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A Numina Parable #1
A Daughter of the Trolls: A Numina Parable
Are you afraid of the bogeyman?
Eighteen-year-old Sparrow can’t remember a time when she wasn’t. And neither can her mother—or the trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries who all live in the Glade and call it home. Though Sparrow’s weak heart keeps her wheelchair bound, she and her mother have dedicated their lives to protecting the Glade, especially from the worst bogeyman of them all: the skin-stealing, poison-ingesting witch called Black Annis.
But one night, Sparrow makes a terrible mistake, and everything she once held dear is taken from her. The Glade is no longer a sanctuary, and the only way Sparrow can save her mother and her friends is to journey out into a monster-ridden world that wasn’t made for her or her wheelchair. Joined by her half-goblin friend, Rush, Sparrow will have to confront her fears before the ones they love are lost forever.
A Daughter of the Trolls will appeal to fans of European folklore and the darker Grimm Brother’s fairytales. This is a spine-tingling young adult fantasy adventure about evil witches, monsters, and the imperfect heroes who face them all. You’ll join Sparrow and her faerie friends on a life changing journey where they face not only their outer demons, but their inner ones as well.
Eighteen-year-old Sparrow can’t remember a time when she wasn’t. And neither can her mother—or the trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries who all live in the Glade and call it home. Though Sparrow’s weak heart keeps her wheelchair bound, she and her mother have dedicated their lives to protecting the Glade, especially from the worst bogeyman of them all: the skin-stealing, poison-ingesting witch called Black Annis.
But one night, Sparrow makes a terrible mistake, and everything she once held dear is taken from her. The Glade is no longer a sanctuary, and the only way Sparrow can save her mother and her friends is to journey out into a monster-ridden world that wasn’t made for her or her wheelchair. Joined by her half-goblin friend, Rush, Sparrow will have to confront her fears before the ones they love are lost forever.
A Daughter of the Trolls will appeal to fans of European folklore and the darker Grimm Brother’s fairytales. This is a spine-tingling young adult fantasy adventure about evil witches, monsters, and the imperfect heroes who face them all. You’ll join Sparrow and her faerie friends on a life changing journey where they face not only their outer demons, but their inner ones as well.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2022
70 people are currently reading
2065 people want to read
About the author
McKenzie Catron-Pichan
7 books162 followersMcKenzie is a wheelchair-bound, autistic, twenty-one-time award-winning YA fantasy author of the "Numina Parable" series, co-author of "A Traveler's Guide to The Lucky Gryphon: Recipes & Regalings," and children's book writer specializing in Own Voices stories featuring disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and service dog representation.
She's a new Michigan resident who lives with her husband and her service dog, Grimm.
McKenzie is also a full-time creative makeup artist and alternative model fighting against disability stigmas one creation at a time. When she's not spending her anxious days writing novels or taking photos in her studio, you can find her over on Instagram sharing her art as @mckenziecatron.
She's a new Michigan resident who lives with her husband and her service dog, Grimm.
McKenzie is also a full-time creative makeup artist and alternative model fighting against disability stigmas one creation at a time. When she's not spending her anxious days writing novels or taking photos in her studio, you can find her over on Instagram sharing her art as @mckenziecatron.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 5, 2021
Growing up, I always wanted to be an author. I tried time and time again to concoct an idea, but they never seemed to stick. I never felt that I had a story important enough to tell, that was until I became disabled. I spent my whole life being healthy and able bodied until I became completely blindsided in 2018 by an untreatable chronic illness that put me in a wheelchair. After that, reading fantasy books was difficult. I couldn’t connect with characters as easily and I couldn’t put myself in these fantastical scenarios full of adventure and incredible feats. I can’t even roll over carpet, how could I picture myself traveling through a forest alongside these characters? This is how ‘A Daughter of the Trolls’ was born. I wanted to give people like me with disabilities and chronic illnesses a story to relate to. I never imagined what my book would become and I am so unbelievably excited for it to be out in the world and in your hands soon!
January 18, 2023
An unlikely heroine, a handsome goblin, and a mysterious little girl—is that enough to capture your interest?
No?
Ok, how about gnomes in mushroom caps, magical trees, and imps who love sweet rolls?
No, again?
Ok, how about disability representation, high stakes adventure, a childhood friends to lovers trope, and a terrifying, skin stealing witch?!
Yes?
Good!
