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Pennymores #1
The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2022)The Pennymores is a Goodreads Reader's Choice 2022 Finalist!
When her brother vanishes in the night, along with all she thought to be true of magic, Parker Pennymore must unmask family secrets, travel far beyond the castle walls, and convince her sisters to break a few laws along the way - but what's a hero’s journey without a little rebellion?
Created first as a bedtime story with his daughters, The Pennymores explores a world where all writing has been banned for centuries (a setting inspired by the true-life events of Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai). But when an unstoppable enemy returns threatening the destroy their world, the Pennymores must set off on a quest taking them inside hidden mystical realms, confronting ancient challenges, and forcing them to step closer to the heroes they are destined to be.
A portion of the proceeds of the Pennymores benefit the Malala Fund for children’s literacy.
When her brother vanishes in the night, along with all she thought to be true of magic, Parker Pennymore must unmask family secrets, travel far beyond the castle walls, and convince her sisters to break a few laws along the way - but what's a hero’s journey without a little rebellion?
Created first as a bedtime story with his daughters, The Pennymores explores a world where all writing has been banned for centuries (a setting inspired by the true-life events of Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai). But when an unstoppable enemy returns threatening the destroy their world, the Pennymores must set off on a quest taking them inside hidden mystical realms, confronting ancient challenges, and forcing them to step closer to the heroes they are destined to be.
A portion of the proceeds of the Pennymores benefit the Malala Fund for children’s literacy.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
79 people are currently reading
29293 people want to read
About the author
Eric Koester
10 books258 followersI'm an author who decided to turn a bedtime story with my kids into a novel, following in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) and Rick Riorden (Percy Jackson). Truly the most fun writing project I've ever had.
Our pandemic bedtime story -- The Pennymores & the Curse of the Invisible Quill -- has become a book series reviewed by New York Weekly, Los Angeles Weekly, Latin Post, and more with the first title out in April 2022 (and hopefully more in the series to follow).
You'll find me writing nonfiction books (fourth out in Summer 2022), teaching writing at Georgetown and in a writing community, and trying to keep up with a houseful of three daughters.
Our pandemic bedtime story -- The Pennymores & the Curse of the Invisible Quill -- has become a book series reviewed by New York Weekly, Los Angeles Weekly, Latin Post, and more with the first title out in April 2022 (and hopefully more in the series to follow).
You'll find me writing nonfiction books (fourth out in Summer 2022), teaching writing at Georgetown and in a writing community, and trying to keep up with a houseful of three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 21, 2022
It was a cute read with a lot of magical details, good for young readers also suitable for adults to enjoy.
The world building is great, definitely gives Harry Potter vibe. You will find yourself embarking on an adventure with three sisters who set on a quest to save their little brother.
The sisters have unique personality, you could really tell they were siblings, their arguments, struggles and discussions felt authentic.
The book is heavy, a lot of things happening, lots of characters but it still felt right. Although it took me too long to get into the story and I found myself confused at times.
The world building is great, definitely gives Harry Potter vibe. You will find yourself embarking on an adventure with three sisters who set on a quest to save their little brother.
The sisters have unique personality, you could really tell they were siblings, their arguments, struggles and discussions felt authentic.
The book is heavy, a lot of things happening, lots of characters but it still felt right. Although it took me too long to get into the story and I found myself confused at times.
April 20, 2022
Oh. Mylanta. This book was SO good. I can’t even!
I loved reading something entirely different from my norm, and found myself immersed in the world and story quite quickly. The worldbuilding was fantastic (and to a level I’ve not seen in some time–really since Harry Potter).
The read was a bit denser than I expected for a middle-grade read–if I can continue with Harry Potter references, it’d probably be on par with Order of the Phoenix. 🙂 I’m surprised it clocks in at under 400 pages! So, I’d say more advanced readers would probably enjoy and have the patience for it. I loved it, and think adults would too, especially fellow fans of HP, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Fablehaven, and Eragon.
