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Through Smoke and Sand: The Folly of Wishes
A secret order of women tasked with maintaining the world’s goodness needs new recruits to avoid the resurgence of an ancient threat. Impulsive and fun-loving Lexi McArthur is turning 19 with no purpose in life, aside from a knack for solving other people’s problems. When her own problems manifest in an unexpected, relentless form, she can’t decline an offer to join the should-be mythical group of aging fairy godmothers. Between learning what they use their powers for and demonstrating her own lack of skill with that power, she wonders if the fairy godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee. With nighttime visits from a guy with mysterious magic, increasingly creepy mishaps in her new home, and a less-than-benevolent fairy godmother expecting her to fail, her new reality may not be an improvement over the life she left behind. When mistakes and secrets are revealed, she needs to figure out how to harness her abilities and how to trust the right people before a long-forgotten horror is unleashed.
- GenresFantasy
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2022
8 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Corrie Hathaway
3 books15 followersCorrie Hathaway is the author of the YA fantasy Through Smoke and Sand trilogy and the YA dystopian Oracus Duology. Books have been her delight and her refuge for her entire life, and she is thrilled to offer her stories to anyone who needs a diversion, specifically of the magical variety. Other than being an author, Corrie is a former Registered Nurse, a wife, a mom, a cat person, an over-smiler, an anxious wreck, and indulger of ice cream at the slightest provocation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 12, 2023
Lexi has had this need to help people for years. Suddenly on her 19th birthday, it becomes overwhelming and every stranger wants her to solve a problem for them. Right as she’s about to have her first real crisis, ever, her Fairy Godmother Gussy appears! Only Gussy isn’t her Fairy Godmother. She’s there to get Lexi to join them in their fight against evil by granting HEA’s.
Throughout this story, Lexi learns not only how to trust the people in her life, but how to use her powers for the greater good, even if she has a mishap or four along the way. Her love interest is the mysterious Oliver who comes and goes as he pleases but she always falls asleep before he leaves. What could he be?
I love fantasy but it’s been a while since a book has been able to get 5 stars from me in that category. This take on Fairy Godmothers was so fun and entertaining. I read it in one setting and can see it being turned into a movie with a cult following like Hocus Pocus. Would definitely recommend if you like light, fun, magical reads.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Green Elk Publishing for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout this story, Lexi learns not only how to trust the people in her life, but how to use her powers for the greater good, even if she has a mishap or four along the way. Her love interest is the mysterious Oliver who comes and goes as he pleases but she always falls asleep before he leaves. What could he be?
I love fantasy but it’s been a while since a book has been able to get 5 stars from me in that category. This take on Fairy Godmothers was so fun and entertaining. I read it in one setting and can see it being turned into a movie with a cult following like Hocus Pocus. Would definitely recommend if you like light, fun, magical reads.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Green Elk Publishing for the free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2023
So the author reached out to me on Instagram and asked me to check out her novel on NetGalley, which I agreed to do because I'll honestly read anything fantasy and I'm down to support an indie author.
I'll start off by saying that this really wasn't for me, but others might like it. I'm just not a fan of light fantasy with Disney elements, where everything is solved with the power of goodness. The Fairy Godmother-in-training storyline was pretty unique though. The writing is also well done.
This novel is very light-hearted and perfect for younger YA readers. The FMC is an adult who's just a little over high school age, but her POV and the writing reads much younger. This is one of those cases where I wonder if the protagonist should be aged down.
My major issues with this novel is that it's very heteronormative, amatonormative, and is basically all about following the status quo. I'm not sure if this is the author's beliefs leaking onto the page, but as someone who's none of the above, it feels very heavy-handed.
"True love" and being with "the one" was emphasized by one of the Fairy Godmothers while Lexi and Harriet are learning about giving blessings to young women. And cis hetero relationships are the only ones we see here (Lexi/Oliver, Lexi's mom/Kyle, literally every blessing that involves a young woman and the man she loves).
Before the third act, we see Lexi being rebellious and being her sarcastic loudmouth self. By the end of the book, she essentially learns her lesson by realizing that following the status quo and toning herself down to fit in with the group is the best way to go about it.
I feel icky about this revelation tbh and I'm not a huge fan of it. It sends a message that the correct way to do things is to mold yourself to the norm. None of the things that Lexi says are truly offensive, just sarcastic observations that might sting a little. But then again, that technically bucks the status quo, I guess. It feels very corporate or Christian America.
Thank you to Green Elk Publishing and NetGalley for the book.
I'll start off by saying that this really wasn't for me, but others might like it. I'm just not a fan of light fantasy with Disney elements, where everything is solved with the power of goodness. The Fairy Godmother-in-training storyline was pretty unique though. The writing is also well done.
This novel is very light-hearted and perfect for younger YA readers. The FMC is an adult who's just a little over high school age, but her POV and the writing reads much younger. This is one of those cases where I wonder if the protagonist should be aged down.
My major issues with this novel is that it's very heteronormative, amatonormative, and is basically all about following the status quo. I'm not sure if this is the author's beliefs leaking onto the page, but as someone who's none of the above, it feels very heavy-handed.
"True love" and being with "the one" was emphasized by one of the Fairy Godmothers while Lexi and Harriet are learning about giving blessings to young women. And cis hetero relationships are the only ones we see here (Lexi/Oliver, Lexi's mom/Kyle, literally every blessing that involves a young woman and the man she loves).
Before the third act, we see Lexi being rebellious and being her sarcastic loudmouth self. By the end of the book, she essentially learns her lesson by realizing that following the status quo and toning herself down to fit in with the group is the best way to go about it.
I feel icky about this revelation tbh and I'm not a huge fan of it. It sends a message that the correct way to do things is to mold yourself to the norm. None of the things that Lexi says are truly offensive, just sarcastic observations that might sting a little. But then again, that technically bucks the status quo, I guess. It feels very corporate or Christian America.
Thank you to Green Elk Publishing and NetGalley for the book.
February 7, 2023
This isn’t my usual kind of book as I’m a romance book lover but I absolutely loved this book!! It was so cute and funny and it was written so well! I loved all the different character personalities and I loved Oliver!!! Lexi cracked me up with her mouth so many times! I couldn’t put it down! This is a YA book and I’ll be buying this in paperback for my daughter to read. I think she’ll love it too and I’ll definitely read more books by this author when the time comes!
