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Alight
What if the line between science and magic was blurred?
Emilie Lewis hates the fact there’s nothing interesting about her. But even in her wildest imaginings she couldn’t dream up the world into which she is plunged. From mansions perched on cliff edges to bedrooms that hum and ox-strong old ladies, Emilie would never have suspected what magic is simmering beneath ‘normal’ life. Allegiances are tested and families questioned. Emilie may learn how to control the light, but does that mean she can keep the darkness from invading her within…
Emilie Lewis hates the fact there’s nothing interesting about her. But even in her wildest imaginings she couldn’t dream up the world into which she is plunged. From mansions perched on cliff edges to bedrooms that hum and ox-strong old ladies, Emilie would never have suspected what magic is simmering beneath ‘normal’ life. Allegiances are tested and families questioned. Emilie may learn how to control the light, but does that mean she can keep the darkness from invading her within…
- GenresFantasy
263 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2022
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 28, 2024
This was not what I was expecting and I love being pleasantly surprised. A magical and tense read filled with intriguing characters, friendship and heart. Such a heartwarming middle grade fantasy that would make a wonderful series if Hart and Sleeman decided to go that route.
February 1, 2022
A thanks for Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for granting my request to read this book.
This Middle Grade fantasy story is about Emilie Lewis, an adopted girl who thinks she is not special at all but wants to be. She has a big imagination and comes up with epic stories and adventures with magic involved. When she meets her aunt Etty and cousin Alphie she discovers she has magic flowing through her and she can't believe it at first, but soon she wants to explore it and learn as much as fast as she can. Her cousin Alphie and Emilie grow close immediately and she meets new friends. So far it all seems like a sweet and happy story.
The plotwist was well build in and changed the happy story into one that brings out the darker parts. Emilie has the power of light, but now she comes in contact with the darkness. Unexpected meetings, who to trust and who not, friendships on the line and making tough decisions come next. I loved how it all worked out!
It's just as in real life, good things happen and bad things. It's about how we deal with these things and our choices.
I really liked Emilie, already from the start. Because she felt real. Not a perfect person, because who is? And to the story this is important as well. Something about light and darkness. Alphie is the kindest kid possible. I remember how I used to love adding in difficult and fancy words into my sentences as a child and so I loved how Alphie did the same! And for the targeted reading group I think it is a fun way to get in touch with these 'adult' words. They even put a full list incl the meaning of them all at the end of the book.
The story was easy to follow, left no big question marks at the end (just maybe about a sequel) and was fun to read.
This Middle Grade fantasy story is about Emilie Lewis, an adopted girl who thinks she is not special at all but wants to be. She has a big imagination and comes up with epic stories and adventures with magic involved. When she meets her aunt Etty and cousin Alphie she discovers she has magic flowing through her and she can't believe it at first, but soon she wants to explore it and learn as much as fast as she can. Her cousin Alphie and Emilie grow close immediately and she meets new friends. So far it all seems like a sweet and happy story.
The plotwist was well build in and changed the happy story into one that brings out the darker parts. Emilie has the power of light, but now she comes in contact with the darkness. Unexpected meetings, who to trust and who not, friendships on the line and making tough decisions come next. I loved how it all worked out!
It's just as in real life, good things happen and bad things. It's about how we deal with these things and our choices.
I really liked Emilie, already from the start. Because she felt real. Not a perfect person, because who is? And to the story this is important as well. Something about light and darkness. Alphie is the kindest kid possible. I remember how I used to love adding in difficult and fancy words into my sentences as a child and so I loved how Alphie did the same! And for the targeted reading group I think it is a fun way to get in touch with these 'adult' words. They even put a full list incl the meaning of them all at the end of the book.
The story was easy to follow, left no big question marks at the end (just maybe about a sequel) and was fun to read.
June 24, 2022
In the interests of honesty I'm not the demographic this book is aimed at, being neither a tween or much of a fan of the fantasy genre so I was not in any way expecting to enjoy this book. COULD I HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG? I was transfixed, the story of Emilie, Alphie and Aunt Etty had me glued to my Kindle. The writing was sublime, lyrical and pacey. There were so many interesting topics covered, adoption, friendship, good versus evil. The characterisations were superb, but what really took my breath away was the language. It conveyed such a wonderful image the entire time and was utterly melodic in its application. I've seen other reviews comparing this to JK Rowling but for me, this is far superior. I think Haruki Murakami needs to watch out. I am praying to all my gods that Alight is the first book in a series that will run and run. If this book doesn't make it to the silver screen it will be a travesty. Treat yourself to a copy today - you can always thank me later
June 14, 2022
"Alight" by "Alexandra Hart" and "Phoebe Sleeman" is a great tale of a struggle between light and darkness. Emilie has come to realize that she has a power, controlling the light, but what happens when she is pulled to control the darkness? I would definitely recommend you read this book. It does start out a little confusing with a mystery character, but after a few chapters it makes a bit more sense, so don't stop reading there.
