M.C. Pearson's Blog, page 6

#18 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Quilly (A.K.A. Charlene L. Amsden) had to say on her blog, Quintessentially Quilly;

It only seems logical that M.C. Pearson would create a vivid and compelling novel. As an experienced book reviewer she certainly knows what it takes to make a great story. And in, F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire, Pearson has covered all of the bases: drama, peril, intrigue, humor, hope — and wonderfully fantastical beings that captured my heart and my imagination and pulled me into the story like the magical force-field that pulled Mellie into their realm.

I know this book is labeled YA, but don't let that stop you from reading it. Compelling stories don't have age limits. If you love adventure, worship The One, and wish to bring his kingdom to light on earth, this story will pull you in and bless you. You don't have to take my word for it. The first chapter is below. Check it out, you'll be charmed and intrigued.

#17 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Janna had to say on her blog, Cornhusker Academy:

MY REVIEW:

I am a big fan of speculative fiction (fantasy) and I have anticipated this book for quite awhile. I was thrilled that it was finally coming out! I sat down to enjoy a new fresh take on fantasy and was so happy that F.A.I.R.I.E.S. does not disappoint. I can't even imagine what it takes to develop an entire world with real things, actual fantastical creatures and maybe even some new, original creatures. Putting it all together with a captivating storyline and you have a winner.

I had only 2 minor things with the book that struck me as a little odd. 1) Mellie, the human character, is 12 (turning 13) when the book starts yet I'm not sure why she is so young and she is developing a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship with a fantastical being. It really seemed to me that if there was going to be a relationship like that she could have been 16 or 17. I just felt a little awkward reading about Mellie and Spike kissing... she is 12... 2) There are a lot of original illustrations in the book which is really cool. But the illustrations were drawn over years and years so the look of the characters changes quite a bit. Not a bad thing, but not real consistent. I think if they had been drawn over a few months (instead of years) it might have made them a little more in keeping with each other. Very original though. Overall this book hits a home run in the fantasy world!

#16 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Katie had to say on her blog, Legacy of a Writer:

F.A.I.R.I.E.S., Baptism by Fire is a very sweet, well suited for young readers of many different ages. If you enjoy fantasy and a tale with countless fantastical beings involved, this book will appeal to you in many ways. I think that is why I wasn't as taken with the novel—while I do enjoy some fantasy, this kind of fantasy isn't one of them. So, while I give the book 3 stars, it's through no fault of the author, just my own personal likes/dislikes.

The lively, imaginative, and fun cast of characters within F.A.I.R.I.E.S. will no doubt engage and thrill many readers. I personally had a hard time trying to remember all the different kinds of beings, but that's probably due to the fact that I don't normally read books with oceanides, fairies, dwarves, dragons, and whatnot. I did love the friendship between Millie and her S.E. clan—Lizzy, Spike, Zandra, GroBe.

M.C. Pearson has an amazing imagination, creating a world where fairies, dwarves, and dryads exist, unseen to humans. I loved how the fantastical used bible verses repeatedly, and believed in the One and the light He gives. Lovely illustration for young readers! All the different acronyms—F.A.I.R.I.E.S., I.M.P.S., and S.E., to name a few—got a bit confusing for me, I will admit. But it was kinda neat, at the same time.

F.A.I.R.I.E.S: Baptism by Fire took a little while to really 'get going', but was filled with many interesting incidents and adventures with Millie and her friends in the meantime. The drawings that Pearson included frequently within the book—which she herself drew!—was really neat, helping to engage the readers with the visuals.

While I did not find it an amazing read, I would recommend viewing other reviews—preferably from those who enjoy the fantasy genre—before coming to a conclusion about this book.

#15 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Christy had to say on her blog, Christy's Book Blog:

F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire by M.C. Pearson is the first book in a series about Mellie Goodwin and her life as a Fantastical, Aerial, International, Reasonably Inconspicuous, Emancipation Squads, aka a F.A.I.R.I.E.! Mellie is running away down the beach from a fight with her older sisters, and in her hurt and sadness she wishes for a life of importance, with riches and status, a life that matters. Her wish is granted in an unusual way when she soon encounters a strange man who looks like a tree twig and speaks with a British accent who informs her that she is the Chosen and must follow him. While she's at first hesitant and startled to find a world populated with beings completely unfamiliar, Mellie quickly throws herself into life learning to be a F.A.I.R.I.E. devoted to serving the One. She makes friends with a motley group including an elf, a limionade, a yeti, and an oceanide, but several people jealous of her status as the Chosen spread rumors about her and try to sabotage her success. Mellie's growth as a person and lessons about this new life are put to the test when attacks by I.M.P.S threaten the forces of Light, and she is the only one who can put an end to a thousand-year-old schism.