So, so, so good–and I selfishly really hope the authors make an appearance at a local comic-con. 😉
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved reading something entirely different from my norm, and found myself immersed in the world and story quite quickly. The worldbuilding was fantastic (and to a level I’ve not seen in some time–really since Harry Potter).
The read was a bit denser than I expected for a middle-grade read–if I can continue with Harry Potter references, it’d probably be on par with Order of the Phoenix. 🙂 I’m surprised it clocks in at under 400 pages! So, I’d say more advanced readers would probably enjoy and have the patience for it. I loved it, and think adults would too, especially fellow fans of HP, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Fablehaven, and Eragon.
So, so, so good–and I selfishly really hope the authors make an appearance at a local comic-con. 😉
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2022
Quills, Evil, & Kids needed to revive the magic of writing!
The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill by Eric Koester is the first in The Pennymores Series and is a delicate, fun, thought provoking story. With writing being forbidden, Parker, Quinn, and Aven go on an adventure to find out what happened to their brother. All while finding out about the true nature of writing, it’s magic, and evils that come along with it.
I love that this story’s concept came from the experiences of Malala Yousafzai, a teen who became an activist for girls in Pakistan. Bringing deep societal issues into stories that become so simplified that people of all ages can understand, is where reading meets growth and development. With the magic mixed with themes of limiting knowledge, readers can see themselves in the story. Then, by making the decision to go against it, this story gave a way for children to begin to think about things that may have previously given them limits. But not anymore, their minds and imaginations have the chance to experience being limitless.
Knowledge is power!
There are illustrations sprinkled in which are a great addition to the story. Giving that visual expands the imagination for the readers. Some are in black and white while others are in color. It felt like the ones in color tended to want to present more emphasis. Although the black and white illustrations were more detailed, the ones in color brought a whole different feel to the reader.
This is totally for elementary grade kids. Middle grade all levels, 8-12 years old. With some assistance, early readers would enjoy this story too! Why not make it a family reading day or night.
The Pennymores book two, here I come…actually, I’ll be excitedly awaiting your return.
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Pennymores & the Curse of the Invisible Quill from Eric Koester via NetGalley
The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill by Eric Koester is the first in The Pennymores Series and is a delicate, fun, thought provoking story. With writing being forbidden, Parker, Quinn, and Aven go on an adventure to find out what happened to their brother. All while finding out about the true nature of writing, it’s magic, and evils that come along with it.
I love that this story’s concept came from the experiences of Malala Yousafzai, a teen who became an activist for girls in Pakistan. Bringing deep societal issues into stories that become so simplified that people of all ages can understand, is where reading meets growth and development. With the magic mixed with themes of limiting knowledge, readers can see themselves in the story. Then, by making the decision to go against it, this story gave a way for children to begin to think about things that may have previously given them limits. But not anymore, their minds and imaginations have the chance to experience being limitless.
Knowledge is power!
There are illustrations sprinkled in which are a great addition to the story. Giving that visual expands the imagination for the readers. Some are in black and white while others are in color. It felt like the ones in color tended to want to present more emphasis. Although the black and white illustrations were more detailed, the ones in color brought a whole different feel to the reader.
This is totally for elementary grade kids. Middle grade all levels, 8-12 years old. With some assistance, early readers would enjoy this story too! Why not make it a family reading day or night.
The Pennymores book two, here I come…actually, I’ll be excitedly awaiting your return.
*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Pennymores & the Curse of the Invisible Quill from Eric Koester via NetGalley
May 15, 2022
So. Much. Fun.
It's quite a world that's been created in the Pennymores -- the depth, complexity, backstory, and uniqueness are something rare in a book that felt as fast-paced as this did. Not since books like The Hobbit or Narnia have I seen a world deftly developed in this way that didn't feel slow and grinding.
But at the core the book is an adventure story of three sisters -- Quinn, Parker, and Aven. Their personalities are all intriguing and complicated, each with their own flaws and obstacles. But it's the interplay between them that is the best... they felt like real siblings and their quibbles and arguments were authentic.
