J.E. Johnson

Solid First Book in a new Middle Grade Fantasy!

Reviewed: 05-11-16

Would you listen to Dream of Empty Crowns again? Why?

Yes! The story is interesting, but moves at a nice pace for listening to while driving, walking or doing chores.

What other book might you compare Dream of Empty Crowns to and why?

I was first reminded of Garth Nix's 'The Seventh Tower' because of the way the new kings are chosen at the beginning. I also found the author's use of the sweet blood illness similar to the way Rick Riordan incorporated dyslexia into his Percy Jackson series.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't know if I had a favorite scene, but I enjoyed seeing Asa, Gordon's friend, prove his merit by standing up to Trunculin.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I was happy taking breaks in between chapters and scenes.

Any additional comments?

M J Sewall has done a wonderful job of setting the foundations for what I feel will be a great fantasy series for readers of all ages. Although geared toward a younger reading crowd (I would say ages twelve and older), this story will also appeal to the child in all of us. There is a charming cast of characters on both sides of what is considered good and evil, and we get some insight in to each of them. I found Gordon’s sweet blood illness a very unique twist as well (another challenge our young hero must overcome in his epic journey) and I especially liked Aline. Every Middle Grade/YA book should have both strong male and female characters and Aline definitely fulfills my personal requirements for a strong female character. Battle-trained and fearless, Aline valiantly protects her friends as they encounter one challenge after the another.

The light use of steampunk elements (the airships and some of the weapons) and the interesting creatures (the Jhalgon that attack the ships) also added depth to the world Sewall has created. My only complaint is I would have liked to learn more about each character and what drives them, but their stories do begin to unfold toward the end of the novel and I expect to learn even more in books two and three. Overall, a tale well told!

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3 people found this helpful

Charming YA Fantasy

Reviewed: 06-03-15

Would you listen to Creepy Hollow Series # 1 again? Why?

Yes! Although this book was slow to get going, in my opinion, the characters grew on me and I immediately liked Violet, the main character.

What other book might you compare Creepy Hollow Series # 1 to and why?

I was constantly reminded of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments. The Guardians reminded me very much of the Shadow Hunters in Clare's novels. Morgan's Guardians train to protect humans from the more malicious beings from Faerie and they also use a variety of weapons and gadgets similar to those in the Mortal Instruments books.

Have you listened to any of Jorjeana Marie and Zach Villa ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not. I thought they did a great job narrating!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not in the very beginning, but the further I got into the book, the more I wanted to just sit and finish listening.

Any additional comments?

Great narration and an intriguing story that is just beginning. Looking forward to all that will unfold in the next books!

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5 people found this helpful

Delightful!

Reviewed: 05-14-15

This was an enchanting collection of retold Cinderella stories, each one unique but also keeping true to the original fairy tale. A good collection to have playing in the car while driving to and from work.

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4 people found this helpful