BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful Beast by E.J. Hill (Young Adult)

When I started reading this retelling of the original fairytale, I couldn’t help focusing on the similarities and differences to the original story and Disney version, the main difference being the beast is female. But author, E.J. Hill’s beautiful writing soon carried me into her unique version of the story. Her intricate plot details wove together with vivid descriptions to create something new and unexpected and drew me into her mysterious world.

Kalista was cursed by a powerful sorceress with a spell that keeps her trapped within her castle and the enchanted forest. She only has some invisible servants to keep her company. When Arawn charges through the forest seeking revenge for his brother’s death, he becomes the last hope for breaking the curse. Told from alternating perspectives, Kalista and Arawn gradually reveal their developing feelings for one another. Everyone wants to break the curse, but the answer is not as simple as being kissed by the prince. They will have to fight the complicated elements of the evil spell before time runs out.

In her suspenseful story, Hill brought depth to her characters. I think sharing both viewpoints brought me closer to their thoughts and was a good choice to separate Hill’s version from others. I’m glad this is a clean read because I would recommend it to teens twelve and up who enjoy fantasy novels. I look forward to reading more from E.J. Hill.

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Visit my author website at francesjudge.com

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Book Review: A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf

From the first page, I knew this was going to be something special. And it was even better than I expected. I’m not one to usually read fantasy novels, but the poetic descriptions of this magical world author Jennifer Kropf created sparkled. Her characters had depth and personality that had me rooting for them and enjoying getting to know them as the story progressed. Helen is transported into this winter land parallel to her home where she encounters all sorts of different creatures somewhat like human, but not. Her mission becomes a journey with her patrolman to save the Truth. It had a touch of The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe aura, but such a unique story with its own charm and suspense. This book is one I won’t forget and will add to my list of favorites. I am looking forward to reading her sequel. Amazon / A Soul as Cold as Frost

OUT OF THE BLUE (Spring Fling Kidlit Contest)

Robin sang, “No. Not flying from my nest. Ever.” The ground was too far, and the sky, too wide. She wished she could climb back into her blue shell and forget about flying. Chickadee chuckled. “Come play air-tag!” Robin sang, “No.” Benny Bee buzzed by, somersaulting, ruffling Robin’s downy feathers. “Bet ya can’t do that!” “Show off!” Bee twirled again… Bang! Into a branch. “Buzzzz! Bzz! Bzz! Help!” A black and yellow dot spiraled out of the blue sky, past Robin’s nest. Without thinking, Robin dove and darted, flapped and floated. With Bee on her back, she landed on a cherry blossom carpet. Bee buzzed a soft “Thank you.” Robin waved her wing. “No problem.” Chickadee chirped, “Now are you ready for air-tag?” Robin sang, “Yes.” She tossed her shell to the ground. It was her time to fly.

Keyra, Queen Yorkie

Painting by Francy Judge Keyra Judge passed away on February 7, 2022, in her home in Long Beach, New York. Born on September 9, 2009, she was over 12 in dog years and lovingly nicknamed, Pain-in-the-butt. She was the beloved daughter to her human parents, Gene and Francy; the adored sister of human siblings: Jordan, Aaron, Elijah and Stephen. She was tolerated by her human brother, Andrew who never truly forgave her for stealing his sandwich. She will also be missed by her doggy friends, Toby and Rosie. Keyra was a Yorkie, large for her breed, but still small. And as some intelligent dog owner once said, “small dog, big personality.” Keyra attended the Academy of Barking, but she quit to pursue her dream of becoming a guard dog. Because of her Napoleon complex, she often tried to prove her toughness, barking in circles around a neighbor pit bull. Her secret weakness was car rides. She got car sick. Every time. She looked embarrassed throwing up into a b...

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