What’s New Wednesday: Book Review
Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer by Laini Taylor
One word: WOW!! Laini Taylor has delivered a knock out punch with her first novel.
I am a historical fiction type girl. I always want to know about the spark, the event that led the author down the path to write the story.
This is funny because I was all about the faeries, fairy tales, and make believe worlds as a child. I read and re-read Tolkein. Then I switched to a more eclectic approach in my book choices and fantasy got left behind for the most part.
Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringerbrings me back to the world of fantasy. I thought that I would read it lickity-split (and I wonder if Laini has been thinking, why is she taking so long to read it). It is a book to savor. And that is exactly what I did. Savor. I didn’t allow myself to rush my reading.
Magpie Windwitch, the faerie, chases after devils that “mannies”or humans have released from bottles. She travels with crows who are both funny and protective of their Magpie. The troop heads to the forest of Dreamdarkwhen the fiercest of the devils, the Blackbringer, must be caught. He really is creepy. I have to tell you, I was at the edge of my seat as I finished the book this afternoon.
Laini’s writing is tight, flowing, and the language rich. From the prologue, when baby Magpie, is blessed by the animals to the end as she and her family of crows and other friends head to the next adventure (can’t wait for the sequel), you, the reader, are mesmerized. Jim Di Bartolo’s art work and cover conveys a faerie you just don’t want to mess with.
If I hear students saying “flummox me”, “jacksmoke” or “skived”, I won’t be alarmed. I will know they have pick up some great vocabulary from this book.
I can’t wait to get my own hardback. Look for it on the Silver Star shelves when school opens. (It will be available at book stores June 21st, the day school gets out). Happy Reading.
MsMac