March 18, 2023
[DNF]
I always feel bad when DNF-ing a book but I couldn’t continue with this particular one.
The premise was surely something new that I had never read before but just to get to 30% of the book I struggled a lot. I didn’t like the introduction to this Fairy Godmothers world, I would have preferred it to be a little more in-depth, instead it seemed to me that the author was throwing a series of facts at us without a minimum of context.
I think that one of the reasons I didn’t like this book is that it would probably be more suitable for a younger audience. Maybe if I had read this story earlier, like in middle grade or high school, I would have appreciated it more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I always feel bad when DNF-ing a book but I couldn’t continue with this particular one.
The premise was surely something new that I had never read before but just to get to 30% of the book I struggled a lot. I didn’t like the introduction to this Fairy Godmothers world, I would have preferred it to be a little more in-depth, instead it seemed to me that the author was throwing a series of facts at us without a minimum of context.
I think that one of the reasons I didn’t like this book is that it would probably be more suitable for a younger audience. Maybe if I had read this story earlier, like in middle grade or high school, I would have appreciated it more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
I wish I had books like this when I was younger. I enjoyed it so much. I have always loved YA fantasy. Lexi is adorable, and I loved reading how she discovered and developed her magic. I found myself laughing out loud a lot. I loved her banter and humor. Her story of learning to trust others and herself was sweet, and her beautiful heart really shined through.
It was such a great twist to YA fantasy, a contemporary setting with magical fairy godmothers. I have never read anything like it before. It is definitely one to give my daughters one day. I will be looking forward to the second book
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook copy.
It was such a great twist to YA fantasy, a contemporary setting with magical fairy godmothers. I have never read anything like it before. It is definitely one to give my daughters one day. I will be looking forward to the second book
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook copy.
March 7, 2023
"The only way I could forget about what I went through was by focusing on other people and what they needed help with."
Firstly, I want to thank Net Galley, Corrie Hathaway, Tabitha Reynolds, and Green Elk Publishing for an advanced readers copy (arc) in return for an honest review.
Before reading, I was drawn to the book as a light-romance book in a fantasy setting, and I had to know more.
The MC, Lexi, is a newly 19 year old, who discovers that she is a fairy godmother. Throughout the novel, she has to learn the importance of believing in herself, and trusting others. Finding a balance between hers and others needs. I had never seen a fantasy book from a fairy godmothers perspective before & was ready to read more!
Although an interesting perspective, this book did not resonate with me. I found the MC to act much younger than her age (closer to age 14-15), the "romance" aspect was more companionship instead of flirty, and I found the story overall to be slow, uninteresting, and uneventful. I could have used a more impactful or interesting conclusion to the novel, more background on the fairy godmothers (their powers, how they came to be, etc), and more explanation on the rising evil that was knocking on her windows and infiltrating her dreams in the beginning of the book. Lastly, I thought this narrative & main plot device to be tired and over done. How many young and naive women find out they have powers at a certain age, and then save the world with minimal knowledge or practice?
That being said, I appreciated the relatability of the MC Lexi, the pov & lore from fairy godmothers & sandmen, and liked that it was an easy read as the material was not heavy or dark.
Unfortunately this book did not live up to its potential in my opinion, but I would still recommend this book to someone who wants a story on par with City of Bones, and loves a coming-of-age, contemporary style book, with lightly magical elements.
Firstly, I want to thank Net Galley, Corrie Hathaway, Tabitha Reynolds, and Green Elk Publishing for an advanced readers copy (arc) in return for an honest review.
Before reading, I was drawn to the book as a light-romance book in a fantasy setting, and I had to know more.
The MC, Lexi, is a newly 19 year old, who discovers that she is a fairy godmother. Throughout the novel, she has to learn the importance of believing in herself, and trusting others. Finding a balance between hers and others needs. I had never seen a fantasy book from a fairy godmothers perspective before & was ready to read more!
Although an interesting perspective, this book did not resonate with me. I found the MC to act much younger than her age (closer to age 14-15), the "romance" aspect was more companionship instead of flirty, and I found the story overall to be slow, uninteresting, and uneventful. I could have used a more impactful or interesting conclusion to the novel, more background on the fairy godmothers (their powers, how they came to be, etc), and more explanation on the rising evil that was knocking on her windows and infiltrating her dreams in the beginning of the book. Lastly, I thought this narrative & main plot device to be tired and over done. How many young and naive women find out they have powers at a certain age, and then save the world with minimal knowledge or practice?
That being said, I appreciated the relatability of the MC Lexi, the pov & lore from fairy godmothers & sandmen, and liked that it was an easy read as the material was not heavy or dark.
Unfortunately this book did not live up to its potential in my opinion, but I would still recommend this book to someone who wants a story on par with City of Bones, and loves a coming-of-age, contemporary style book, with lightly magical elements.
March 31, 2023
OKAY WOW. I received this ARC on NetGalley, and I went into this not knowing what to expect, and I learned this is the type of fantasy I love!
I felt like I was inside this world while reading, and I loved everything about this story. Lexi, our main character is neurodivergent and she doesn’t always think before acting. She is trying to learn how to be a fairy godmother, but he brain just can’t stop from acting out sometimes and saying everything she thinks.
I think the thing I liked most about this book was how there was no unnecessary fluff. Every word in this book lead to the end of the story, and there wasn’t a second wasted! This plot was intriguing, thrilling, heartwarming, gut wrenching, and adorable all at once.
If you like contemporary fantasy and want to follow a cozy story about fairy godmothers, first loves, found family, and saving the world, this book is for you!
Wasn’t expecting this to be a 5⭐️ read & I can’t wait to continue this series!
I felt like I was inside this world while reading, and I loved everything about this story. Lexi, our main character is neurodivergent and she doesn’t always think before acting. She is trying to learn how to be a fairy godmother, but he brain just can’t stop from acting out sometimes and saying everything she thinks.
I think the thing I liked most about this book was how there was no unnecessary fluff. Every word in this book lead to the end of the story, and there wasn’t a second wasted! This plot was intriguing, thrilling, heartwarming, gut wrenching, and adorable all at once.
If you like contemporary fantasy and want to follow a cozy story about fairy godmothers, first loves, found family, and saving the world, this book is for you!