Seriously though, A Daughter of the Trolls isn’t just another faerie story, it’s a faerie story you don’t want to miss!
No?
Ok, how about gnomes in mushroom caps, magical trees, and imps who love sweet rolls?
No, again?
Ok, how about disability representation, high stakes adventure, a childhood friends to lovers trope, and a terrifying, skin stealing witch?!
Yes?
Good!
Seriously though, A Daughter of the Trolls isn’t just another faerie story, it’s a faerie story you don’t want to miss!
November 5, 2021
I just finished this gorgeously rendered tale of Sparrow, a young woman who has been raised in a magical glade with only a salt barrier to keep it safe from the nightmarish witch prowling at its edges. When the witch gets in through a gap in the salt, Sparrow is thrust into a perilous journey with Rush, a handsome half-goblin friend, and Hazel, the mythical Elder Mother. I adore fantasy novels where a band of likable, well-drawn characters travel together on a heroic quest, and greatly enjoyed following Sparrow, Rush and Hazel's sometimes harrowing (and frightening) adventures. Sparrow is a particularly engaging protagonist, with her artistic eye and determination to save her captured mother and fellow denizens of the glade. She also uses a wheelchair for mobility, which poses its own challenges on the journey - tree magic coming into play (in a beautifully crafted scene). The light romance is lovely and magical. The fantasy details, artistically painted throughout the story (reminding me of some of the visual flair of both Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and Stephanie Garber's Caraval novels). This, my friends, is an exciting new author to follow who brings her own skill as a visual artist gloriously to the page. Highly recommended for those looking for a unique, magical romantic escape.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black, Grimm's Fairy Tales, Margaret Rogerson, Stephanie Garber and Shannon Hale.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black, Grimm's Fairy Tales, Margaret Rogerson, Stephanie Garber and Shannon Hale.
March 1, 2023
Catron has penned a fairytale adventure for the ages in her lush debut, A Daughter of the Trolls. What a beautiful reminder of the most important things in life and what we are all capable of in the face of what might threaten them.
April 12, 2022
A dark, heart-warming tale of courage, the unbreakable ties of family, and the beautiful seeds of true love. I loved this world and Catron's relatable characters, potent themes, and of course, the terrifying villains.
Can't wait for more of these stories!
Can't wait for more of these stories!
September 24, 2023
This story was a solid 4.5 stars for me. This story...So many beautiful, beautiful things. Lovely descriptions, hard hitting emotion, incredibly handled disability representation, some great dialogue, and a very memorable cast of characters.
First, let me just say, that there is nothing that will own me faster than feral parents and children throwing everything to the wind and setting off against impossible odds to save each other. That is my jam. And if you feed me protective parent/children/siblings arcs, I will stop everything to read the book every single time.
Second, I will say that I was immensely impressed by the accuracy with which the character,a disability was handled. It's a rarity to read well-written, firsthand experiences. And I was really intrigued upon picking this up to see how it would play out in a fantasy setting. I don't want to give too much away but suffice to say I was pleased to see the small ways the author incorporated its use into the plot and setting conflicts.
Next, the villains are legit TERRIFYING and I am HERE FOR IT. There is very little I love more than a truly terrifying, cunning, VICIOUS villain. Be forewarned that if you're sensitive to gore, this book probably isn't for you. But I was just very happy with how the author went "how can I make this basic bitch witch absolutely ten times more horrifying for the reader" and then absolutely smashed that button.
I also loved that the author slowed down to really take time to excavate the emotional arcs, trauma, and consequences of all plot and character pieces. There were times I went "if really like to see this question explored" and was completely prepared for the author to just keep moving with the plot. But somehow, the author still surprised me every time because she would pause to explore and incorporate those questions or answers into the plot pieces and character arcs. Not in a way that was obvious but in a way that fit with everything already happening.
I will say I knew the big ending reveal before it happened, but it was so quietly and delicately woven that I was really curious to see how it played out. And I like that there was still focus on the conflict of presented even after the main arc ended.
I'm not usually a person who enjoys romance plots, but even I have to admit that Rush and Sparrow made a sweet couple and it was satisfying to see them get together at the end.
The only thing that made me not give this five stars was that there was a spot at about sixty percent where I went "ok we gotta pick up the pace soon" because things got really quiet for a while. It wasn't quite long enough for me to get bored, but it was enough that I didn't fly through this book as quickly as I thought I would.