The book struck me as straddling young adult and middle-grade fantasy -- probably the best example would be the way JK Rowlings wrote in Books 1-4 for Harry Potter. There's more than enough here for younger readers, but certainly enough for the adult fan of the genre. It's complex... there's a lot to the book which is why I'd say the world building is perfect for a series.
Strong strong recommendation. I've followed the author as I'm now excited for what future books will be in the series.
It's quite a world that's been created in the Pennymores -- the depth, complexity, backstory, and uniqueness are something rare in a book that felt as fast-paced as this did. Not since books like The Hobbit or Narnia have I seen a world deftly developed in this way that didn't feel slow and grinding.
But at the core the book is an adventure story of three sisters -- Quinn, Parker, and Aven. Their personalities are all intriguing and complicated, each with their own flaws and obstacles. But it's the interplay between them that is the best... they felt like real siblings and their quibbles and arguments were authentic.
The book struck me as straddling young adult and middle-grade fantasy -- probably the best example would be the way JK Rowlings wrote in Books 1-4 for Harry Potter. There's more than enough here for younger readers, but certainly enough for the adult fan of the genre. It's complex... there's a lot to the book which is why I'd say the world building is perfect for a series.
Strong strong recommendation. I've followed the author as I'm now excited for what future books will be in the series.
May 27, 2022
As a parent, watching my son's creative interpretation of magic and the magic of words in this book was especially rewarding. He connected with the characters and the world they live in and found that he related to both. His first impression was that the quill played an interesting role. He expressed an interest in learning more about the Pennymore family.
I loved the concept that this story is about the magic of writing. More significantly, I was impressed that it was written with the help of the author's children, who appear as the main characters. This is a beautiful concept and one that I'm sure the author's daughters are delighted by! Magic writers, quills, orders, and libraries were some of the ideas I found especially intriguing! Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the opportunity to visit a few on my own? The sister's relationship was equally strong. Together they journey through a magical world and discover that the magic of their storytelling knows no bounds and their friendships know no limits. This is an outstanding debut novel with a magical, compelling storyline!
I loved the concept that this story is about the magic of writing. More significantly, I was impressed that it was written with the help of the author's children, who appear as the main characters. This is a beautiful concept and one that I'm sure the author's daughters are delighted by! Magic writers, quills, orders, and libraries were some of the ideas I found especially intriguing! Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the opportunity to visit a few on my own? The sister's relationship was equally strong. Together they journey through a magical world and discover that the magic of their storytelling knows no bounds and their friendships know no limits. This is an outstanding debut novel with a magical, compelling storyline!
August 21, 2022
Parker Pennymore and her sisters set out on a quest to find their little brother after he disappears. What they find are family secrets, unexpected friends and foes, and internal strength and magic. But can they save their brother before it’s too late?
I have to admit this was a slow starter for me. I am an adult and have life distractions but these days so do middle school age children (which is the age for which I would recommend this book.) I was pretty far into the book when I finally got into the story, but once I did it was an interesting story. The sisters are relatable and the storyline is interesting.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
I have to admit this was a slow starter for me. I am an adult and have life distractions but these days so do middle school age children (which is the age for which I would recommend this book.) I was pretty far into the book when I finally got into the story, but once I did it was an interesting story. The sisters are relatable and the storyline is interesting.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
April 6, 2022
The Pennymore sisters certainly know how to take on an adventure! I greatly enjoyed reading about this feisty group of girls as they navigate the truth behind their brother's disappearance. With both lighthearted and more serious parts, this story keeps the readers interested.
I do think however, that it may be a bit too long to keep younger readers interested. While the trio was well written and fleshed out, the other characters were not. The plot goes on too many tangents, causing the story to be confusing at times. Overall it's a wonderful read reminiscent of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson that would certainly appeal to readers of this genre.
