Sunday, March 15, 2015

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Title: Nightbird
Author: Alice Hoffman
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Classification: Children's Book-Middle Grade, Fantasy 
Release Date: March 10, 2015
Source: e-galley via NetGalley (Thanks Random House Children's!)
Read: March 2015
In her first novel for middle-grade readers , bestselling author Alice Hoffman tells a bewitching story of love and friendship that is truly magical.
Twig lives in Sidwell, where people whisper that fairy tales are real. After all, her town is rumored to hide a monster. And two hundred years ago, a witch placed a curse on Twig’s family that was meant to last forever. But this summer, everything will change when the red moon rises. It’s time to break the spell. 
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***I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***


I enjoyed reading this book. 
I think it is a fun and imaginative story that will entertain readers. 

Twig lives in the small town of Sidwell. The people that live there believe that fairy tales are real. Magic and monsters exist. There are rumors going around that there is in fact a monster in Sidwell. Twig wants to figure out the monster's identity. But on top of the monster mystery, Twig learns more about the Sidwell witch that placed a curse on her family hundreds of years ago. Twig is determined to not only find out more about the monster, she will find a way to break the curse that was placed on her family. 

There isn't a whole lot of action in this story, but there was still quite a bit going on. I really enjoyed the entire story and the characters. The writing is lovely, I had no problem imagining the town of Sidwell and the various citizens. There are a lot of secrets in this town and it was fun finding out (and guessing) things that other characters did not know about. 

The mystery parts of the story were entertaining for me. I was really interested to keep reading and find out how everything was going to play out. I wasn't really surprised by the twist or reveals, but I did enjoy them. I do think that children and tweens (which is the intended age range for this story) may find these twists more surprising.

The magic parts of the story are fascinating. I was really intrigued by the curse that has been placed on Twig's family. And the story behind the curse. I think that was my favorite part of the story. 

Twig is a wonderful main character. She is full of curiosity and energy. She is interested in the world that surrounds her and what is happening in the town she lives in. She really cares about her family a lot. She is also full of determination. I found myself easily caring for her. I really enjoyed her relationships with the other characters and the friendships that forms throughout the story. 

My Recommendation:
I do think that this is a good book to read. I enjoyed the story and it was easy and quick to read. Great world and characters. This is a book that I feel comfortable reading with my children. The world is interesting and full of wonderful characters. It really is a lovely story full of friendship, love, and magic. 

My Rating:

2 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I prematurely sent my comment!

    What I was going to say is... I liked this one as well. It was a quick read with a fascinating world and a great message. It was the perfect palate cleanser. Have you read any of Hoffman's other work? I'm thinking of checking out more of her adult stuff. I hear good things.
    Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally

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