But overall, one of the better fantasy books I've read in a while. Impressed and curious to read more from this author in the future.
First, let me just say, that there is nothing that will own me faster than feral parents and children throwing everything to the wind and setting off against impossible odds to save each other. That is my jam. And if you feed me protective parent/children/siblings arcs, I will stop everything to read the book every single time.
Second, I will say that I was immensely impressed by the accuracy with which the character,a disability was handled. It's a rarity to read well-written, firsthand experiences. And I was really intrigued upon picking this up to see how it would play out in a fantasy setting. I don't want to give too much away but suffice to say I was pleased to see the small ways the author incorporated its use into the plot and setting conflicts.
Next, the villains are legit TERRIFYING and I am HERE FOR IT. There is very little I love more than a truly terrifying, cunning, VICIOUS villain. Be forewarned that if you're sensitive to gore, this book probably isn't for you. But I was just very happy with how the author went "how can I make this basic bitch witch absolutely ten times more horrifying for the reader" and then absolutely smashed that button.
I also loved that the author slowed down to really take time to excavate the emotional arcs, trauma, and consequences of all plot and character pieces. There were times I went "if really like to see this question explored" and was completely prepared for the author to just keep moving with the plot. But somehow, the author still surprised me every time because she would pause to explore and incorporate those questions or answers into the plot pieces and character arcs. Not in a way that was obvious but in a way that fit with everything already happening.
I will say I knew the big ending reveal before it happened, but it was so quietly and delicately woven that I was really curious to see how it played out. And I like that there was still focus on the conflict of presented even after the main arc ended.
I'm not usually a person who enjoys romance plots, but even I have to admit that Rush and Sparrow made a sweet couple and it was satisfying to see them get together at the end.
The only thing that made me not give this five stars was that there was a spot at about sixty percent where I went "ok we gotta pick up the pace soon" because things got really quiet for a while. It wasn't quite long enough for me to get bored, but it was enough that I didn't fly through this book as quickly as I thought I would.
But overall, one of the better fantasy books I've read in a while. Impressed and curious to read more from this author in the future.
April 26, 2022
A Daughter of the Trolls is a beautiful, heartwarming and inclusive tale.
Sparrow, the main character, is a young woman bound to a wheel chair due to a heart condition. She lives peacefully with her mother in the Glade along with a diverse Fairie Folk community that goes from Trolls, to gnomes, brownies, goblins and imps. But danger lurks around the Glade and a salt barrier is kept around it for protection. The witch Black Annis is always looking for an opportunity to get to this community.
One evening, Sparrow’s wheel chair accidentally opens a gap through the barrier and the worst happens.
That’s the starting point for Sparrow’s rescuing journey to setting her mother free and all the fairies caught by Black Annis, as well.
Sparrow won’t be alone through that journey: she’ll have Rush, a half-goblin childhood friend and Hazel, the Elder Mother, by her side.
I felt that this is a magical coming of age story. It’s also a story about overcoming one’s limits and not letting those limits be something that define oneself.
Sparrow learns how to trust herself and that she’s able to do what needs to be done. This quote is a turning point: “I love how caring you are, I really do, but I’m not any less capable than you are right now.”
As I was reading the acknowledgments, I’ve also realized how groundbreaking this story is: The main character from this Fantasy book is disabled, has a chronic illness and lives with anxiety. It definitely opens boundaries for representation within the Fantasy genre (the author McKenzie Catron lives with a similar chronic illness and is wheel chair bound as her main character).
And the ending? I really loved the plot twist (there were some hints along the way) and how everything came together.
Sparrow, the main character, is a young woman bound to a wheel chair due to a heart condition. She lives peacefully with her mother in the Glade along with a diverse Fairie Folk community that goes from Trolls, to gnomes, brownies, goblins and imps. But danger lurks around the Glade and a salt barrier is kept around it for protection. The witch Black Annis is always looking for an opportunity to get to this community.
One evening, Sparrow’s wheel chair accidentally opens a gap through the barrier and the worst happens.
That’s the starting point for Sparrow’s rescuing journey to setting her mother free and all the fairies caught by Black Annis, as well.
Sparrow won’t be alone through that journey: she’ll have Rush, a half-goblin childhood friend and Hazel, the Elder Mother, by her side.
I felt that this is a magical coming of age story. It’s also a story about overcoming one’s limits and not letting those limits be something that define oneself.