I do think however, that it may be a bit too long to keep younger readers interested. While the trio was well written and fleshed out, the other characters were not. The plot goes on too many tangents, causing the story to be confusing at times. Overall it's a wonderful read reminiscent of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson that would certainly appeal to readers of this genre.
May 22, 2022
Loved the story of the Pennymores! Really engaging with lots of adventures. And it's really cool how the story came about -- can't wait to read more from Eric, Quinn, Parker, and Aven!
July 14, 2022
There are a lot of middle grade books out there but I thought this one was a cut above a lot of the recent releases I’ve read. Read it as a bedtime story with my nieces and they were always begging me to read just one more chapter! Lots to entertain an adult reader as well.
April 29, 2022
I'm a Potterhead and always loved how that book made you feel connected to the book and it's characters from the moment your wand chooses you, to meeting your classmates to finding your Hogwarts house (I'm a Ravenclaw). There's something incredibly unique about feeling yourself drawn into the book the way Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or Narnia do.
The Pennymores gave me that exact same feeling. I loved seeing the Plumes rebel against the Illiterates, I enjoyed seeing people learn they were the Order of Poet, Order of Legend, or Order of Enigma, seeing characters uncover their magical abilities, and even how hidden world's exist right before our eyes. The Pennymores has rich characters, a unique and complex world and adventure, and a villain with a story that is complicated and makes you question what is truly right and wrong.
Potterheads, Demigods, and anyone looking for those books that make you feel like you are beside the hero on a quest to find themselves rejoice... Pennymores is for you!
The Pennymores gave me that exact same feeling. I loved seeing the Plumes rebel against the Illiterates, I enjoyed seeing people learn they were the Order of Poet, Order of Legend, or Order of Enigma, seeing characters uncover their magical abilities, and even how hidden world's exist right before our eyes. The Pennymores has rich characters, a unique and complex world and adventure, and a villain with a story that is complicated and makes you question what is truly right and wrong.
Potterheads, Demigods, and anyone looking for those books that make you feel like you are beside the hero on a quest to find themselves rejoice... Pennymores is for you!
March 7, 2022
Incredibly imaginative and super fun. My 10 year really enjoyed reading this book and my 5 year old enjoyed it being read to him.
THe story was well thoguht out and logically flowed naturally. My 10 year old plans to read it again as there were many details he thoroughly enjoyed thorough out the story
THe story was well thoguht out and logically flowed naturally. My 10 year old plans to read it again as there were many details he thoroughly enjoyed thorough out the story
August 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A complex story that at times takes some concentration to piece it together. One my tutor group will enjoy because of the magic and adventure.
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author
May 28, 2022
My grand daughter enjoyed the book and has passed it on to one of her siblings. She loved the feather faux quill pen too! I'll ask her about her favorite parts of the book.
June 27, 2022
This was such a fun read for all ages! Bedtime was postponed because everyone wanted the next chapter. Definitely recommend this to young readers
May 15, 2022
There is a lot to this book.
That's probably the best way to summarize my feedback -- a lot to it. There are a lot of characters, a lot of subplots, a lot of world building, a lot of places, a lot of challenges, lots of obstacles. But despite all that... it really did work. It's dense but never felt slow (quite the opposite) and much of that is due to the way the three main characters were leveraged to feel like we were on their adventures. I loved Aven... she was hilarious and constantly surprising. Parker was the right blend of rebel and struggling hero. Quinn is the wise older sibling thrust into a role that is certainly more than she's ready for (even if she is at least somewhat ready).
The book works -- characters, subplots, world building, places, challenges -- because you feel connected to the characters in their own role in this journey. The ending was very satisfying, but did leave me hanging enough to want to know what's happening now. I found myself frantically looking for book 2 at the end, only to realize it was the first in a planned series.
There's a lot here -- certainly more than you might imagine seeing a YA or MG book... the characters may be YA or MG, but the story has that right blend to make it attractive for young and old alike. Strong read.
