The Triskaidek Review

Hey Blogger Buds,
Wow. I thought I scheduled this. I KNOW I scheduled this. I must have clicked something at some point, I'm sooo sorry this didn't go up. So here it is.
I received a book a while ago, and let me tell you,  I pushed it off for way too long! So let me introduce, The Triskaidek by Basil Sprig. (Various links below)
My Midway Mention is here. I gave it 4 stars at that point.


I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.


Blurby:
On the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month of her thirteenth year something rather strange happened to Alley Willowwood. In fact it was so strange the only way she could explain it was... magic? Welcome to Camp Fae where the fairies send their kids each summer to learn magic. Alley has more to learn than most since she didn't even believe in magic. Now she has to solve an important mystery to stop a treacherous villain from using his magic to take over the world.


Short Review:
Alley is a sweet character with a heart in the right place who makes mistakes like the rest of us. The story has a unique voice with memorable characters and great plot twists. The creativity of this book was wonderful.
I recommend it for mature 10 year olds, but mainly 11-13 year olds with a love of faeries and an imagination good enough to take it all in.


Long Review:
I'm going to try not to sound like I'm repeating the MM. The book has a really original voice that I see rarely. While being told in 3rd person, it's giving you great insight into Alley's thoughts, while the narrator has his own opinions and even addresses the reader.
Alley is cute and earnest. She's trying to help everyone, though she is making plenty of mistakes along the way. She even has her own "Look" for when she's mad at people. The Look gets a bit annoying after a while, but it's sweet in its own way.
This book has so many great supportive characters. Although the first friends she meets sorta fade into the background, it all comes together, and Alley has some absolutely incredible friends throughout.
I had some problems with this book, though. Everyone seems to love Alley and she's pretty perfect, fairy-wise. She didn't even know fae existed, and then she comes to Camp Fae and she's the best at everything she tries. I was hoping she'd just have some sort of #epicfail in one of the basic things she tries...and blowing things up doesn't really count. The book was also a bit too complex for the targeted age group. I was confused at all the different elements and groupings in the camp, which play a major part in the whole thing.
But overall, I must say it was a really enjoyable book.


Rating: **** 4 stars. Good book, good writing.


Camp Fae blog. Camp Fae website. Goodreads. Amazon. Book Depository.

Triskaidek MM

Hey Blogger Buds,
Today I've got the Midway Mention for the Triskaidek, book 1 in the Camp Fae series, by Basil Sprig. I'm short on time, so it's just going to be a few lines, but enjoy!
Oh, and I still haven't had time to e-mail the winners, but don't worry! I will soon!


MM:
The Triskaidek started out a bit slow, for me. I had to force myself to get through the beginning. It was brilliantly plotted, but the beginning just didn't work for me. Leading among the reasons is the fact that much of it is plot-driven. But of course, that's a necessity.
The book's voice also seemed quite interesting and unique and I managed to give it a name about 50 pages in. It's told more like a story. For example, the narrator voices opinions, even though the whole thing is 3rd person limited to just Alley. It was-and continues to be-an interesting experience.
Around 75 pages in, the book picked up though, leaving me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Now, at around 150 pages in, I'm excited for more.

****4 stars so far: very good.

The Camp Fae site is here.

Midway Mention is a mini-meme hosted by me, in which I talk about my opinion of a book halfway through. You must receive permission if you wish to use MM on your blog.

Peace,
RR

Current Music: Potential Breakup Song by Aly and AJ
Current Mood: Tired

PS: I updated the Shelfari lists, so look below and to the right for books!

Catchup Week: Packages and Pictures

Hey Blogger buds,
To continue Catchup Week, I have a bunch of packages to blog about from the past two weeks. In short:
Picture the Dead T-Shirt
Tyger Tyger

LOTS of library books
Infinite DaysTriskaidek

Let's start!
I received a Picture the Dead t-shirt from Adelle Griffin in the mail two weeks ago. The first picture is the front, the second is the back.

I got Tyger, Tyger, an ARC from Kersten Hamilton. I read it really quickly, and I'm reviewing it soon.
Hm, no pictures? I better go take some...
The same day I got the shirt, I got a third edition of the Trisaidek.
No pictures here either; it's nearly identical to my first copy.
Just today, Infinite Days, an ARC from debut author Rebecca Maizel arrived on my doorstep in my mail slot.

I've got some bookshelf pictures and some other pictures to show you, but too many for today!

Peace,
RR

Current Music: Wild at Haert by Gloriana
Current Mood: Cold, Tired, and Still Having to Make a Phonecall

-Wanna Guest Post? Info HERE-

-Win Forgive My Fins Swag! Enter HERE-

Some Quick Announcements

Hello my bloggy friends,
To start off, I apologize for being MIA so much. Today was my last final, so I'm going to have some more time now.
Now, on to business.
I'll be posting a real blog post in a few minutes, but I have some announcements for now.

1)Remember when I won The Triskaidek? Well, I was recently speaking to Basil Sprig, the author and I was guilted offered to mention the book on the blog. Now, it's only $13 and it has a gorgeous cover, so take a look.(You may recognize the pictures of the book in the Product Image Gallery as the ones  uploaded onto here.)
I own a first edition of the book. This is the second, and the third is going to be there soon. But if you can't wait for the third edition, CLICK HERE to see the Amazon page!

2) I still don't have a single entry into my contest for Forgive My Fins swag. That means your chances are good! Contest ends July 1st.

3) Congratulations are in order for The Bookshelf Sophisticate on recently reaching 200 followers. She has an awesome contest running, so check it out!

4) On the topic of contests, I recently won one from Shelli on Market My Words. Throughtout this months she's having contest for some of her BEA book, meaning ARCs! Currently, The Duff ARC is up-for-grabs!*

5) Later today, expect another post. This on a new meme idea that was supposed to be posted yesterday.


Peace,
RR

Current Mood: Overtired
Current Music: Rose's Turn, Gleed version

*No, Shelli did not bribe me with chocolate to link back to her. **
**Nor did she bribe me with Twizzlers.
***Or any other delicious edibles. ****
****I do this from the goodness of my heart. ******
*****Yes, as much as I deprive you of book contests, I have a heart.

Top Three Reasons I Love Lulu

1) Books
2) More Books
3) Triskaidek

Just over an hour ago I got Triskaidek by Basil Sprig. Soon I'll review it, but for now, pictures!
Oh by the way, it's SIGNED!!!

Package

(Yes, I have covered up the addresses)

Camp Fae Stamp

There's a picture on the label :)

It's coming out...

And here it is!!

Hugging Triskaidek

(There's the bracelet again!)

Since the side is simple, here's a view of the back!

Enjoy and make sure you check out Triskaidek and Basil Sprig's blog!

Hunger Games review coming later today, probably.

RR