The Giant Forest by Mia and Bill Belew

 

The Giant Forest: Chapter Book for Parents and Grandparents of Preteens Who Love to Read by Mia and Bill Belew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story of five friends who are lost in the forest and during their journey to get home, they learn the value of friendship and self-worth. This is a Christian based chapter book with discussion questions after each chapter. In some settings such as weekly Bible study or homeschool classes, this book would be a good source of curriculum. As a general read, however the questions are distracting and break up the flow of the work. The story and life lessons contained within are still insightful and entertaining. The characters are rich and the ending is unique. I would recommend this book to Christian homeschools and bible study groups. I would encourage the authors to make two versions of this book one with the questions for those looking to expand on what they have read and one without for those who just want an interesting fantasy fairy tale read.

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Queen of Dragons by J.A. Armitage

 

Queen of Dragons by J.A. Armitage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Azia Rose always lived in the shadow of her adopted mother the infamous Sleeping Beauty, but this did bother her as she liked being independent. She has been content to just look after her disabled brother secretly play fighting him with swords behind the castle. Until her parents decided due to an unrest among the dragons she must marry in preparation for ruling the kingdom. The hijinks that ensue after this bombshell is a fairy tale within itself. This story is a continuation of the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty and it is a good adaptation unfortunately just as it starts to get good it abruptly ends. Despite the lack of closure I still would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and or classic fairy tales. The characters are well-rounded and believable. The plot once the introduction of the characters is complete is fast paced and enjoyable. Despite leaving you wanting more, this book as well worth the read.

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