That's probably the best way to summarize my feedback -- a lot to it. There are a lot of characters, a lot of subplots, a lot of world building, a lot of places, a lot of challenges, lots of obstacles. But despite all that... it really did work. It's dense but never felt slow (quite the opposite) and much of that is due to the way the three main characters were leveraged to feel like we were on their adventures. I loved Aven... she was hilarious and constantly surprising. Parker was the right blend of rebel and struggling hero. Quinn is the wise older sibling thrust into a role that is certainly more than she's ready for (even if she is at least somewhat ready).
The book works -- characters, subplots, world building, places, challenges -- because you feel connected to the characters in their own role in this journey. The ending was very satisfying, but did leave me hanging enough to want to know what's happening now. I found myself frantically looking for book 2 at the end, only to realize it was the first in a planned series.
There's a lot here -- certainly more than you might imagine seeing a YA or MG book... the characters may be YA or MG, but the story has that right blend to make it attractive for young and old alike. Strong read.
February 25, 2022
Written by my 10 year old daughter: I loved this book! There was a lot of suspense, and I was never bored while reading it. The characters in the story are easy to relate to, and the plot line is extraordinary. I like how the author writes the story to make it feel like you are actually there with the main characters, and you don't really know who your enemies are. I loved it so much that I read it again and again.
May 14, 2022
Perfect if you're a fan of strong female characters/protagonists like Hermonie (Harry Potter), Annabeth (Percy Jackson), Katniss (Hunger Games), Violet (Series of Unfortunate Events), or Lyra (Golden Compass).
If you're like me... you probably thought Hermonie really was the hero in Harry Potter (I mean she was right?) I thought this book was richly written and gave us the right blend of character and plot/story -- all wrapped in a complex world that did keep me guessing and thinking. But for me it was the three sisters who really drive this book and I found myself relating differently to each of them -- at times the perfectionist big sister (Quinn), rebellious middle child (Parker), and the hilarious 'class clown' (Aven). There is a lot to the story -- certainly as a first piece it set the stage well for the series without ever feeling 'bogged down' (which can be a risk when you have so much to tell/show).
I've been recommending to mostly girl-readers (but I'm certain boys would love too) in the 2nd grade to 7th grade set. It's definitely not full on YA (there's no romance), but I think there is plenty here without it (I did get a whiff of a future romance opportunity for the oldest sister... maybe). It's a terrific book, filled with fun details, surprises/twists, and character depth for days. Get it, read it, and share it with a friend. You won't be disappointed.
If you're like me... you probably thought Hermonie really was the hero in Harry Potter (I mean she was right?) I thought this book was richly written and gave us the right blend of character and plot/story -- all wrapped in a complex world that did keep me guessing and thinking. But for me it was the three sisters who really drive this book and I found myself relating differently to each of them -- at times the perfectionist big sister (Quinn), rebellious middle child (Parker), and the hilarious 'class clown' (Aven). There is a lot to the story -- certainly as a first piece it set the stage well for the series without ever feeling 'bogged down' (which can be a risk when you have so much to tell/show).
I've been recommending to mostly girl-readers (but I'm certain boys would love too) in the 2nd grade to 7th grade set. It's definitely not full on YA (there's no romance), but I think there is plenty here without it (I did get a whiff of a future romance opportunity for the oldest sister... maybe). It's a terrific book, filled with fun details, surprises/twists, and character depth for days. Get it, read it, and share it with a friend. You won't be disappointed.
May 16, 2022
When is book 2 coming out!?!?! I hate it when I find a book like this, tear through it in a couple days and realize the rest of the series isn't out yet. Darn, Darn, Double Darn. Ok, but setting that aside, let's talk about the Pennymores. I was in love with Everly and Fonde (all the clever names about writing and fonts made this aspiring author smirk and smile... Garamond Castle... yea my favorite font!) I'd never ever imagined a world without writing... but once you get inside the story it became very real... shopping, banks, libraries, and bedtime stories. All of it had to be reimagined... and that's why I tore through the book... it worked for me.