Sparrow learns how to trust herself and that she’s able to do what needs to be done. This quote is a turning point: “I love how caring you are, I really do, but I’m not any less capable than you are right now.”
As I was reading the acknowledgments, I’ve also realized how groundbreaking this story is: The main character from this Fantasy book is disabled, has a chronic illness and lives with anxiety. It definitely opens boundaries for representation within the Fantasy genre (the author McKenzie Catron lives with a similar chronic illness and is wheel chair bound as her main character).
And the ending? I really loved the plot twist (there were some hints along the way) and how everything came together.
December 31, 2021
I absolutely ADORED this read! This is a perfect read for fans of Grimm's fairy tales and Holly Black! This book is whimsical, extraordinary, and a magical escape from the real world.
Gnomes
Imps who love sweet rolls
Handsome half goblin boys
Skin stealing witch
Ceaseless adventure.
This book gave it all and then some!
The story follows Sparrow, our wheelchair bound heroine who's full of determination to save her mother and other denizens of the glade that have been captured by the evil skin stealing witch. Yes. SHE STEALS SKINS.
To say I absolutely loved Sparrow would be an understatement. SPARROW IS SO AWESOME AND BRAVE AND FUNNY AND BRILLIANT. There she moves through the story alongside her half goblin friend, Rush, The story is full of high stakes, insane adventures, and engaging fully fleshed characters.
The real gem is how we are able to see and learn about a character who is disabled in a real and organic way. I can't wait to see what the author has planned next! A beautiful debut!
Rating: 5/5⭐
*Thank you Whimsical Publishing for an early eARC*
Gnomes
Imps who love sweet rolls
Handsome half goblin boys
Skin stealing witch
Ceaseless adventure.
This book gave it all and then some!
The story follows Sparrow, our wheelchair bound heroine who's full of determination to save her mother and other denizens of the glade that have been captured by the evil skin stealing witch. Yes. SHE STEALS SKINS.
To say I absolutely loved Sparrow would be an understatement. SPARROW IS SO AWESOME AND BRAVE AND FUNNY AND BRILLIANT. There she moves through the story alongside her half goblin friend, Rush, The story is full of high stakes, insane adventures, and engaging fully fleshed characters.
The real gem is how we are able to see and learn about a character who is disabled in a real and organic way. I can't wait to see what the author has planned next! A beautiful debut!
Rating: 5/5⭐
*Thank you Whimsical Publishing for an early eARC*
September 16, 2022
5.0 out of 5.0
I do not usually rate books this high but this one definitely deserved it.
Not only is there disability representation, but it also touches on aging and how even if your older you still have the most magic in you.
I will not bore you with a synopsis, however I will tell you that this short, but sweet, story will live on long after reading it.
Not to mention this author is absolutely talented! Go check out her IG, Her makeup looks are so creative and amazing.
This is a highly recommended read from me! Enjoy!
I do not usually rate books this high but this one definitely deserved it.
Not only is there disability representation, but it also touches on aging and how even if your older you still have the most magic in you.
I will not bore you with a synopsis, however I will tell you that this short, but sweet, story will live on long after reading it.
Not to mention this author is absolutely talented! Go check out her IG, Her makeup looks are so creative and amazing.
This is a highly recommended read from me! Enjoy!
November 21, 2021
THIS. BOOK. *heart eyes* The characters are precious, the writing is impeccable, and the setting is both homey and hauntingly beautiful. It's definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Not only is it all of those things, but it also has wonderful disability rep! I learned so much about disabled people through reading McKenzie's beautiful words. 5/5 stars!
April 6, 2024
I was not sure about this one at first but gosh I loved it by the end.
April 22, 2022
I was lucky to be gifted an ARC of this book to review. This book is a beautiful fantasy debut that follows a girl named Sparrow who’s weak heart keeps her wheelchair bound. After a terrible mistake puts her family and friends at risk from a poison-ingesting witch named Black Annis, Sparrow and her half-goblin friend Rush go on an adventure to face the creatures of their childhood nightmares.
I knew this book was going to be good after the first line. Not many first lines stick out in my head, but this is not one I am going to forget any time soon. And it did not disappoint! Everyday while reading, I couldn't wait to get home so I could dive back into the story. There is something so compelling about Catron’s writing that makes you fall in love with these characters right away, even the villains of the story. Like the villainous characters are particularly creepy (in my opinion) and I somehow have a soft spot for them. Also as a general rule, I am not the biggest fan of books where the main characters travel for most of the story. However, I was all in for the adventure of this book. And all this on top of the fact this is a debut novel from Catron. I was constantly surprised and impressed by what this author was able to accomplish.