Wasn’t expecting this to be a 5⭐️ read & I can’t wait to continue this series!
March 15, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Synopsis/Summary🧙♀️
A secret group overseeing humanity’s goodness needs new recruits to avoid the resurgence of an ancient threat. Lexi McArthur, a neurodivergent nineteen-year-old, has a knack for solving other people’s problems. When her own problems manifest in an unexpected, relentless form, she suspends her cynicism to join a should-be mythical group of wish granters. But their magic doesn’t come easily to Lexi, who wonders if the Fairy Godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee. With increasingly creepy mishaps in her new home, a mysterious guy who keeps his own magic a secret, and a less-than-benevolent mentor expecting her to fail, her new reality may not be an improvement over the life she left behind. The secrets hidden in her new home are more serious than the Fairy Godmothers will admit, and Lexi's own mistakes add to the growing danger. She must harness her abilities and learn to trust the right people, including herself, before a long-imprisoned horror breaks free.
Review🧙♀️
I kinda definetly say this is a YA aimed towards a younger age group. However, it read just like any other YA I've read to the point you could not really tell it was meant for a younger age. I really enjoyed TSAS and it's FMC Lexi. She's totally a hoot and a quick-witted girl. The plot is a fairly decent pace with a few small areas that are slow but necessary to the character growth of Lexi.
I really liked how descriptive the author is. It gives the book an ability to bring you into it. I of course can't write this review with out discussing Lexi's friend and romance. Oliver is such a darling❤️ He's a supportive guy with his own bater that's special between him and Lexi. It's a very clean romance and I'm here for it!
The ending leads to show that it's not a standalone and quite frankly, I plan to read the next book as well.
Thank you to the author and editor for being so kind and allowing me to read TSAS. I adore it so much!
Insta@icedvanilladork
Synopsis/Summary🧙♀️
A secret group overseeing humanity’s goodness needs new recruits to avoid the resurgence of an ancient threat. Lexi McArthur, a neurodivergent nineteen-year-old, has a knack for solving other people’s problems. When her own problems manifest in an unexpected, relentless form, she suspends her cynicism to join a should-be mythical group of wish granters. But their magic doesn’t come easily to Lexi, who wonders if the Fairy Godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee. With increasingly creepy mishaps in her new home, a mysterious guy who keeps his own magic a secret, and a less-than-benevolent mentor expecting her to fail, her new reality may not be an improvement over the life she left behind. The secrets hidden in her new home are more serious than the Fairy Godmothers will admit, and Lexi's own mistakes add to the growing danger. She must harness her abilities and learn to trust the right people, including herself, before a long-imprisoned horror breaks free.
Review🧙♀️
I kinda definetly say this is a YA aimed towards a younger age group. However, it read just like any other YA I've read to the point you could not really tell it was meant for a younger age. I really enjoyed TSAS and it's FMC Lexi. She's totally a hoot and a quick-witted girl. The plot is a fairly decent pace with a few small areas that are slow but necessary to the character growth of Lexi.
I really liked how descriptive the author is. It gives the book an ability to bring you into it. I of course can't write this review with out discussing Lexi's friend and romance. Oliver is such a darling❤️ He's a supportive guy with his own bater that's special between him and Lexi. It's a very clean romance and I'm here for it!
The ending leads to show that it's not a standalone and quite frankly, I plan to read the next book as well.
Thank you to the author and editor for being so kind and allowing me to read TSAS. I adore it so much!
Insta@icedvanilladork
March 18, 2023
Thank you to the amazing publisher, Corrie Hathaway and NetGalley for this ARC.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but I loved it!!!!
The author writes a dark fairytale type story about a young girl who goes to training to be a fairy godmother. She struggles as she doesn’t feel she fits into the fairy godmother stereotype. As she stumbles through training she discovers a dark presence is among them and with the help of her new friends mr. “sand” and her classmate they try to help save the world of godmothers and human kind alike.
This book was so cute. It is dark but soooo good! I love the banter and that the main character keeps fighting to stay true to herself. The MC’s love interest also is always pointing out that he loves what she considers negatives about herself and is always trying to remind her to be herself. The author does an amazing job developing all the characters. It was shorter book and I still felt like in such a short span the author developed each of the characters individually and you really felt like you understood each of them. The book while dark at some times still has some great humor and sparkle type magic. And I think all readers are going to want a magical Lily pad. Most of all the author just really reminds readers that we all add value to this world and we should remain true to ourselves. Furthermore we are all on our own journey and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others but instead celebrate the wins of others and uplift them. Highly recommend this book!
There is a pretty big trigger in this book of death of parents through murder by a child. So readers should be warned. The author moves pretty quickly over this part but I didn’t expect it in a young adult book.
**Possible spoilers below**
There is a focus by the current fairy godmothers of only helping others find love and that’s the only help they give. Which I’m hoping the author is going to continue this narrative with the MC changing this directive given by the fairy godmothers. I’m hoping her theme is to move that fairytales don’t have to just be about Prince saving princess type narrative.
I’m very excited for the next book and can’t wait to read it especially with it ending on a cliffhanger.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book but I loved it!!!!
The author writes a dark fairytale type story about a young girl who goes to training to be a fairy godmother. She struggles as she doesn’t feel she fits into the fairy godmother stereotype. As she stumbles through training she discovers a dark presence is among them and with the help of her new friends mr. “sand” and her classmate they try to help save the world of godmothers and human kind alike.
This book was so cute. It is dark but soooo good! I love the banter and that the main character keeps fighting to stay true to herself. The MC’s love interest also is always pointing out that he loves what she considers negatives about herself and is always trying to remind her to be herself. The author does an amazing job developing all the characters. It was shorter book and I still felt like in such a short span the author developed each of the characters individually and you really felt like you understood each of them. The book while dark at some times still has some great humor and sparkle type magic. And I think all readers are going to want a magical Lily pad. Most of all the author just really reminds readers that we all add value to this world and we should remain true to ourselves. Furthermore we are all on our own journey and we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others but instead celebrate the wins of others and uplift them. Highly recommend this book!
There is a pretty big trigger in this book of death of parents through murder by a child. So readers should be warned. The author moves pretty quickly over this part but I didn’t expect it in a young adult book.
