Famous' adventure began with fairy tales of monsters, witches and wizards. The fairy tales her mother had told her as a child.
One day she asked her mother where she came up with such fantastic stories. She told Famous that they were stories from her journey to finding her and one day she too would take the same journey.
Her Mother's dying wish was for Famous to take the journey she had taken years before. The journey to where she had found Famous. An adventure that turned out to be so much like those fairy tales. Her childhood stories come to life in this epic adventure, years after her Mother's death.
Finding the journal was the beginning of finding herself the way her mother had found her. Famous finds herself faced with the unbelievable characters she had thought could only exist in fairy tales.
Alexis Anicque, author, wife, mother of two grown children, and Nana of three. Self proclaimed world traveler and adventure seeker. Spends her time living on sailboats, jumping on planes, trains,or buses. She loves the city life and public transportation. Author of the Finding Famous series, young adult fantasy fiction and From Money to Murder, a steamy romance with a murder mystery twist.
I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review I am a person who really like details in the stories but here it felt like it was too much. I see someone else mentioning that the Pov`s and writing was messy and eh. Plus Famous was supposed to be 28 or so? But honestly if i hadn`t known, i might have thought that she was alot younger.
Thank you Netgally and the publisher for the gifted copy, all thoughts are completely my own
I was not the intended audience for this book, I wasn't a fan of the writing and was a little confused from the beginning since it's labeled as young adult but the main character is 28, so technically it can't be adult. A technicality I know but it was still enough to throw me off.
Thank you so much to BooksGoSocial for giving me an ARC of Finding Famous by Alexis Anicque via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
She is Famous. Yes, her name is Famous, and she drinks coffee every single day. It got me thinking if that was still healthy. But drinking coffee (or two at times) does help her get on with her journey. Famous’s mother has set an adventure for her to take. After 7 years of putting it off, she finally decides to take on the adventure that would forever change her life.
Finding Famous is a heartwarming story, and a short read. Famous is an introvert, has a stable job, a good place to live. It was a cycle and she was okay with it. But she broke that by taking a spontaneous adventure, traveling up north and to Europe. Her adventures reminded me of my dreams of traveling and how spontaneity can also be a good thing despite not knowing what the future holds you. One can either drown in overthinking of the future, or enjoy the present.
Another thing I loved about this novel was how Famous was so kind, though still being wary, like a usual traveller, to everyone she met. And how everyone she met showed kindness that we all hope we can come across in our own adventures. Oh and food. And coffee. It made me start drinking coffee again.
But here’s why I gave it two stars. The writing is a bit… eh. Famous is likely around 28 but has a voice of a middle schooler. Actually, the book sounds like it was made by a highschooler in a rush or meant for middle school (though there are words here and there that are definitely not for middle school). I don’t know if it’s the ARC but there are lots of hanging sentences. Messy POV. One paragraph we see Famous’s thoughts, the next paragraph it shifts to another character that she just met.
The novel is also too detailed and not too detailed. By what I mean too detailed, it literally talks about every step she had done since she woke up, her breakfast, lunch, dinner—fillers. And there is always coffee in every chapter. And by not too detailed, I meant the actions she made, the lore of her origin, the action. It seemed so rush. This novel was more tell than show.
Another thing I disliked is how the characters are so lifeless. Besides Famous and her interaction with her mother, which I loved, and maybe Jeremiah too, but the others have no connection to the reader. Their voices repeat despite being different people. There is no distinction between them. Daniel’s role was a bit eh. He was predictable. Actually I already predicted it half way through the book. And his banter with Famous was cringey.
The theme and premise of the book is actually interesting and it was what kept me going to read the whole book. The pace was a bit slow but can be handled. The execution lacked spiciness. The characters lacked connection and did not establish what they were for or their intentions. The theme was well done, and delivered through Famous’s mother. I wish the book answered all the questions , despite having already too many plot holes If done correctly, especially setting clear of the worldbuilding and lore, the characters and showing more instead of tell, I think this book could work.
If you like a short read and something similar to a storybook aimed for middle school, then you’d like this. If you like a heartwarming story of a daughter and a mother sprinkled with fantasy, you’d like this. Otherwise, I would not recommend it at all.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't complete this book (putting it aside at around 20%), as it was very clear I am not the target audience and I do not believe this should have been tagged as YA. The writing is very adolescent, and I think it would fit much more nicely in the Middle-Grade category. Famous is written to be 28 but she absolutely has the voice of a teenager. If she were said to be 15 instead, it would work much better.
I also have to be honest, the writing quality needs work. Aside from the very young tone, there were a lot of problems with sentence structure and POV. All of which could be improved upon with more practice and a solid proof reading and edit.
From what I did read, this seems like such a sweet story, my 11 year old niece would probably love it! The ideas are definitely there. With some more polishing and a clearer direction and targeted audience, this book could flourish.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alexis Anicque and the publishers for the eARC in return for an honest review.