I cannot speak on the accuracy of the disability representation within this book. However, I wanted to point out that the author herself is wheelchair bound in a very similar way to the main character. This leads me to believe that while this may not be accurate for everybody reading, it is definitely accurate for some. And because of this, I felt the conversations had in this book are so important for everybody to pay attention to. I loved seeing the normalcy of her disability, especially in a fantasy novel. I know this was something very important to the author, and in my opinion it seems to have really come across.
Overall, this book is a new favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see the other books by this author and possibly in this series. I know I say that a lot with new authors I like, but in all honestly I will be reading everything by Catron in the future. She has a huge fan in me for sure!
I knew this book was going to be good after the first line. Not many first lines stick out in my head, but this is not one I am going to forget any time soon. And it did not disappoint! Everyday while reading, I couldn't wait to get home so I could dive back into the story. There is something so compelling about Catron’s writing that makes you fall in love with these characters right away, even the villains of the story. Like the villainous characters are particularly creepy (in my opinion) and I somehow have a soft spot for them. Also as a general rule, I am not the biggest fan of books where the main characters travel for most of the story. However, I was all in for the adventure of this book. And all this on top of the fact this is a debut novel from Catron. I was constantly surprised and impressed by what this author was able to accomplish.
I cannot speak on the accuracy of the disability representation within this book. However, I wanted to point out that the author herself is wheelchair bound in a very similar way to the main character. This leads me to believe that while this may not be accurate for everybody reading, it is definitely accurate for some. And because of this, I felt the conversations had in this book are so important for everybody to pay attention to. I loved seeing the normalcy of her disability, especially in a fantasy novel. I know this was something very important to the author, and in my opinion it seems to have really come across.
Overall, this book is a new favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see the other books by this author and possibly in this series. I know I say that a lot with new authors I like, but in all honestly I will be reading everything by Catron in the future. She has a huge fan in me for sure!
November 30, 2023
I loved how this book didn't shy away from the gruesomeness of the traditional fairy tale setting...it actually made the book an even cozier and more comforting read for me. Juxtaposed with the incredibly terrifying villain was a sweet focus on family, friendships, and the power of working together. This book confronts evil in all its visceral, horrible glory while still remaining to true to the love and light that also exists. An amazing debut for sure, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
October 22, 2023
Beautiful writing with an imaginative and unique fairy-tale-like adventure in an atmospheric world both cozy and dark. Lovable characters, a sweet romance, and a few twists along the way. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read book 2!
December 28, 2021
4.25 stars
This was such a fun read!
It kinda reminded of Tahereh Mafi's Furthermore, Holly Black's The Cruel Prince (for the fairytale aspect) and Margaret Rogerson's An Enchantment of Ravens.
It follows our heroine Sparrow, who became wheelchair-bound when she was eight, and her friend Rush, a half goblin. Their glade has been attacked by a wicked witch who's taken their families back to her cabin and together Sparrow and Rush go on an adventure to get them back.
Along the way they meet Hazel (whom I love!) and conquer obstacles and fears.
The story has friends-to-lovers, a great friendship, anxiety rep, disability rep and so much more!
I highly recommend pre-ordering this book (it comes out in April 2022!) and the cover is also stunning!
This was such a fun read!
It kinda reminded of Tahereh Mafi's Furthermore, Holly Black's The Cruel Prince (for the fairytale aspect) and Margaret Rogerson's An Enchantment of Ravens.
It follows our heroine Sparrow, who became wheelchair-bound when she was eight, and her friend Rush, a half goblin. Their glade has been attacked by a wicked witch who's taken their families back to her cabin and together Sparrow and Rush go on an adventure to get them back.
Along the way they meet Hazel (whom I love!) and conquer obstacles and fears.
The story has friends-to-lovers, a great friendship, anxiety rep, disability rep and so much more!
I highly recommend pre-ordering this book (it comes out in April 2022!) and the cover is also stunning!
October 5, 2025
Throughly enjoyed.
Wow what a journey. This book had me hooked since I read the first chapter. For a debut author this book stunning and has so many lovable characters. I can’t wait for more from McKenzie.
Wow what a journey. This book had me hooked since I read the first chapter. For a debut author this book stunning and has so many lovable characters. I can’t wait for more from McKenzie.