**Possible spoilers below**
There is a focus by the current fairy godmothers of only helping others find love and that’s the only help they give. Which I’m hoping the author is going to continue this narrative with the MC changing this directive given by the fairy godmothers. I’m hoping her theme is to move that fairytales don’t have to just be about Prince saving princess type narrative.
I’m very excited for the next book and can’t wait to read it especially with it ending on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
“But a true romantic attachment with the right person gives you a home personified. Their heart provides a roof over your head with your name on the mailbox. Not any relationship and love will do that. But when the right one is found, that level of belonging is the happily ever after we strive to bring to those we serve.” This was my favorite quote of the book and made me really connect with the story on a deeper level. To me this showed truly heartfelt writing from the author.
This fantasy novel was my first read from this author. Hathaways twist on the traditional Disney fairy godmother was a welcomed adventure. This story is great for preteens 12 and older along with being great for adults of all ages! I really enjoyed Lexi’s character and seeing how she grew and learned throughout the story. Her relationship with Oliver was so heartwarming and I enjoyed watching how their connection grew throughout the storyline. The elder fairy godmothers were also nicely written as each one had such distinct characteristics that showed their different personalities. Fairy godmother Wilhelmina was my least favorite but a necessary antagonist and Harriet the other new fairy godmother recruit didn’t win me over until the last 1/3 of the book. I loved the creativity of the setting of the godmothers home in Spindle Peak and loved how their poofing would transport the reader to other settings within the same story. The two things I would have liked to see (which maybe will happen in the next book) would have been multiple narrators to give different POVs and for Lexi and Oliver’s relationship to get just a touch deeper because they were such a sweet duo! Over all this was an excellent book that will be especially great for young teenage girls since there was a great balance of love, adventure, good and evil without having adult level romance or violence. I think many adults will enjoy this book but would potentially rate it more of a 4 star read if they prefer more adult content in what they are reading. For me I enjoy a refresh from some of the more intense adult read and this book was still an adventure while also being a well rounded family read. I look forward to recommending this series to my daughter and reading the next book this series has in store!
This fantasy novel was my first read from this author. Hathaways twist on the traditional Disney fairy godmother was a welcomed adventure. This story is great for preteens 12 and older along with being great for adults of all ages! I really enjoyed Lexi’s character and seeing how she grew and learned throughout the story. Her relationship with Oliver was so heartwarming and I enjoyed watching how their connection grew throughout the storyline. The elder fairy godmothers were also nicely written as each one had such distinct characteristics that showed their different personalities. Fairy godmother Wilhelmina was my least favorite but a necessary antagonist and Harriet the other new fairy godmother recruit didn’t win me over until the last 1/3 of the book. I loved the creativity of the setting of the godmothers home in Spindle Peak and loved how their poofing would transport the reader to other settings within the same story. The two things I would have liked to see (which maybe will happen in the next book) would have been multiple narrators to give different POVs and for Lexi and Oliver’s relationship to get just a touch deeper because they were such a sweet duo! Over all this was an excellent book that will be especially great for young teenage girls since there was a great balance of love, adventure, good and evil without having adult level romance or violence. I think many adults will enjoy this book but would potentially rate it more of a 4 star read if they prefer more adult content in what they are reading. For me I enjoy a refresh from some of the more intense adult read and this book was still an adventure while also being a well rounded family read. I look forward to recommending this series to my daughter and reading the next book this series has in store!
February 20, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and Corrie Hathaway for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Being honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book as I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I absolutely loved it! It was magical, charming and an absolute breath of fresh air.
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘐𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳.”
Lexi has spent her life helping other people with their problems but on her 19th birthday this trait of hers is excessively heightened, causing her a dilemma of her own to try and solve. However, whilst she is drafting her own brainstorm, in enters Gussy, a Fairy Godmother who is there to recruit Lexi to their cause against restoring good and banishing evil. What follows is a journey of mystifying magic full of twists and turns.
I felt like nearly every chapter ended on such a cliffhanger that I just had to continue reading which definitely helped me to finish the book faster than anticipated.
I adored the character of Oliver (😍) and loved the mystery that surrounded him. I also enjoyed the different personalities of the Fairy Godmothers and getting to know each of them individually. In the future I would love more development around their history and their becoming Fairy Godmothers.
After reading the prologue I was worried that the story was going to be hard to follow but Hathaway did such a good job of world building that this wasn’t a problem whatsoever. My only negative was that I felt it lost it’s way slightly for a few chapters in the middle of the book but the ending was captivating so this more than made up for it!
I am so pleased that this is the first of a trilogy and I honestly can’t wait for the other two books to come out. I also think this would make a fantastic TV series!
Being honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book as I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I absolutely loved it! It was magical, charming and an absolute breath of fresh air.
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘐𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳.”
Lexi has spent her life helping other people with their problems but on her 19th birthday this trait of hers is excessively heightened, causing her a dilemma of her own to try and solve. However, whilst she is drafting her own brainstorm, in enters Gussy, a Fairy Godmother who is there to recruit Lexi to their cause against restoring good and banishing evil. What follows is a journey of mystifying magic full of twists and turns.
I felt like nearly every chapter ended on such a cliffhanger that I just had to continue reading which definitely helped me to finish the book faster than anticipated.
I adored the character of Oliver (😍) and loved the mystery that surrounded him. I also enjoyed the different personalities of the Fairy Godmothers and getting to know each of them individually. In the future I would love more development around their history and their becoming Fairy Godmothers.
After reading the prologue I was worried that the story was going to be hard to follow but Hathaway did such a good job of world building that this wasn’t a problem whatsoever. My only negative was that I felt it lost it’s way slightly for a few chapters in the middle of the book but the ending was captivating so this more than made up for it!
I am so pleased that this is the first of a trilogy and I honestly can’t wait for the other two books to come out. I also think this would make a fantastic TV series!
April 1, 2023
I knew nothing about this book going into it. Looking at the cover, I figured it would be something more of a serious YA fantasy….
It’s about Fairy Godmothers.
Yes, it’s true. And it was TOTALLY cool!
First of all, I really enjoyed the writing itself. The author wrote artfully. I found myself pausing time and time again just to appreciate a neat phrase or to let it soak in. I feel like that is rare in YA fantasy.
