First Light by Michele Paige Holmes

April 13, 2016 | 1 Comment
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First Light by Michele Paige Holmes

First Light by Michele Paige HolmesFirst Light
Series: Forever After #1
Author: Michele Paige Holmes
Genres: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 351
Published: February 25, 2016
Publisher: Mirror Press
Source: Book Tour

Amazon

four-half-stars

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Unique & Enchanting Mixed-Up Fairy Tale!

I went into this blind. Other than knowing First Light was a Young Adult fairy tale romance by Michele Paige Holmes, an author I’ve previously enjoyed, I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly entertained and enthralled throughout!

First Light is not a straightforward retelling of a traditional fairy tale. There were some common elements—good and evil fairies, three wishes, a heroine who doesn’t know her true identity—but the way they were woven together made it fresh and unique for me. Throughout the story, I’d think I was in one fairy tale, only to have the plot take a delightful twist reminiscent of another. There were aspects of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, and a few others—all twisted into a unique and surprising blend of plot, mystery, and first love.

[bctt tweet=”Will Adrielle save her heart or save her kingdom? FIRST LIGHT #4.5stars #fairytale”]

What did I think?

The writing style was simple, but not amateurish. The descriptions of place and setting transported me into this world of magic and realism mixed together.

The plot was at times predictable (this IS based on popular versions of fairy tales, after all, so you know you’ll get a happily ever after), but there were enough twists and turns to keep me entertained and excited to see what happened next.

I loved the characters. Adrielle is not your typical fairy tale princess, thrown into tragedy and waiting for someone to come save her. She’s strong, clever, and brave. She’s not awaiting rescue—she’s finding her own solutions! And when she finds a prince and falls in love, guess what?? She’s STILL strong, clever, and brave.

The other characters were wonderful: Christian, Cecilia, the fairies, the evil witch and her son, the gypsies. All classic and believable fairy tale characters, but still developed and unique characters that I could love and root for in their character growth. Even Cecilia and Hale, who were secondary characters, made me love them.

This is a mixed-up fairy tale that I can recommend to tweens and up. There was sword fighting, magical violence, and some blood and death. The deaths were sad, but they weren’t gross. Some kissing (fairy tale!) but nothing inappropriate, and no swearing. I give it 4 1/2 STARS.

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And here’s the Giveaway: First Light eBook (ends 4/15/16):

Prize provided by Michele Holmes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by MinReads from and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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