April 28, 2022
A Daughter of the Trolls follows the story of Sparrow as she saves her mother from the witch Black Annis. There are so many fun fantasy elements to this story from the creatures living in the magical glade, to the Elder trees and their guardian. I can’t say much because I don’t want to spoil anything! Sparrow is a great MC as we see her work through her health concerns of having a weak heart and being wheelchair bound, but not letting that stop her. It’s great to see disabled representation, especially in fantasy books. Can Aspen adopt me?! She was a strong side character and I would love her story some day. I thought Black Annis was written very well and enjoyed the villainous feel she brought to the table.
All in all, A Daughter of the Trolls was a great debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in this world!
All in all, A Daughter of the Trolls was a great debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more stories set in this world!
April 4, 2022
In McKenzie Catron's debut novel, A Daughter of Trolls, main character Sparrow must leave the safety of her home in order to save her mother and friends from an evil witch.
In A Daughter of Trolls, McKenzie skillfully blends fantasy and reality by placing her wheelchair bound heroine, Sparrow, in a fantasy world that is not always wheelchair accessible. Sparrow’s quest to save her friends and family forces her to test her limits while at the same time discovering her inner strength.
I found A Daughter of Trolls to be the perfect read for YA adventure fans. This book is light on romance, but I think you’ll really love getting to know Sparrow, enjoy the antics of both the inhabitants of the Glade and the Elder Mother and want more scenes between Sparrow and her love interest, Rush.
In A Daughter of Trolls, McKenzie skillfully blends fantasy and reality by placing her wheelchair bound heroine, Sparrow, in a fantasy world that is not always wheelchair accessible. Sparrow’s quest to save her friends and family forces her to test her limits while at the same time discovering her inner strength.
I found A Daughter of Trolls to be the perfect read for YA adventure fans. This book is light on romance, but I think you’ll really love getting to know Sparrow, enjoy the antics of both the inhabitants of the Glade and the Elder Mother and want more scenes between Sparrow and her love interest, Rush.
April 27, 2022
An enchanting celebration of authentic fairytale magic, A Daughter of the Trolls follows 18 year old Sparrow on a spine-tingling adventure through a world not made for her or her wheelchair.
Each page of Catron's inspired debut pulses with faerie life as Sparrow must venture away from the home she has known all her life in the Glade, and out into an unfamiliar world, as full of vibrant charm as it is with some truly haunting, skin-crawling witchcraft.
Such a fun, creative story, the beautiful classic touch and honey-scented style of the writing shines throughout! I read with wide-eyed wonder from cover to cover, and learned a lot about love, strength, and forgiveness along the way.
I had never read a book quite like this before, but I feel like Ive always wanted to.
Each page of Catron's inspired debut pulses with faerie life as Sparrow must venture away from the home she has known all her life in the Glade, and out into an unfamiliar world, as full of vibrant charm as it is with some truly haunting, skin-crawling witchcraft.
Such a fun, creative story, the beautiful classic touch and honey-scented style of the writing shines throughout! I read with wide-eyed wonder from cover to cover, and learned a lot about love, strength, and forgiveness along the way.
I had never read a book quite like this before, but I feel like Ive always wanted to.
December 1, 2023
A beautiful, unique story with disability rep in a fantasy setting, a very unique aging situation, sweet friends-to-lovers romance, and a terrifying witch. Though I guessed the twist at the end, I still loved the twist and thought it made the story very meaningful.
I never would have thought about the difficulties of navigating a quest through untamed wilderness while using a wheelchair. Sparrow’s experience with that was meaningful and enlightening and very real. (And it makes me upset that so many spaces in this world are not accessible by wheelchair.)
There is a bit more violence than I’d expected, though really I should’ve expected it with a villain like Black Annis. That beginning. Whew.
Excited for book two!
I never would have thought about the difficulties of navigating a quest through untamed wilderness while using a wheelchair. Sparrow’s experience with that was meaningful and enlightening and very real. (And it makes me upset that so many spaces in this world are not accessible by wheelchair.)
There is a bit more violence than I’d expected, though really I should’ve expected it with a villain like Black Annis. That beginning. Whew.
Excited for book two!