I was a bit unsure at first at the idea of fairies in our modern world, especially keeping it in line with Christianity, but Pearson has a light touch at writing that kept me sucked in to this impossible yet thrilling world. The characters are fascinating; each one could carry their own book, and the story has an epic overarching theme that Pearson seems to have plans for many more books in the series. Her sketches give readers an idea of how to imagine these fantastical creatures that can, at time, be difficult to visualize otherwise. For readers who love Narnia or Harry Potter, this is a terrifically compelling story with a deeper message of faith and friendship. My hat is off to Pearson for making this concept not just work, but fly. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

#14 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Farrah had to say on her blog, The Book Faery Reviews:

FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS…F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire was a fun read that placed me into a magical world of fairies, gremlins, Yeti's, gnomes, talking trees, nymphs, and others. The pages are filled with excitement as Mellie, a chosen F.A.I.R.I.E. squadmember from the human world, prepares for the big fight in their version of schooling. Pearson draws delightful illustrations throughout the novel to reinforce her magical world. My favorites included the the talking redwood tree that let Regnans & Mellie through to the other world, the Yeti's foot about to stomp a Gremlin, and Mellie under water getting accustomed to talking and breathing. This is a book I know my 12 year old would enjoy reading and escape into a magical place. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fun youthful fantasy world.

#13 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Nancy had to say on her blog, Sunny Island Breezes:

I don't normally care to read fantasy type books, but I couldn't resist something about fairies (or even F.A.I.R.I.E.S.). I'm certainly glad I didn't pass this one by. I loved it, and I know my grand kids will when I'm ready to let go of it and pass it on.

It's a thick book (almost 500 pages). I looked at it and figured it would take forever to read. NOT It's in an easy-to-read format. It's also so interesting that I didn't want to put it down. I really didn't want it to end.
I'm really looking forward to Oh, Pixie Dust! You will, too.

#12 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Michele had to say on her blog, My Blessings from Above:

My Thoughts:

F.A.I.R.I.E.S is a delightful book! A young girl Mellie asks for a different life and gets more than she ever asked for or thought possible! Mellie is recruited to join a group of fairies that live in a vast underground world unknown to humans. Mellie has been chosen to join the fairies and join the fight against the Evil One.
This is a very imaginative story that is sure to spark your imagination! I love the original illustrations too! This would make a wonderful family read aloud!

#11 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Kim had to say on her blog, Window to my World:

You know, if you've read my blog very long, that fantasy isn't my strongpoint. However, Mimi is my friend and sister-in-Christ, and I really wanted to read her first novel! And WOW! This is a story that draws you in with every page. Even the non-human characters are wonderfully developed and you just can't help but love them! And if you're honest, you can identify with Mellie - at least in some point of her struggle. I know I did! And as she learns what she is meant to know, she grows and changes and becomes someone...else - someone who learns she has much to offer.

The allegory - as I see it anyway - is phenomenally incorporated, and F.A.I.R.I.E.S is something more real than fantasy. I really enjoyed this story a great deal, and am happy to recommend it to others!

#10 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Georgiana Daniels had to say on her blog, GEORGIANA DANIELS
~GOOD TIMES...GOOD TIMES...~

Because I'm not the target audience for this book, I wasn't sure what to expect when I cracked open F.A.I.R.I.E.S. I'm happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading about a young girl who stumbles into a fantastical world and trains to join an army of fairies! The book presents the gospel so clearly in a way that will engage pre-teen and young teen readers--consider this book for Christmas!

#5 F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Blog Tour!

Here's what Tweezle (Theresa) has to say on her blog, Just One More Paragraph:

My Thoughts:

Fantasies are one of my absolute favorite genres. The worlds are only as different as each author can imagine, so when I crack a book, I never know where I will end up. In F.A.I.R.I.E.S.: Baptism by Fire Mrs. Pearson created a world where her characters are charming, witty, fantastical, sweet, magical and sometimes even a bit in the mood to bicker. This young adult fantasy is such a fun and engrossing read. I had started to read it on my Nook, but because of all the illustrations, I borrowed a Netbook and read from there. The illustrations are such a lovely addition to the story. Mrs. Pearson personally illustrated her book and she was very liberal at the amount of hand-drawn illustrations! I enjoyed them on the screen, but I think this would be even lovelier in print! This story should appeal to all ages, but I think it will particularly appeal to the female tween audience. The main character, Mellie Goodwin, is a girl that most will be able to identify with and has a great lesson to give to the reader.