the master of the orphanage. She has never really fit in with any of the other orphan kids. So when a pirate comes to take her away to join a school for pirates, she is happy to oblige and ends up going on a journey filled with curses, magic, and the occasional “spud gun”.
This book was okay. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for in a book, but this would be great for a young child who doesn’t really care about character development or writing. It was very similar to Caroline Carlson’s Magic Marks the Spot, but a little bit younger. Overall, just not for me.
Ages 8+
Avalina Jones has been living at an orphanage for her entire life. She has magical powers that allow her to breathe underwater as well as being a bit of a daredevil by swinging from high places and playing lots of little pranks on the master of the orphanage. She has never really fit in with any of the other orphan kids. So when a pirate comes to take her away to join a school for pirates, she is happy to oblige and ends up going on a journey filled with curses, magic, and the occasional “spud gun”.
This book was okay. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for in a book, but this would be great for a young child who doesn’t really care about character development or writing. It was very similar to Caroline Carlson’s Magic Marks the Spot, but a little bit younger. Overall, just not for me.
Ages 8+
February 7, 2022
An orphan unaware of their potential, alone and down-and-out gets invited to a boarding school where they learn magic and mayhem, sound familiar? Maybe? But then you add pirates! Magical pirates! On a huge magical piratey ship!
I loved this, I was drawn into all of the little details, the various classes and powers and piratey adventures. I was rooting for Avalina as she starts to find her place in this new world, and, though there were several parallels that could be drawn with a certain other famous school of magic: the 'decks' being very reminiscent of 'houses for example', it didn't stop the world, the characters, and the plot feeling fast-paced and fresh and vivid.
I would really recommend this to younger readers, and can't wait to find out what happens next.
I loved this, I was drawn into all of the little details, the various classes and powers and piratey adventures. I was rooting for Avalina as she starts to find her place in this new world, and, though there were several parallels that could be drawn with a certain other famous school of magic: the 'decks' being very reminiscent of 'houses for example', it didn't stop the world, the characters, and the plot feeling fast-paced and fresh and vivid.
I would really recommend this to younger readers, and can't wait to find out what happens next.
November 10, 2021
Avalina grew up in an orphanage, but starts to develop weird gifts after her 10th birthday. She does not belong on land, but on the sea! 🌊🌊
This book was basically Harry Potter, but make it pirates. ☠️
I found SO many similarities, it was madness. 😅
But, that did not make it any less fun! 🤩
It is very adventurous, there are mysteries to be solved, secrets to uncover! 🤯
Totally my kind of middle-grade book. 😁
The only surprising thing, is that it took me SO long to read. 🧐
I think it might have been just too long. It eventually became somewhat of a drag to pick back up. 😅
But I would still recommend it, though! 💙 Let's hope the next one will be just as good. 😍
This book was basically Harry Potter, but make it pirates. ☠️
I found SO many similarities, it was madness. 😅
But, that did not make it any less fun! 🤩
It is very adventurous, there are mysteries to be solved, secrets to uncover! 🤯
Totally my kind of middle-grade book. 😁
The only surprising thing, is that it took me SO long to read. 🧐
I think it might have been just too long. It eventually became somewhat of a drag to pick back up. 😅
But I would still recommend it, though! 💙 Let's hope the next one will be just as good. 😍
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October 26, 2022I could not get into this book, and I really wanted to. There was so much meandering in the beginning and the info dumping in the flashbacks just kicked me out of the story every time I would get into the flow again.
My 9yo also didn't finish it.
I wanted to like it because this type of story is so my thing, but I couldn't get through the first chapters.
My 9yo also didn't finish it.
I wanted to like it because this type of story is so my thing, but I couldn't get through the first chapters.
December 18, 2021
Exciting from the get-go, Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm is a pirate adventure for any reader in the middle grades. With a swashbuckling female protagonist aboard the largest pirate ship imaginable and a cover in gold and brown hues, this novel has curb appeal for seekers of both "boy" and "girl" books (I put those in quotes because I don't like categorizing books by gender). Adams has crafted an incredible magic pirate school that turns the trope of orphaned child with magical powers on its head. The enchanted world of Heirs to the High Fleet will draw readers in with its originality and suspend their disbelief with the level of detail. Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm combines relatable, likable characters, a heart-pounding plot, and superb world-creation – this is un-put-downable and may result in a book hangover and hopes that Avalina will appear in new installments quickly.
Avalina Jones is the the last heir to Davy Jones, the infamous pirate. Until her tenth birthday, she resided in an orphanage with Landlubbers and knew next to nothing about her heritage until being kidnapped *ahem* escorted to a school where she could learn about the enchanted world whence she came. I promised no spoilers, so I will say that she encountered more than just the usual school problem, may or may not be cursed, and learns a little something about keeping secrets.
Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm is just the sort of book I would have gobbled up as a kid who was reading Tamora Pierce's Lioness Quartet and Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles. I will be rereading this with T before too long!
Partnership with The Children's Book Review and Lori Adams.
Avalina Jones is the the last heir to Davy Jones, the infamous pirate. Until her tenth birthday, she resided in an orphanage with Landlubbers and knew next to nothing about her heritage until being kidnapped *ahem* escorted to a school where she could learn about the enchanted world whence she came. I promised no spoilers, so I will say that she encountered more than just the usual school problem, may or may not be cursed, and learns a little something about keeping secrets.
Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm is just the sort of book I would have gobbled up as a kid who was reading Tamora Pierce's Lioness Quartet and Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles. I will be rereading this with T before too long!
Partnership with The Children's Book Review and Lori Adams.
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