I also loved the unique way that she spun this story about Fairy Godmothers. It wasn’t all lightness and rainbows as I imagined. There are many other atypical twists that I won’t delve into so you can be pleasantly surprised like I was 😏
The pace of the book was excellent, I loved the side characters as much as the main character, the romance is simple and sweet, and I think the title is SO awesome after reading the book and knowing why it is called this.
It’s about Fairy Godmothers.
Yes, it’s true. And it was TOTALLY cool!
First of all, I really enjoyed the writing itself. The author wrote artfully. I found myself pausing time and time again just to appreciate a neat phrase or to let it soak in. I feel like that is rare in YA fantasy.
I also loved the unique way that she spun this story about Fairy Godmothers. It wasn’t all lightness and rainbows as I imagined. There are many other atypical twists that I won’t delve into so you can be pleasantly surprised like I was 😏
The pace of the book was excellent, I loved the side characters as much as the main character, the romance is simple and sweet, and I think the title is SO awesome after reading the book and knowing why it is called this.
February 13, 2023
I’m not really sure what I expected when I requested this book, but I didn’t get it…in a good way! This book is filled with wonder, angst, action, a little romance, and a lot of fun. Poor Lexi is a more mature teen who isn’t sure of her path in life, but she finds a path when she’s offered the chance to be a Fairy Godmother. The fun just begins from there. I loved all of these characters, and I loved how this book was filled with a little joy and magic, and while it did seem a little YA-ish to me, it didn’t feel too much like one to turn me off. The book could have been pared down a little as there were places it dragged and were unnecessary, but that was not really too noticeable. I’m ready for the next one to find out what happens after a certain someone wakes up. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 7, 2023
Lexi is freshly 19 and trying to figure out what’s going wrong with her life. People always come to her with their problems, whether it be strangers, friends or family. However, moments after turning 19, the quaint shop she works at becomes a disaster – people swarm left and right, chasing after her for her advice. She eventually returns home, where they swarm her, but she is greeted by Gussy, a Fairy Godmother and receives an invitation to join the order. And so her newfound life as a Fairy Godmother begins – with Harriet, a newcomer to the order as well, Oliver – a mysterious, but sweet man, and the crew of Godmothers. However, evil lurks within – and the frantic scurry of the Godmothers hiding strange happenings does no justice for Lexi or Harriet’s concerns.
This book was an absolute doozy. While the first three chapters were wildly impractical and set the rest of the book’s pace well, it lost much of its luster after the first 100 or so pages. It seemed odd that people were just drawn to her, to the point they hurt themselves trying to get her advice. Unfortunately, much of the book fell into the routine of Fairy Godmother training, some light romance, and the struggle with the “big bads”. Who.. weren’t described very well, in my opinion. What’s the point of having villains, someone to fight against if you don’t even explain their origin, their goals until you’re 80% finished? But it’s a retelling of a common fairytale, so I let it slide.
Lexi is an amazing, spunky narrator who truly breathes life into the story. However, it becomes repetitive and redundant. I didn’t need a constant stream of snark and impulsive thinking. I wanted her to grow as a character, to use one of her brain cells to slow down and actually think before she acted. To a degree, albeit very slightly, she did. But it was smack at the end.
“I recently found out that people plan things out ahead of time. They actually consider what could go wrong before going for it and come up with backup plans. I don’t really do that.”
One thing I absolutely adored, Lexi, Harriet and Oliver aside, was the actual Godmothers themselves. They each fell into a stereotypical archetype, but they did it so well. Much of what they did made me want to pinch their cheeks, they were so adorable and heartwarming in their kind actions.
"There’s no point in having a rear end this size if it doesn’t let you fall without breaking a hip. I always knew those muffins were a good idea.”
For me, the Godmothers were the absolute highlight of the story. Lexi was ok, but annoying after a while. Harriet was a typical goody-two-shoes, and Oliver was the mysterious love interest.
Godmothers aside, the pacing was brisk for the first few chapters, was lulled into a predictable routine, and then tore the predictability out near the end of the story. The ending too, felt abrupt, unfinished – and the “to be continued,” didn’t leave too much for the imagination. While I’ll read the next book when it comes out, I have high hopes that the pacing and some of the predictability lessens.
Overall, a good book that’s perfect for a YA lover who enjoys a twist on the classical tales, fraught with magic, adventure and a slow-burn romance.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review*
This book was an absolute doozy. While the first three chapters were wildly impractical and set the rest of the book’s pace well, it lost much of its luster after the first 100 or so pages. It seemed odd that people were just drawn to her, to the point they hurt themselves trying to get her advice. Unfortunately, much of the book fell into the routine of Fairy Godmother training, some light romance, and the struggle with the “big bads”. Who.. weren’t described very well, in my opinion. What’s the point of having villains, someone to fight against if you don’t even explain their origin, their goals until you’re 80% finished? But it’s a retelling of a common fairytale, so I let it slide.
Lexi is an amazing, spunky narrator who truly breathes life into the story. However, it becomes repetitive and redundant. I didn’t need a constant stream of snark and impulsive thinking. I wanted her to grow as a character, to use one of her brain cells to slow down and actually think before she acted. To a degree, albeit very slightly, she did. But it was smack at the end.
“I recently found out that people plan things out ahead of time. They actually consider what could go wrong before going for it and come up with backup plans. I don’t really do that.”
One thing I absolutely adored, Lexi, Harriet and Oliver aside, was the actual Godmothers themselves. They each fell into a stereotypical archetype, but they did it so well. Much of what they did made me want to pinch their cheeks, they were so adorable and heartwarming in their kind actions.
"There’s no point in having a rear end this size if it doesn’t let you fall without breaking a hip. I always knew those muffins were a good idea.”
For me, the Godmothers were the absolute highlight of the story. Lexi was ok, but annoying after a while. Harriet was a typical goody-two-shoes, and Oliver was the mysterious love interest.
Godmothers aside, the pacing was brisk for the first few chapters, was lulled into a predictable routine, and then tore the predictability out near the end of the story. The ending too, felt abrupt, unfinished – and the “to be continued,” didn’t leave too much for the imagination. While I’ll read the next book when it comes out, I have high hopes that the pacing and some of the predictability lessens.
Overall, a good book that’s perfect for a YA lover who enjoys a twist on the classical tales, fraught with magic, adventure and a slow-burn romance.