May 27, 2022
Incredible book!! The plot was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat, turning page after page and craving more when I finished. The characters were amazing and I loved all of them so much. Though I think the villain, Black Annis was much too terrifying to love! It’s rare that I don’t have at least some form of sympathy for a villain, but this one was just too deliciously evil. Well done to the author for making me scared to sleep at night! Highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers! It’s a grim, dark, and rich tale with disability and mental health representation that we just don’t see in most fantasy novels.
December 7, 2022
This is a fun read with entertaining characters, an engaging plot, a bit of a whimsical feel but with some dark tones, and a range of emotional scenes. Sparrow overcomes some serious struggles to achieve her goals, with a positive and can-do attitude that's inspirational. The friends she meets along the way are fun to read about, and I'd love to read more about the lives of those created in this world.
May 18, 2022
This story is so magical and special! Sparrow, the main character, is such a strong, loveable heroine. I totally loved following her through her story, so much so, that I read this book in just one day. 😁
This book has it all:
🌱 a strong heroine who doesn't let her disability rule over her life
🌿 a unique, catching plot
🌱 friendship and family
🌿 magical creatures
🌱 and a lovely, sweet romance
I highly recommend that you check this debut novel out!
This book has it all:
🌱 a strong heroine who doesn't let her disability rule over her life
🌿 a unique, catching plot
🌱 friendship and family
🌿 magical creatures
🌱 and a lovely, sweet romance
I highly recommend that you check this debut novel out!
March 21, 2022
You need this book in your life. There’s magic, romance, friendship, adventure, atmosphere. I would totally love to live in the Glade.
May 11, 2022
*4,5 stars
November 5, 2021
A Daughter of the Trolls was a truly magical read for me. It helped me escape my everyday life and dive into a whimsical adventure. McKenzie painted beautiful images and visuals with her words and created a world that I want to spend time in. It also allowed me to connect with a character who has a disability, but be able to learn about her everyday challenges in an organic way. We don't see that often, so forming that connection is really special! Absolutely stunning read and I am hoping for more!
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April 18, 2022Thank you so much to the publisher Whimsical Illustration for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! As soon as I heard “YA fantasy about a girl in a wheelchair BY a wheelchair user” I knew I had to get my hands on this book.
Eighteen year old Sparrow, who uses a wheelchair due to heart problems, was raised in a magical glade alongside trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries. When her home is threatened, she must undergo a journey to defeat a bloodthirsty witch. In a monster-filled world that’s decidedly NOT built for her or her wheelchair, can Sparrow save her family before it’s too late?
I have been waiting my whole life to find this kind of fantasy and it was a dream come true to see a disabled, chronically heroine in a classic fairy tale. Disabled folks deserve the magical cottegecore aesthetic on display in this book!
I enjoyed Sparrow and her story but I did feel like there were a few rough edges. Sometimes the characters’ decisions didn’t make sense to me and overall it could’ve been more polished. (I will say that I was also personally uncomfortable with the liberal use of “wheelchair bound” as many people view that phrase as a slur but it seems the way the author personally identifies.)
However, I really appreciated that Sparrow’s growth stayed at the heart of the story and there was no miracle cure. The romance was sweet and the characters were intriguing. I’m excited to see what the author publishes next and how she matures as a writer in the future.
I hope this book is the first step in a new wave of disability rep in fantasy. I look forward to the day when we can have a multitude of disability reads so one portrayal isn’t the be all and end all for representation. We can only go up from here.
Content warnings:
Eighteen year old Sparrow, who uses a wheelchair due to heart problems, was raised in a magical glade alongside trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries. When her home is threatened, she must undergo a journey to defeat a bloodthirsty witch. In a monster-filled world that’s decidedly NOT built for her or her wheelchair, can Sparrow save her family before it’s too late?
I have been waiting my whole life to find this kind of fantasy and it was a dream come true to see a disabled, chronically heroine in a classic fairy tale. Disabled folks deserve the magical cottegecore aesthetic on display in this book!
I enjoyed Sparrow and her story but I did feel like there were a few rough edges. Sometimes the characters’ decisions didn’t make sense to me and overall it could’ve been more polished. (I will say that I was also personally uncomfortable with the liberal use of “wheelchair bound” as many people view that phrase as a slur but it seems the way the author personally identifies.)
However, I really appreciated that Sparrow’s growth stayed at the heart of the story and there was no miracle cure. The romance was sweet and the characters were intriguing. I’m excited to see what the author publishes next and how she matures as a writer in the future.