June 17, 2022
A heartwarming story following our protagonist, Emilie, and her struggle with figuring out where her loyalties lie when she discovers the truth about her origins. The book is an ideal read for younger audience!
January 21, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I was looking forward to reading this. The description sounded great and really drew me in. As I was reading it though the writing style isn't quite what I like or what I usually read but I can see how this writing style would appeal to others.
The plot itself was a little slow to begin with and started with the POV of a mystery character which does make it a little confusing however if you like books about magic and discovering family history then give this book a chance.
*I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
The plot itself was a little slow to begin with and started with the POV of a mystery character which does make it a little confusing however if you like books about magic and discovering family history then give this book a chance.
*I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
June 5, 2022
This is my lowest rated book of 2022 so far. I hope that this book retains that title because I would rather read good books than more books like this.
This book has been compared to Harry Potter (I can see the vaguest of similarities) and to Chronicles of Narnia (no idea why). Unfortunately, those tenuous connections appear to me like this book was fanfiction of these middle grades books written by a middle schooler. Some of the characters and perspectives seem to serve no point. All of the characters lack any depth whatsoever. The plot makes no sense.
Honestly, I should have DNF'd this book. I cannot thing of anything that I really liked about the book.
This book has been compared to Harry Potter (I can see the vaguest of similarities) and to Chronicles of Narnia (no idea why). Unfortunately, those tenuous connections appear to me like this book was fanfiction of these middle grades books written by a middle schooler. Some of the characters and perspectives seem to serve no point. All of the characters lack any depth whatsoever. The plot makes no sense.
Honestly, I should have DNF'd this book. I cannot thing of anything that I really liked about the book.
June 7, 2022
3.5/5 stars.
At first the writing was a bit challenging to get into but then that’s to be expected as this is a book written for younger audiences by 2 very talented young people. But from part 2 onwards I was absolutely hooked. I loved the story line and how the main character wasn’t perfect or ideal in anyway. I loved that she (Emilie) was portrayed as any other 12 year old. I loved the unexpected plot twists and was on the edge of my seat reading part 3. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to younger readers
At first the writing was a bit challenging to get into but then that’s to be expected as this is a book written for younger audiences by 2 very talented young people. But from part 2 onwards I was absolutely hooked. I loved the story line and how the main character wasn’t perfect or ideal in anyway. I loved that she (Emilie) was portrayed as any other 12 year old. I loved the unexpected plot twists and was on the edge of my seat reading part 3. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to younger readers
August 1, 2022
It was a good read. Not the best I've ever read. I wasn't hooked, and I'm not sure I overly enjoyed the style it was written in. But the story premise was good. It just wasn't amazing. I think it's worth bearing in mind the book is aimed at a young audience, although having said that I've read a lot of children's fiction that is written amazingly.
April 27, 2022
I was lucky enough to be chosen to be gifted a copy of this book for review by Cranthorpe Millner. After reading the blurb, I was instantly intrigued as I love reading fantasy books. I did find that the writing style was more aimed at a YA genre, not surprising as the authors where only in year 8 when they wrote the book ( an amazing achievement). I did however enjoy reading the book, I especially liked the different POV throughout the book. My daughter who’s 12 will loves this book!
It would be nice to read more about Emilie’s life as she gets older and further develops her relationships with the people she has just met on her journey of discovering who she really is.
I was gifted this book free as part of the bookstagram tour. This Alexandra Hart and Phoebe Sleemans debut novel and is released to day (29th March 2022)!
#alight #cranthorpemillner #bookstagram #booksforkids #magicfantasy
It would be nice to read more about Emilie’s life as she gets older and further develops her relationships with the people she has just met on her journey of discovering who she really is.
I was gifted this book free as part of the bookstagram tour. This Alexandra Hart and Phoebe Sleemans debut novel and is released to day (29th March 2022)!
#alight #cranthorpemillner #bookstagram #booksforkids #magicfantasy
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews