Rolling Hills and the Lost Key of Peachtree Palace

by Michaela Horan

Hattie Hills is far from a picture perfect princess. But then again, nothing about her rule so far has been picture perfect. Forced to take over her parents' kingdom at seven because of their disappearances, Hattie is stuck in a role that not everyone is happy she's had to take on. But at the age of sixteen, Hattie begins to wonder if maybe there's more to the mystery of how her parents disappeared. They left her with only a book, a book Hattie soon realizes is much more than an ordinary collection of legends. When things start appearing, and more people vanish, Hattie and her friends are faced with the terrifying fact that something is coming to destroy their kingdom unless they're brave enough to stop it. A young princess desperate for answers. A lonely guard determined to forget her past. A best friend with unwavering loyalty. A clever assistant with a keen eye for knowledge. Their adventures will leave lives at stake, new powers discovered, and almost nothing as it seems. Michaela Horan's debut novel will have you guessing at who you can really trust, and just how far is too far to discover the truth about a perfect kingdom.

310 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2021

Reviews

[Norma]

Full disclosure…I’m Michaela's grandmother. That said, I have a degree in children's literature and taught writing during my classroom days. Michaela’s commitment to the writing and publishing process was impressive as she spent several years on this project. Along the way she has learned so much and become even more resolved to grow as an author. She has tremendous potential and determination. Keep your eye on this young lady…she’s going places!

[Livia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michaela Horan’s debut book is full of heart and potential! There was not an area of the story that I did not find intriguing. I found that the character motivations were very inconsistent and often unclear, this unfortunately hindered my enjoyment of this book. I also felt the world building was lacking in depth, I would like to see more detail put into things that are only mentioned as they could add to the atmosphere. There were moments when characters were being controlling and their behavior went unchecked. The writing was lyrical and there were lovely moments, but I found that sentences didn’t always make sense or were lacking some clarity. I found the plot and overall story to be full of cliches and overused troupes, I’d love to see the author trust her abundant creativity and explore these dynamics with more nuance. The strong messages of friendship felt really authentic. Overall, I have mixed feelings, but Michaela’s joy and heart, I think, are worth coming back for. All the best to Michaela!

CW: violence, fantasy violence, injury, kidnapping and abduction, child neglect, child abandonment, child abuse, sexism, misogyny, death of parents, child mortality, mortality, grief, on page suicide, mind control, falling, physical abuse, psychological abuse, ableist language (use of the term “psycho” in a derogatory manner)

[Sydney Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased as the editor for this book- but Michaela is an incredible author and her heart truly shines through in her writing and you can see her love and dedication to her characters in every word printed on the page.

[cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost I did like the story per se, it’s fairytale like and teaches children the power of friendship or something along these lines.
However I noticed some things that weren’t really making sense to me. First up the setting, there was a straightener mentioned and until that point i thought we were in a classic fantasy setting which to me meant no electricity… The world building was a bit inconsistent in general. Ancient magic was machines shooting poisonous magic lasers…it was a world mixed of every fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian setting there is.
Secondly there’s some new invented fruits and animals, which is totally fine and I get that you want fantasy animals in a fantasy land. I just would have wanted those new inventions to be described in some way, which they were not at all! Like tell me the colour of the woebly, is it spiky? Tangy? Sweet or sour? Same with the birds, one is probably a singing bird because it wakes people up, but how big is it in comparison to the letter-carrying one? Is it yellow or red maybe even some pink? You took the time to invent unusual names so tell me about the creature/thing behind the name.
The third thing that stuck out to me is how easy and short the council meetings where, the politics aren’t important for a childrens book, however if this is really meant to be a story for teens (as I thought) than it could’ve been more realistic and convincing. A 13 year old knows at least the basics of such political interactions.
That given I think age 8-12 wouldn’t mind and this could be a cute fairytale like book for them but I’m not really certain if it isn’t too scary for young children. It’s just that I am not the audience for this book as I thought I would be when buying it.
I also acknowledge that the Author was only 15 when publishing this very first book of theirs so there are obviously errors and room for growth in the future.

[Bree M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book on tiktok and I knew I had to get it! I got it as a early birthday gift for myself and I’m so glad I did. Imagine sailor moon but with a cottage core vibe. I know, it’s amazing. I loved this book and the characters. My only wish was that it was longer so Michaela can write the character development slower. It happened way to quick in my opinion. Other than that I will buy the next book in this series and I can not wait to read how Hattie hills and friends deal with the dark unicorn. Also Misty and Liam are totally one of my favorite ships in this book. Also Illis and Elnora are soooo cute. Cant wait for the next book!

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. I stopped at 55% I gave it a fair chance. I think if I would’ve been younger I would’ve liked it, but I just couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like the premise or the characters or the writing.

I think there were too many different plot points the author wanted to include so she put in all of the cool things she could things and it honestly made it really hard to digest.

I didn’t like the multiple POVs because they were first person multi-pov which is really hard for me personally.

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Death of parent, Blood, Confinement, Injury/injury detail, Grief, and Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜. 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫. 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. ✨
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Rolling Hills and the Lost Key of Peachtree Palace by Michaela Horan✨
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rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
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review: ok. i’m probably the most biased human to ever say a word about this book, but i mean it 1000% when i say it’s absolutely wonderful. michaela’s beautiful mind shines through every word, and the characters’ depth make them feel so real. the plot is INCREDIBLY gripping and once it picked up speed, i couldn’t put it down! 10/10 would recommend bumping it to the top of your tbr and fangirling with me :))

[Katie Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smashing success of a debut novel by Michaela Horan. The characters and the world felt so real and relatable. I found myself falling in love with this fantastical kingdom--- Rolling Hills. The writing style was so beautiful and the story was so well put together. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, loveable characters, secrets, plot twists, and peaches.

[Bre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a good story, but at some parts it felt very rushed or things happened to quickly. There were a few Grammer errors and typos but it was to bad. I really loved the setting of the book it felt well described and emersive.

[hermione granger victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I have been talking to the author a while now and I have to say her dedication to her writing is phenomenal. She really is such a pure and genuine person that has been a huge part of me getting back to writing and knowing that dreams can come true! Thank you Michaela! 💜

[Chyenne Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is officially one of my all time favorite books I love it so much 😍

[Gab · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
overall was great. i want to read the next book

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy and comforting story that reminds me of children's cartoons like Winx Club (in a good way!) with just a dash of darker themes and mystery! Loved it, cant wait for the sequel!

[kaylee grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

OBSESSED. im kinda biased but whatever - this book is magic in tangible form. the world building is absolute perfect, its real and so so gorgeous. the plot has little twists in it and expands from the beginning of the book to the very last page !!! the characters feel like home? if that makes sense - i love them all and every single one has lots of depth and realness about them. overall - one of my fav reads and im so very excited for book two <3