I hope this book is the first step in a new wave of disability rep in fantasy. I look forward to the day when we can have a multitude of disability reads so one portrayal isn’t the be all and end all for representation. We can only go up from here.
Content warnings:
April 22, 2022
A YA fantasy with a quest, a wicked witch in need of defeating, and wonderful, realistic and empowering rep in the form of a wheelchair-bound MC.
I pretty much binge read this book in two sittings, I loved the characters and the plot smm. And the writing pretty much sucked me in, I felt like I was going on the quest along with the characters.
The MC is an 18 yo girl, Sparrow, who uses a wheelchair because of her weak heart. She also struggles with anxiety, something that only gets worse during the more terrifying parts of the quest. The book is narrated by Sparrow in the first pov, and throughout the book, Sparrow explains many of her thoughts and feelings about her disabilities - the way it sometimes bogs her down, the way she explains that yes, she uses a wheelchair but her life is normal and she doesn't want pity, and the way she eventually leaves behind her self doubts and gains confidence and self love. I loved reading this book, and I feel like I also learned a lot from it. I truly had a wonderful experience reading this book 🤍
There is of course, a truly unexpected twist at the end, and also a very cute friendship + romance. The book ended in a wholesome way, but I wonder if there are more adventures in this world/for these characters? In any case, I'm very excited to read more books by this author! 🤍
I pretty much binge read this book in two sittings, I loved the characters and the plot smm. And the writing pretty much sucked me in, I felt like I was going on the quest along with the characters.
The MC is an 18 yo girl, Sparrow, who uses a wheelchair because of her weak heart. She also struggles with anxiety, something that only gets worse during the more terrifying parts of the quest. The book is narrated by Sparrow in the first pov, and throughout the book, Sparrow explains many of her thoughts and feelings about her disabilities - the way it sometimes bogs her down, the way she explains that yes, she uses a wheelchair but her life is normal and she doesn't want pity, and the way she eventually leaves behind her self doubts and gains confidence and self love. I loved reading this book, and I feel like I also learned a lot from it. I truly had a wonderful experience reading this book 🤍
There is of course, a truly unexpected twist at the end, and also a very cute friendship + romance. The book ended in a wholesome way, but I wonder if there are more adventures in this world/for these characters? In any case, I'm very excited to read more books by this author! 🤍
July 20, 2023
3.75 Stars!This was really sweet!
The world building was intriguing and I found myself actually wanting a bit more. It would be interesting to hear more tales of the various bogeymen that inhabit Sparrow's world.
Overall, Sparrow was pretty decent. I did kind of roll my eyes at how long it took her to admit what happened and then how quickly that was resolved on all sides. Granted, the book itself was pretty short so it could have been expected but still. The revelation on things regarding Sparrow was also intriguing. I did like what she realized she fully wanted at the end though.
There were a handful of word/grammatical errors throughout but it wasn't bad. As a whole, this was a really good introduction to this world. Can't wait to read A Goblin of the Glade !
May 21, 2022
This story is simple and reminds me of An Enchantment Of Ravens, in it's quiet adventure of travel to right a wrong.
This story has all the plots of a fairytale meets classic adventure story. The plot is easy to follow, though it does have some surprises and leads to a very satisfying ending.
This is a character driven story and the main character Sparrow is well done. She is very honest with herself and her growth during the story is very introspective which was a freshness among the latest leading ladies in fiction.
I really liked Rush, but felt like I could have known him better on the page, I felt like he was second fiddle to Sparrow and I would have liked to see glimpses of more of his character.
That being said Hazel was a wonder of a character and I definitely loved every second of her time on the page. I do hope we see more of her in the two coming companion novels in this series.
All in all I am glad I picked this one up. I've had a rocky relationship with books from small publishing companies, but this one was definitely well worth the read.
This story has all the plots of a fairytale meets classic adventure story. The plot is easy to follow, though it does have some surprises and leads to a very satisfying ending.
This is a character driven story and the main character Sparrow is well done. She is very honest with herself and her growth during the story is very introspective which was a freshness among the latest leading ladies in fiction.
I really liked Rush, but felt like I could have known him better on the page, I felt like he was second fiddle to Sparrow and I would have liked to see glimpses of more of his character.
That being said Hazel was a wonder of a character and I definitely loved every second of her time on the page. I do hope we see more of her in the two coming companion novels in this series.
All in all I am glad I picked this one up. I've had a rocky relationship with books from small publishing companies, but this one was definitely well worth the read.
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