Famous, yes that is her actual name, lost her mother several years ago and finally decides to read her mother’s journal. The journal leads her to set out on an adventure which she discovers her mother made. Along the way she discovers that the fairytales her mother told her as a child and she thought were exactly that, seem to have more significance to them than at first appeared. This book is Famous’ adventure to find out who she is. Adorable characters, fun adventure and very entertaining with a surprising twist. I look forward to reading the next book.
A very enjoyable fantasy adventure. Famous takes off on a journey of discovery, following the footsteps of her deceased adopted mother, in search of her origins. Guided by a series of letters and a diary left to her, she leaves her so far dowdy life and enters one of adventure. The story moves along swiftly, across the country and over the sea to Ireland. Her mysterious origin is far more mysterious than she could have ever imagined. The fairly short chapter makes this such an easy read, and a difficult book to put down. It is well-written and enchanting. I liked the constant changes of characters that she meets on her journey and the twist at the end. Read and enjoy.
I personally, was upset with the book. The idea is well thought out, however there were many typos, inconsistencies, and weird errors in the text. I felt as if Famous was a younger girl, not a 28 year old woman. Aside from the mother, the novel seriously lacked character development and had minimal depth. I'm disappointed mostly, as I feel the book could have given so much more. I also was not a fan of the writing style, as it seemed rudimentary compared to what I am used to reading. Sadly, the book literally had pages falling out while reading, so I am waiting on a new copy to give to my preteen daughter, who I think will really enjoy this book.
A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I enjoyed this story very much and felt like I knew each character personally due to the description of them. I enjoyed the storyline. This is not my usual genre but in this instance I am extremely pleased and grateful for opening up my mind to something totally different. Thanks again.
Finding famous is an unexpected tale of mystery and intrigue. Famous has been left a path to follow, but nobody could predict where it would lead. Her destiny awaits, and it’s really not the usual sort of thing. From wizards in the woods to long dead witches, castles in Ireland and monasteries in Russia, the reader is in for a real treat as we follow Famous on her journey.
A well-woven tale of a young woman named Famous. You simply fall in love with the character's kindness and eagerness to go on a journey her mother had planned for her. It's full of twists & turns as she creates new experiences on her path to be reunited with her past to find herself in the future.
This book is one that people of all ages can read and enjoy. I was thoroughly surprised at some parts and the twists and turns had me so riveted, I couldn't put the book down. I love this author's work.
I couldn't put this book down! What an amazing story and exciting adventure. I loved reading the journal entries along with Famous and following along with her journey. I won't give any spoilers, but it was a great read and I highly recommend it. Full of adventure, emotion, and excitement!
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I would gladly reread it again. I Would recommend this book to anyone. I like the story that was being told.
I’m also reading the Bestseller We Need to Talk About Kevin, a completely different genre, but this knocks that into a cocked hat.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. We are led on a magical quest with our leading lady, Famous. Famous for what? We like her, she’s kind and pleasant, and one of those nice people that the world needs more of.
We are taken with her, following in her deceased mother’s footsteps from America, to Ireland and beyond. The characters she meets along the way help her on her journey as she finds herself and discovers who she is.
The pace is fabulous, the description great, and the dialogue fluid and believable. I loved it and will be looking out for future books by this talented lady. Highly recommended.
A great adventure of self descovery and mystery. The story follows Famous who, by receiving clues in a journal from her deceased mother, ventures into the unknown but retracing her mother's journey many years previous. She makes numerous friends along the way who help her in her quest. Both the reader and the main character don't know where this journey will take them or what will happen next until you both read it. Genius! With several twists and turns along the way, this imaginative and creatively written book keeps you totally enthralled right to the end. Look forward to reading the next!
What starts of as a women grieving over the death of her mother turns into an emotional and often exhilarating journey of self discovery that expands the globe from North America to Russia and eventually ends in Ireland. Famous meets plenty of interesting and dangerous characters a long the way as she gets involved in a magical world of witches, wizards and monks. Being from England one of my favourite parts was when she was in England.
After Famous’ mother passes away, Famous finds her mother’s journal, which sends her on a journey her mother had taken years before. The purpose of the journey is so that Famous can discover who she is. She meets various characters along the way including wizards and witches, and eventually finds out where she came from. This was a well written, creative book with lots of twists and turns. You will want to keep turning the page to find out what happens.
What starts of as a women grieving over the death of her mother turns into an emotional and often exhilarating journey of self discovery that expands the globe from North America to Russia and eventually ends in Ireland. Famous meets plenty of interesting and dangerous characters a long the way as she gets involved in a magical world of witches, wizards and monks. Being from England one of my favourite parts was when she was in England.
I liked Finding Famous and enjoyed her journey. I could see this as a Manga movie. Something like Spirited Away, Howl’s Castle or Ponyo etc. Great for young adults. I look forward to reading more from the author.
I truly adored this story, it was beautifully presented and well written. I'd definitely read another from this author. I couldn't get enough, it's definitely a page turner!
Fun adventure that a lot of middle and high school kids would love. Tons of twists and turns. Very unexpected ending. I can't wait for the sequel (yes there will be a sequel! Author confirmed).
This book has had me captivated from the beginning. I feel as though I am on a journey. I have to read it everyday, and the one day I didn't, I had a dream about it. Need I say more, it's great!