It did feel like there were really two books in one here -- similar to what you read in the first Harry Potter -- where you have to figure out the world, then have an adventure in it. Pennymores was the same discovering this world, realizing Parker's place in it, and discovering how to save the world. THEN the quest began... but that's what JK needed in HP, so I get the challenge... and this book was definitely up for it. I can only imagine how future stories will play out now.
Epic first one... and now I'll go back to finding another series to fill my time until the next one comes out. Hey Koester writers... any chance we can get a multiple book drop instead of just one book? 😉
It did feel like there were really two books in one here -- similar to what you read in the first Harry Potter -- where you have to figure out the world, then have an adventure in it. Pennymores was the same discovering this world, realizing Parker's place in it, and discovering how to save the world. THEN the quest began... but that's what JK needed in HP, so I get the challenge... and this book was definitely up for it. I can only imagine how future stories will play out now.
Epic first one... and now I'll go back to finding another series to fill my time until the next one comes out. Hey Koester writers... any chance we can get a multiple book drop instead of just one book? 😉
May 14, 2022
I'll begin by saying I'm not a big fantasy reader, so I was a little hesitant to pick up the Pennymores but it never felt like heavy, high fantasy -- it had that 'fantasy elements' without needing to remember how to spell crazy names, complex magic, and keep referring to the map.
I'd seen some comparisons by other readers to books like Harry Potter, Narnia, or the Hobbit. And while those certainly are valid, I thought the characters were more like what you'd meet in Pixar movies and books like Encanto, Onward, Turning Red, etc. It was fast-paced in that way -- the characters weren't clique at all but had this real character feel that we love about those Pixar movies (I've noticed these movies have become more and more character-focused -- which this certainly lines with).
And that's what was great -- it was a fantasy world, without the complexity you sometimes feel in fantasy. It was more like a Pixar story wrapped in a magical, mystical setting, and that's what has made me a fan. Certainly quite the debut... anxious to see what's ahead for these Pennymores.
I'd seen some comparisons by other readers to books like Harry Potter, Narnia, or the Hobbit. And while those certainly are valid, I thought the characters were more like what you'd meet in Pixar movies and books like Encanto, Onward, Turning Red, etc. It was fast-paced in that way -- the characters weren't clique at all but had this real character feel that we love about those Pixar movies (I've noticed these movies have become more and more character-focused -- which this certainly lines with).
And that's what was great -- it was a fantasy world, without the complexity you sometimes feel in fantasy. It was more like a Pixar story wrapped in a magical, mystical setting, and that's what has made me a fan. Certainly quite the debut... anxious to see what's ahead for these Pennymores.
May 16, 2022
If The Hobbit, Harry Potter, and Narnia had a book baby. I loved all three of those books and have recommended them to so many people -- the movies were all pretty good too, but the books are always better. And what all those books also have in common is they were great first books/stories that setup future ones, which Pennymores does in spades.
It's a quest book much like The Hobbit where the sisters must collect certain items before the waning moon, and that deadline kept things moving. I may have liked to see a bit more detail about some of the places on their adventures, but that's probably more my own desire than anything else. I'd guess future books will take us into some of those places. But like the Hobbit, there is a really unique set of bad guys at work -- the Illiterates and the Ravagers. The book does a really nice job showing how the Pennymores are really in the middle of this massive conflict and I'd guess over time we will see this continue to grow.
Great story, great adventure, great characters. I've already been recommending it.
It's a quest book much like The Hobbit where the sisters must collect certain items before the waning moon, and that deadline kept things moving. I may have liked to see a bit more detail about some of the places on their adventures, but that's probably more my own desire than anything else. I'd guess future books will take us into some of those places. But like the Hobbit, there is a really unique set of bad guys at work -- the Illiterates and the Ravagers. The book does a really nice job showing how the Pennymores are really in the middle of this massive conflict and I'd guess over time we will see this continue to grow.