*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review*
February 14, 2023
This was a book that I caught myself laughing at some of the funny tales. Worth reading.
December 22, 2022
I loved every single bit of this story. It was impossible to put down once I picked it up. Lexi, Harriet, Oliver, and all the Fairy Godmothers were such wonderful characters. I feel like I've lived a whole other life while reading this! Everyone should pick it up
October 26, 2022
Absolutely charming and engaging. I can’t wait for more!
October 31, 2022
Such a good book. I'd love to see this story continued.
December 3, 2022
A fun, delightfully refreshing read! I liked it!
December 22, 2022
I loved this book so much. I wish I could see a movie about this!
August 9, 2023
A secret order of women tasked with maintaining the world's goodness needs new recruits to avoid the resurgence of an ancient threat. Impulsive and fun-loving Lexi McArthur is turning 19 with no purpose in life, aside from a knack for solving other people's problems.
When her own problems manifest in an unexpected, relentless form, she can't decline an offer to join the should-be mythical group of aging fairy godmothers. Between learning what they use their powers for and demonstrating her own lack of skill with that power, she wonders if the fairy godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee.
This book was definitely a wildcard for me. I didn’t even read the stenosis going in so I was thrown into a male storm of confusion of what this book was about. But once I got my footing, this book definitely grew on me. The main character Lexi for sure is relatable as hell and reminded me so much of myself that I couldn’t help but I want to see where her story went. A lot of the dialogue for sure Had me cracking up and with stuff that I would’ve said if I was in her position.
But as for the plot for sure dragged a bit to the point where I wanted to skip a couple chapters to get to the meat of the story between good and evil. Which is dangerous cause i want the whole story to be readable and enjoyable and this book falls into boring territory quite a few times.
But for sure got better after a little sluggish middle and you can tell that it set up a sequel to be commissioned. More than likely would read it, but not immediately as it’s released. I would say it’s a solid novel, but falls into the forgettable category
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
When her own problems manifest in an unexpected, relentless form, she can't decline an offer to join the should-be mythical group of aging fairy godmothers. Between learning what they use their powers for and demonstrating her own lack of skill with that power, she wonders if the fairy godmothers picked the wrong girl, especially when compared to her fellow trainee.
This book was definitely a wildcard for me. I didn’t even read the stenosis going in so I was thrown into a male storm of confusion of what this book was about. But once I got my footing, this book definitely grew on me. The main character Lexi for sure is relatable as hell and reminded me so much of myself that I couldn’t help but I want to see where her story went. A lot of the dialogue for sure Had me cracking up and with stuff that I would’ve said if I was in her position.
But as for the plot for sure dragged a bit to the point where I wanted to skip a couple chapters to get to the meat of the story between good and evil. Which is dangerous cause i want the whole story to be readable and enjoyable and this book falls into boring territory quite a few times.
But for sure got better after a little sluggish middle and you can tell that it set up a sequel to be commissioned. More than likely would read it, but not immediately as it’s released. I would say it’s a solid novel, but falls into the forgettable category
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
April 14, 2023
Through Smoke And Sand was such a fun and extremely fast paced YA fantasy!
Lexi has always found herself drawn to helping others. It is more than just a desire, but a complete need to help those that request it of her. When this power of helping others increases and grows completely out of control, Lexi is visited by her Fairy Godmother and invited to join her in a magical sisterhood. There is an evil power growing, and the wishes that the Fairy Godmothers grant are the only forces that can fight against the evil.
This would be a really great beginner fantasy novel. It was fast paced and so engaging. I never once found myself bored with the story and instead found it so hard to put down! There was always something going on and the plot really flowed well together! This is also an extremely light fantasy. There was not a lot of world building – something that I actually really missed because I wanted MORE in regards to the Fairy Godmothers and their origin story and how all the magic worked, but it made everything very easy to understand.
The characters in this book were absolutely exceptional. I loved ALL the Fairy Godmothers. The way Lexi struggled with trusting herself and coming into her own power was so relatable and felt so real. We love that neurodivergent rep! And, can we just take a moment to appreciate Oliver as the most precious character ever? Omg. I love him endlessly.
Such a fun read, I can’t wait to continue the story with the next one! Thanks so much to Corrie Hathaway, Netgalley, and Green Elk Publishing for the eARC and to Tabitha Reynolds for reaching out to me to read this one in exchange for an honest review!
Lexi has always found herself drawn to helping others. It is more than just a desire, but a complete need to help those that request it of her. When this power of helping others increases and grows completely out of control, Lexi is visited by her Fairy Godmother and invited to join her in a magical sisterhood. There is an evil power growing, and the wishes that the Fairy Godmothers grant are the only forces that can fight against the evil.
This would be a really great beginner fantasy novel. It was fast paced and so engaging. I never once found myself bored with the story and instead found it so hard to put down! There was always something going on and the plot really flowed well together! This is also an extremely light fantasy. There was not a lot of world building – something that I actually really missed because I wanted MORE in regards to the Fairy Godmothers and their origin story and how all the magic worked, but it made everything very easy to understand.
The characters in this book were absolutely exceptional. I loved ALL the Fairy Godmothers. The way Lexi struggled with trusting herself and coming into her own power was so relatable and felt so real. We love that neurodivergent rep! And, can we just take a moment to appreciate Oliver as the most precious character ever? Omg. I love him endlessly.
Such a fun read, I can’t wait to continue the story with the next one! Thanks so much to Corrie Hathaway, Netgalley, and Green Elk Publishing for the eARC and to Tabitha Reynolds for reaching out to me to read this one in exchange for an honest review!
February 12, 2023
📖Book 23/100
💫Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi
📲ARC📲
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m usually a romance, mystery, and thriller book lover, but I absolutely loved this book!! I even took it with me to the gym and caught myself laughing out loud and lost treacle of time. It was an adorable, funny, and very well written slow burning adventure. Lexi was a gifted helper of people until her 19th birthday when her gift became a burden due to chaos. She was such a great character with just the right amount of sass and wit. I enjoyed all the different characters and loved Oliver!!! The character development, plot, and writing style were great, and I honestly couldn’t put it down! This is a clean YA book that reminded me of my love for Harry Potter and magical Fantasy/Sci-Fi. This book is the perfect gift to 10-12 advanced readers, teenagers, adolescents, and lovers of Majestic Sci-Fi. Great to have in a school, home, or class library for kids of all ages to grab and read, and it’s out already!
