“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― G.K. Chesterton
Showing posts with label Lindsay Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lindsay Franklin. Show all posts

Friday, December 12, 2025

An Epic Sequel! --The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin—Review


 My Review:  The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin is the epic conclusion to The Rivenlea Sphere duology! While I loved the first book in the series, this one blew me away! These are the kind of books you need to read to fully understand the awesome and intricate plot and world. The Restitching of Camille DuLaine is a book for book lovers with so many references and visits to beloved stories (The Little Mermaid, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, and Anne of Green Gables to name a few). I love how from the first page the reader is thrown back into the story with lots of action and a fast-paced plot that is hard to put down. While the first book was mostly told from one point of view, I loved getting many more perspectives in this story. I love all the characters who become like family. I especially love Emlyn, her sarcasm with her ADHD representation, and Frank the wyvern. In an interview, Ms. Franklin described the story as being about sisterhood, magical libraries, the power of fiction, and the search for belonging, and I could not agree more. The book has short chapters and engaging storylines with a cute romance. There was a huge jaw-dropping moment halfway through that I did not see coming! Our characters learn that when we grow, it can be hard to let go of our old identities. We need to remember what is true about us now. I do not want to say too much more to spoil anything. This was such a wonderful fantasy book and series, and it is bittersweet thinking there will not be any new books in this world. So, if you can’t already tell, I highly recommend it!

Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: violence and blood/gore; mention of alcohol; implied discussion of consummating a marriage.

TW: anxiety; past death from childbirth; infant death and infant abduction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

A Clever Retelling that Will Take You Back to Oz--"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin—Review


   My Review:

"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin is a unique portal fantasy story that is a mash up of many beloved fairy tales and stories! It will leave you wanting more and remind you of the power of story.  It is especially perfect for any fans who want to jump back into the land of Oz after seeing “Wicked,” as there are several references to “The Wizard of Oz” and characters in this book even spend part of the story in that mysterious land.  

Emlyn, the main character, is a lovable, sarcastic girl who is dealing with the grief of losing her sister and wants to find out what happened to her. Emlyn loves stories and imagination and finds herself trapped in a world of stories. The world of Rivenlea is so creative. I love that there is a magical library that holds all the stories that have ever been written.  It was so fun to notice all the pop culture and story nods and references as I was reading. Emlyn makes friends who become like family and learns to better use her powers. There is a great message that stories help us better see reality, and they hold, shape, and instruct us. I especially love Frank the Wyvern. The end left me dying for the sequel! Readers, writers, and storytellers will love this unique fantasy!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: people think the main girl has gone crazy (but she really has not); mental health discussions; the main character is dealing with the grief of losing a sister, possibly has PTSD and flashbacks; a character curses, but the words are not actually written.
TW: talk of mental illness; PTSD/possible flashbacks.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.