Great story, great adventure, great characters. I've already been recommending it.
May 17, 2022
I have two daughters aged 9 and 7, and we listened to the book on Kindle Alexa. It's a long book (11 hours or so), but it kept their attention for an entire weekend... which is rare. Usually we break a book up over several weeks to listen to it, but they just kept listening to chapter after chapter. So the authors certainly did a great job.
I found my daughters 'playing Pennymores' afterward where they'd each picked up a quill and were writing magic -- one was Parker and one was Aven. Definitely fun to watch. I'll admit I didn't listen to the story quite as raptly as they did, but I did catch snippets and it was fun, sharp, and well constructed. The pacing was exceptional... each chapter had a lot to it, but at the end the girls couldn't stop because they wanted to hear what happened.
Terrific book. They loved it, and I think parents and kids alike will too.
I found my daughters 'playing Pennymores' afterward where they'd each picked up a quill and were writing magic -- one was Parker and one was Aven. Definitely fun to watch. I'll admit I didn't listen to the story quite as raptly as they did, but I did catch snippets and it was fun, sharp, and well constructed. The pacing was exceptional... each chapter had a lot to it, but at the end the girls couldn't stop because they wanted to hear what happened.
Terrific book. They loved it, and I think parents and kids alike will too.
May 23, 2022
It's long but never slow. I'm always a little hesitant to pick up a first book in a series that is more than 350 pages, so I did give it a little pause (because I'm a finisher... once I start I have to finish!) But this was never slow. Never felt that way. It has a lot going on and that kept me as the reader engaged -- a secret writing society, an ancient war, unique places and creatures, and a quest to save the world. Check, check check.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the length worked because it had enough depth to really show off this world, but not too much backstory to feel like it was long. Great great work... so much here, and no trouble finishing for me! When the next book comes out I may have to read it again.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the length worked because it had enough depth to really show off this world, but not too much backstory to feel like it was long. Great great work... so much here, and no trouble finishing for me! When the next book comes out I may have to read it again.
May 23, 2022
Nice to see some kickass girls in charge. I'm a bit of a fantasy genre nut, but I'll say the thing I hate is how everyone seems to think they are a fantasy lover when they've just read Harry Potter. That's pop fantasy... and those books should have been called Hermoine Granger anyways. Ron and Harry were saved in every book by her.
So I loved this book because we got to see these very relatable girls doing something awesome -- and it was a bit like having several books in one with act 1 focused on the escape, act 2 on the quest, and act 3 on the climax and resolution. Each of these acts were like a full story too, which was great for the reader.
Cheers to these three heroines. Real fantasy stuff -- they are who you want to be if you were magical. Trust me.
So I loved this book because we got to see these very relatable girls doing something awesome -- and it was a bit like having several books in one with act 1 focused on the escape, act 2 on the quest, and act 3 on the climax and resolution. Each of these acts were like a full story too, which was great for the reader.
Cheers to these three heroines. Real fantasy stuff -- they are who you want to be if you were magical. Trust me.
May 24, 2022
The Pennymore story really at its core was a grand adventure, and a quest. Different settings, scenes and lots of action along the way. At times, it did seems like there was too much going on, but admittedly I think that was because it's a first book setting up a pretty big idea.
But it's a book about family, friends, the power of writing, with lots of magic and mischief. The premise of the book was great, and I loved the little doodle-like images scattered throughout the text.
Overall, the book moved quickly. I never felt bored with it, but it also did have a lot of elements that forced me to pause at moments to think "okay... so this is how these fit." But that's the sign of a good one... lots to it!
But it's a book about family, friends, the power of writing, with lots of magic and mischief. The premise of the book was great, and I loved the little doodle-like images scattered throughout the text.
Overall, the book moved quickly. I never felt bored with it, but it also did have a lot of elements that forced me to pause at moments to think "okay... so this is how these fit." But that's the sign of a good one... lots to it!