💫💫💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you so much NetGalley and @tabithareynoldswrites for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review💕
✨✨✨✨✨✨
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
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💫Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi
📲ARC📲
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m usually a romance, mystery, and thriller book lover, but I absolutely loved this book!! I even took it with me to the gym and caught myself laughing out loud and lost treacle of time. It was an adorable, funny, and very well written slow burning adventure. Lexi was a gifted helper of people until her 19th birthday when her gift became a burden due to chaos. She was such a great character with just the right amount of sass and wit. I enjoyed all the different characters and loved Oliver!!! The character development, plot, and writing style were great, and I honestly couldn’t put it down! This is a clean YA book that reminded me of my love for Harry Potter and magical Fantasy/Sci-Fi. This book is the perfect gift to 10-12 advanced readers, teenagers, adolescents, and lovers of Majestic Sci-Fi. Great to have in a school, home, or class library for kids of all ages to grab and read, and it’s out already!
💫💫💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you so much NetGalley and @tabithareynoldswrites for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review💕
✨✨✨✨✨✨
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammersunite
#bookreview #booktok #book #books #booksarelife #booksaremagical #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookclubforintroverts #booklovers #booklover #fictional #fiction #fictionbooks #booknerd #bookworm #bookworms #bibliophile #comtemporaryromance #bookboyfriend #throughsandandsnow #fantasybooks #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreview #arcreader
March 28, 2023
I read an eARC of this so thank you to Net Galley, the author and the publisher for allowing this.
Through Smoke and Sand is a refreshing new entry to YA fiction. I think this might be the first book I’ve read where Fairy Godmothers are the central focus rather than supporting cast. This was a fun topic and I enjoyed reading about the history and goals of the Fairy Godmothers.
Our main character Lexi is working in a job that’s not going so well. She’s good at helping people with their problems and it gets in the way of her work. On her 19th birthday, suddenly everyone around her starts obsessively demanding her help, to the point that they’re breaking windows to get to her. Whilst hiding, Gussy appears to ask Lexi to join the Fairy Godmothers. In her desperation to escape Lexi travels to a mountain to find them.
I found Lexi’s feelings of being overwhelmed by so many people needing her help really relatable and it made me surprised that I haven’t seen this in more books. This really resonated with me. Lexi really wants to help others but it makes her vulnerable and people do take advantage. When she joins the Fairy Godmothers, she takes some toxic habits with her and has to learn to listen and trust others. At times Lexi was frustrating in how she acts without thinking, but this was part of her growth as she learns to work with others and consider their opinions.
The writing did feel like it was aimed for younger readers, however that didn’t detract from an enjoyable and interesting tale on fantasy.
Certain supporting characters really made this book. Harriet who is so sweet and kind and really shows the value of working hard and trying your best, Oliver who is so supportive, and lovely Gussy who bridges the past and the future in the Fairy Godmothers.
Through Smoke and Sand is a refreshing new entry to YA fiction. I think this might be the first book I’ve read where Fairy Godmothers are the central focus rather than supporting cast. This was a fun topic and I enjoyed reading about the history and goals of the Fairy Godmothers.
Our main character Lexi is working in a job that’s not going so well. She’s good at helping people with their problems and it gets in the way of her work. On her 19th birthday, suddenly everyone around her starts obsessively demanding her help, to the point that they’re breaking windows to get to her. Whilst hiding, Gussy appears to ask Lexi to join the Fairy Godmothers. In her desperation to escape Lexi travels to a mountain to find them.
I found Lexi’s feelings of being overwhelmed by so many people needing her help really relatable and it made me surprised that I haven’t seen this in more books. This really resonated with me. Lexi really wants to help others but it makes her vulnerable and people do take advantage. When she joins the Fairy Godmothers, she takes some toxic habits with her and has to learn to listen and trust others. At times Lexi was frustrating in how she acts without thinking, but this was part of her growth as she learns to work with others and consider their opinions.
The writing did feel like it was aimed for younger readers, however that didn’t detract from an enjoyable and interesting tale on fantasy.
Certain supporting characters really made this book. Harriet who is so sweet and kind and really shows the value of working hard and trying your best, Oliver who is so supportive, and lovely Gussy who bridges the past and the future in the Fairy Godmothers.
March 8, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley and Tabitha, for reaching out and providing this arc for me.
Initially, from the start of the book, I was hooked. I was curious to read a fantasy novel where the main character's issue arises because of her need to help. The people around her enter a haze where they all suffocate her with problems, and she tries to figure out a solution to drown it all away. So we follow her character choosing between the unknown escape or suffocating in the present. The introduction to her new life was exciting because this premise is a unique one that I have yet to read about. Fairy godmothers with an academic twist. It was a fresh start for me. But the more I continued the book, the more frustrating she became. Lexi though 19, had the thought process of a 13-year-old. Her behaviour and recklessness were all very juvenile acts. It was hard trying to sympathise with her. Character, wise I liked Oliver's character. I enjoyed Harriet and Oliver's personalities and how close their friendship had grown as individuals. I would like to have seen more of Oliver's background. Lexis' inner thoughts, I won't lie, resonated with me at times, and she was pretty funny throughout the novel.
I hoped for a more substantial background to her abilities, the villain's origin, the history behind the godmothers and their individual powers. This is more of a YA fantasy than an adult fantasy. I recommend it if you're looking for a YA light-hearted fantasy novel with friendship, funny characters and an easy read. This is a good choice for a younger audience wanting to dip their toes into fantasy.
Initially, from the start of the book, I was hooked. I was curious to read a fantasy novel where the main character's issue arises because of her need to help. The people around her enter a haze where they all suffocate her with problems, and she tries to figure out a solution to drown it all away. So we follow her character choosing between the unknown escape or suffocating in the present. The introduction to her new life was exciting because this premise is a unique one that I have yet to read about. Fairy godmothers with an academic twist. It was a fresh start for me. But the more I continued the book, the more frustrating she became. Lexi though 19, had the thought process of a 13-year-old. Her behaviour and recklessness were all very juvenile acts. It was hard trying to sympathise with her. Character, wise I liked Oliver's character. I enjoyed Harriet and Oliver's personalities and how close their friendship had grown as individuals. I would like to have seen more of Oliver's background. Lexis' inner thoughts, I won't lie, resonated with me at times, and she was pretty funny throughout the novel.
