William Shakespeare's characters are no longer confined to the stage. Hamlet deviously escapes from pirates. Caliban battles Puck in Fairy Land. And a trio of witches ensnare new prey in the form of Alda, an orphan girl with magical intuition, and Dreng, a cabin boy who reads a lost language. Originally published as separate novels by acclaimed author Amber Elby, Cauldron's Bubble, Double Double Toil, and Trouble Fires Burn invite readers into worlds beyond Shakespeare's plays to explore a fast-paced fantasy realm with surprising twists and turns. Bard enthusiasts will recognize characters, conflicts, and discourse, while those new to the Shakespeare-verse will become immersed in an engaging, accessible tale of love and heartbreak, power and suppression, and deceit and discovery. The journey begins when Alda discovers a mysterious bubble that transports her to witches on a moor while, elsewhere, Dreng survives a devastating shipwreck. The pair are united on an enchanted island, where Alda journeys to free a magical being, and Dreng is love-struck by an enigmatic young woman. Together, Alda and Dreng must awake to their own powers and to the realities around them before they are consumed by deadly magic. Shakespeare connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike will appreciate the adventures within. Read on...
Amber Elby was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan but spent much of her childhood in the United Kingdom. She began writing when she was three years old and created miniature books by asking her family how to spell every, single, word. Several years later, she saw her first Shakespearean comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, in London. Many years later, she studied Creative Writing at Michigan State University’s Honors College before earning her Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting at the University of Texas at Austin. She currently resides in Texas with her husband and two daughters and spends her time teaching, traveling, and getting lost in imaginary worlds.
An exciting and engaging adventure that masterfully weaves Shakespeare's iconic characters together to create and original story. This is a great way for younger readers to be introduced to Shakespeare's classics.
The narration is written quickly which gets straight to the action but fails to grasp a connection for the reader with the two protagonists. I was also slightly confused at times in the beginning with the time/place jumps.
Still an interesting and creative read for bard enthusiasts and beginners to the world of Shakespeare
Thank you to @netgalley and Verdopolis Press for the digital ARC in return for my honest review. . My thoughts… It was interesting to recognize the Shakespearean characters as I read. The concept was also interesting with its storyline and plots. But, sometimes the timeline change was confusing. Overall, those who enjoy Shakespeare retelling may enjoy this YA novel.
Amazing to be able to read all of Amber Elby’s Netherfeld Trilogy in one volume! Updated and somehow, even better than the original! Wonderful formatting and fantastic cover art complete the trilogy. Great read! I recommend 100%!