June 20, 2022
Thank you so much Netgalley and Love Book Tours for the digital copy!
It was absolutely magical! The world building, the bonds between the siblings - their bravery, intelligence and humour, all of it kept me hooked from the very first page. It is a long book and sometimes tends to get confusing but these tiny drawbacks are ignorable compared to the plot. Imagine a world where 'writing' can both be powerful and dangerous and has the ability to unwrite people! The sisters have unique personalities and the struggles they had to overcome were relatable. If you are a fan of books with impressive, daring female leads, there's a good chance you would like it. There are scattered illustrations throughout the book which were cute. I can't wait to read the rest of the series ❤️
It was absolutely magical! The world building, the bonds between the siblings - their bravery, intelligence and humour, all of it kept me hooked from the very first page. It is a long book and sometimes tends to get confusing but these tiny drawbacks are ignorable compared to the plot. Imagine a world where 'writing' can both be powerful and dangerous and has the ability to unwrite people! The sisters have unique personalities and the struggles they had to overcome were relatable. If you are a fan of books with impressive, daring female leads, there's a good chance you would like it. There are scattered illustrations throughout the book which were cute. I can't wait to read the rest of the series ❤️
May 24, 2022
Go. Get. Pennymores. I always look to see if there is a map before I buy a fantasy book, and this one had two (one of which I saw was actually drawn with a real quill and inkwell, which was awesome). Maps mean there's enough behind the world that it needs a map, and Fonde is that place -- all the creatures, bad guys, obstacles, and a really cool setting where you write magic... and a secret writing society that is going to save the world.
I thought it has some of the best bits of The School of Good and Evil and The Mysterious Benedict Society. You'll love it if you like those sorts of books or shows.
I thought it has some of the best bits of The School of Good and Evil and The Mysterious Benedict Society. You'll love it if you like those sorts of books or shows.
May 24, 2022
My favorite character was definitely Quinn. I'm the oldest sister in my family, and she was so much like me -- her sisters were great, but she was the one who really helped keep the adventure moving. My favorite parts were Quinn's inventions -- the doughnut device, the underground rollercoaster, fixing the spinning wheel. I loved all that. I watched an interview with the real Quinn (the girl who wrote the book with her dad) and she said she loved Violet from Lemony Snickets and I could totally see that too.
It was so great, and I'm glad to see a girl like Quinn Pennymore who is like me. Big sisters are the best (and the other sisters were good too). Loved everything else about the book...
It was so great, and I'm glad to see a girl like Quinn Pennymore who is like me. Big sisters are the best (and the other sisters were good too). Loved everything else about the book...
February 5, 2022
I read the Pennymores to my 6-year-old and 4-year-old, with the oldest reading over my shoulder. When reading Harry Potter and similar books, I can’t keep both kids’ attention without the illustrated versions. The Pennymores is the only story that keeps them tuned in with words alone. They asked for the Pennymores every night until we finished it and, needless to say, that didn’t take long! Parents will notice a lot of important real world lessons woven through the book. The Pennymores has my strongest recommendation!
May 15, 2022
What a fun adventure to read! Our 11 year-old daughter loved it -- in fact, I found her asleep in her bed curled up with the book which let me know it was going to be a favorite. I read alongside her and it gave us a lot to discuss. She really enjoyed the conflict, which is fun to see. The sisters are these young heroes and there's a big conflict out there that was realistic enough, had enough scare-factor, but also felt perfect for the Pennymores to be able to try and defeat. She loved Wingfeather Saga, Wings of Fire, Harry Potter and Golden Compass and this was right up her alley.
February 8, 2022
It's always wonderful to find a book where line after line, you can feel the writer's love and care for the written word, and The Pennymores is definitely that kind of book. Similarly to the Inkheart trilogy, this story hooks you from the start, immerses you into its world, and fills you with the childlike wonder that can only be found in fantasy and books. The Pennymores is a wonderful adventure full of vibrant and fun characters and the most magical sort of magic there is: words.
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