I hoped for a more substantial background to her abilities, the villain's origin, the history behind the godmothers and their individual powers. This is more of a YA fantasy than an adult fantasy. I recommend it if you're looking for a YA light-hearted fantasy novel with friendship, funny characters and an easy read. This is a good choice for a younger audience wanting to dip their toes into fantasy.
March 6, 2023
Through Smoke and Sand was not only relatable but nice change of pace of fantasy that I have been reading. I am just now getting back into reading fantasy and this reminded me of my childhood, the kind of fantasy books I would read. Spunky Lexi was such a relatable character as well as sweet Harriet! I love helping others and definitely would put that over me. It definitely was a mix of genuinely wanting to help and feeling like I had to help because of coping strategies I learned growing up. As I got older it got hard wanting to help others because I was so exhausted. I didn't know much about the proverbial cup of filling your cup up first before you fill others.
I especially loved when Lexi challenged that old ways about what happily ever afters meant were not always just that way. There were other ways to seek your happily ever after and it looked different for everyone.
My favorite quote in the book is "It was hard to avoid action because of fear, if I never gave myself enough time to imagine how things could go wrong." I love this because I am a worrywart and do tend to avoid action due to the fear I have imagined. But instead of thinking about what could go wrong, I could also flip the script and think of all the things that could go right!
Overall a fun, slow-burn, friendship focused novel!
I especially loved when Lexi challenged that old ways about what happily ever afters meant were not always just that way. There were other ways to seek your happily ever after and it looked different for everyone.
My favorite quote in the book is "It was hard to avoid action because of fear, if I never gave myself enough time to imagine how things could go wrong." I love this because I am a worrywart and do tend to avoid action due to the fear I have imagined. But instead of thinking about what could go wrong, I could also flip the script and think of all the things that could go right!
Overall a fun, slow-burn, friendship focused novel!
June 3, 2023
In this delightfully original tale, readers are transported into a world where childhood trauma and fairytales collide. This is a whimsical and enchanting story that follows the journey of Lexi, a young woman chosen to become a fairy godmother in training to combat the darkness seeping into the world.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its unique blend of humor and charm. Lexi's funny and sarcastic personality adds a refreshing touch to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout. The witty banter and comedic moments bring a lightness to the story, balancing the deeper themes that lie beneath the surface. It offers a thought-provoking examination of trauma and resilience, reminding us that even in the most whimsical of tales, there can be hidden depths.
A central aspect of the story is the heartwarming romance between Lexi and Oliver. Oliver's genuine nature and his willingness to embrace his vulnerability make him a truly endearing character, perfectly complementing Lexi's difficulty with the idea of relying on others and her caution about love.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its unique blend of humor and charm. Lexi's funny and sarcastic personality adds a refreshing touch to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and entertained throughout. The witty banter and comedic moments bring a lightness to the story, balancing the deeper themes that lie beneath the surface. It offers a thought-provoking examination of trauma and resilience, reminding us that even in the most whimsical of tales, there can be hidden depths.
A central aspect of the story is the heartwarming romance between Lexi and Oliver. Oliver's genuine nature and his willingness to embrace his vulnerability make him a truly endearing character, perfectly complementing Lexi's difficulty with the idea of relying on others and her caution about love.
April 30, 2023
I had a lot of fun with this YA fantasy. I don’t think I’ve ever read something set in the world of Fairy Godmothers. I loved Lexi and Oliver’s friendship. I was delighted that I guessed what kind of magical Oliver was before he revealed it to Lexi (no spoilers from me here). I also loved all the older fairy godmothers. I liked the contrast between neurodivergent, no-filter Lexi and the other initiate, bubbly, pure-hearted Harriet. My complaints are that Lexi seemed a bit younger than 19 to me, I wanted more background and worldbuilding on all things fairy godmother, and the romance was a subplot and extremely slow burn (no kisses in this one). But all of that basically means I’m ready for book two in this trilogy!
Thanks to NetGalley and @tabithareynoldswrites for reaching out to me with this eARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and @tabithareynoldswrites for reaching out to me with this eARC.
May 27, 2023
This contemporary fantasy was pitched to me as being clean, and for fans of Narnia. It is clean, and is a portal fantasy. However, I wasn't a fan.
The story was fine. It read like a sweet contemporary romance set in a fantasy world. Fairy godmothers, found family, and a cute love interest, and a neurodivergent MC. If this is your cup of tea, you would be a much better audience than I was.
I have a lot of criticism, but I feel that it is based on reading a style of novel I am not interested in. The inner monologuing was driving me crazy for the most part, and the story was a bit silly in my opinion. However, I do think this is merely a matter of preference, and I know that there's a large audience for this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review.
The story was fine. It read like a sweet contemporary romance set in a fantasy world. Fairy godmothers, found family, and a cute love interest, and a neurodivergent MC. If this is your cup of tea, you would be a much better audience than I was.
I have a lot of criticism, but I feel that it is based on reading a style of novel I am not interested in. The inner monologuing was driving me crazy for the most part, and the story was a bit silly in my opinion. However, I do think this is merely a matter of preference, and I know that there's a large audience for this.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for review.
April 4, 2023
This was such a cute and cozy fantasy book! I loved that this book was so close to home for me in Washington!
The writing was so enjoyable and so descriptive.
I love the unique way Corrie wrote a story about Fairy Godmothers. I adored Lexi and Oliver 😍 such great characters and really good banter between the two! I also really enjoyed the different personalities of the Fairy Godmothers and getting to know them.
The cliffhanger got me and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
This was 4.5 stars for me!
Thank you to @netgalley for the book! And thank you to Tabitha Engel for reaching out and offering the book to me through NetGalley!
The writing was so enjoyable and so descriptive.
I love the unique way Corrie wrote a story about Fairy Godmothers. I adored Lexi and Oliver 😍 such great characters and really good banter between the two! I also really enjoyed the different personalities of the Fairy Godmothers and getting to know them.
The cliffhanger got me and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!
This was 4.5 stars for me!
Thank you to @netgalley for the book! And thank you to Tabitha Engel for reaching out and offering the book to me through NetGalley!
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