I picked up Spark by Sarah Beth Durst and Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville for some lighter reading and for the coming-of-age stories that I love so much from middle-grade reads.
Spark by Sarah Beth DurstPublished by Clarion Books on May 14, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Pages: 320
Format: eBook, ARC
Source: Publisher
When a shy girl and her dragon-like companion discover their country’s idyllic weather comes at a Storm beasts and their guardians create perfect weather every day, and Mina longs for a storm beast of her own. But when the gentle girl bonds with a lightning beast—a creature of fire and chaos—everyone’s certain it’s a mistake. Everyone but Mina and the beast himself, Pixit. Quickly enrolled in lightning school, Mina struggles to master a guardian’s skills, and she discovers that her country's weather comes at a devastating cost—a cost powerful people wish to hide. Mina’s never been the type to speak out, but someone has to tell the truth, and, with Pixit’s help, she resolves to find a way to be heard.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love how Mina demonstrates that heroes can be quiet and strong. It’s become the norm to talk about the “strong independent woman” as if she is loud and confident and can do everything by herself. Mina is the opposite. People constantly talk over her, and she needs the support of Pixit and other friends to get others to listen. And it’s okay. Because we aren’t alone; we can be independent and strong while relying others. I also love how this novel shows that best friends can be different and families can be strong support systems.
The plot is relatively straightforward. True history is being hidden (to conceal the cost of the country’s peace and stability), powerful higher-ups trying to cover up this cost, and good people doing little to push for change—which means Mina must take drastic steps to reveal the big secret.
While I enjoyed reading about Mina’s adventures, I did need to push aside doubts. The problems that Mina resolves can be reasonably solved by the adults around her; they weren’t incompetent fools like so many adults featured in MG novels. Which was a nice change but didn’t present a situation where Mina had to take action. She also takes inappropriate actions without consulting others. I understand that she feels like she has to act because no one’s listening to her, and I do believe in flawed characters. However, her actions don’t have consequences; everything goes her way other than a few setbacks that she gets over pretty easily.
Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville
Published by Clarion Books on June 11, 2019
Genres: Fairytale Retelling, Middle Grade
Pages: 368
Format: eBook, ARC
Source: Publisher
Lady Briar is scorned for her appearance. Princess Rose is adored for her looks. Unbeknownst to them, one or both may bear a curse that only true love can break. But the girls have little time for curses anyway—along with their friend Jack, they are busy plotting the downfall of the evil giant who plagues their kingdom. But how can children succeed when the adults are afraid to even try? And what if the curse manifests? Whose love could be true enough to save the day?
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Briar and Rose and Jack is told in a whimsical manner reminiscent of fairytales. It sets the tone for the stage, which is set in a small fairytale-esque kingdom.
Briar and Rose are a fun pair who maintain a close bond despite many attempts to separate the two. I love their close friendship and how it grows to include Jack while preserving their own sisterly bond.
For the most part, characters stay within the bounds of their stereotypes. The good people are good while the villainous are villainous to the end. The most complexity comes from Briar and Rose. As they enter adolescence and mature into their unique identities, they begin to find themselves at odds. Further misunderstandings arise from miscommunication or lack of communication.
Briar and Rose and Jack is a fun reimagining and combining of “Sleeping Beauty” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.” I love how girls and boys alike require saving in this novel—one will save another only to need saving later on, and vice versa—and how true love comes to them in many forms.
I recommend Briar and Rose and Jack to readers who enjoy a fairytale retelling that features multiple protagonists, close friendships, and the protagonists’ coming of age.
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Sophia Rose says
I love how Briar and Rose and Jack mashes up two fairytales. It looks good.
Crystal says
It’s fantastic. I love how it reimagines them while staying true to many elements from the original tales.
Ethan says
I love that Mina is not a typical hero. It really shows that anyone can achieve greatness in their own way. The important thing is staying true to yourself!
Crystal says
I agree, Ethan. That’s what I loved most about Spark!
Melliane says
oh they did awonderful job with the covers!
Crystal says
The covers are gorgeous!