Golden Girl

The American Fairy #2

by Sarah Zettel

Callie LeRoux has put her grimy, harrowing trip from the depths of the Dust Bowl behind her. Her life is a different kind of exciting now: she works at a major motion picture studio among powerful studio executives and stylish stars. Still, nothing can distract her from her true goal. With help from her friend Jack and guidance from the great singer Paul Robeson, she will find her missing mother.

But as a child of prophecy and daughter of the legitimate heir to the Seelie throne, Callie poses a huge threat to the warring fae factions who've attached themselves to the most powerful people in Hollywood . . . and they are all too aware that she's within their reach.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy, Teen

310 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Sarah Zettel is the critically acclaimed author of more than twenty novels, spanning the full range of genre fiction. Her debut novel, Reclamation, won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. Her second release, Fool’s War, was a 1997 New York Times Notable Book, and the American Library Association named Playing God one of the Best Books for Young Adults of 1999. Her novel Bitter Angels won the Philip K. Dick Award for best science fiction paperback in 2009. Her latest novel, Dust Girl, was named as one of the best young adult books of the year by both Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association. Zettel lives in Michigan with her husband, her rapidly growing son, and her cat, Buffy the Vermin Slayer.

Reviews

[Tamora Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie and Jack find that Hollywood, governed by the lovely and glittering Seelie Court (better known as movie stars and moguls), is a hard place to live, and the forces that it brings to bear on their friendship are driving them apart. They do make new friends, including the great actor Paul Robson, but will they be enough to keep the pair from being destroyed by their enemies.

This and its predecessor are great for people who are looking for American diversity in their fantasy. Callie has to endure the treatment that blacks faced in Hollywood: different doors, different jobs, no respect. It nearly killed me to read how Paul Robson, one of the greatest opera singers and actors of his day, was treated. The characters are completely believable, with no one too saintly or too despicable, except for the fairy characters who are single-minded in their pursuits.

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as fun as the last book - but seriously, that cover? This is a book about a POC and that cover girl is peachy-pal as can be.

[Kelesea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Golden Girl

Author: Sarah Zettel

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Series: The American Fairy, book two

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The bottom line: The explosive sequel to Dust Girl, Golden Girl did not disappoint in the least--I am so excited to read Bad Luck Girl! Simply amazing.

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

*Possible spoilers if readers haven't read Dust Girl, so beware!*

Callie LeRoux has made it out of Kansas. But now, she must turn to the golden hills of Hollywood to find her parents. Struggling to make her way to California, she and Jack realize that they may not be able to do this alone. Forced to tap into her powers, she finds her way to Hollywood: stars, glamor, fame, and money abound all around her. But when she gets there, she realizes that all that glitters isn't gold.. And that the only person she may be able to trust just might happen to be herself..

What I enjoyed:

-I loved the pacing of this novel--as before, it pulled me right in and didn't let me go until it was finished--and it was even on my mind when I had to put it down

-This book was full of twists and turns--most of which I didn't even see coming, which was a refreshing change

-Callie, as always, the strong, hilarious, and utterly likable main character--I really enjoyed her character development, and I really can't wait to see how it goes in Bad Luck Girl--what was especially nice was the growth in her powers

-Jack, the best friend who just might be something more to Callie, the comic relief always breaking the tension with a joke--his character development was really fun to read as well

-The growing relationship between them

-Callie's parents

-Ivy, the bubbly little girl who just might be hiding something sinister

-Shake

-Callie's grandparents

-The ending--it completely satisfied and I was really happy with it

What could've been better:

-There was absolutely nothing I didn't love about this beautiful sequel! More please!

I really, really enjoyed Golden Girl--I'm always a little wary of sequels, but I liked this one! Next on deck: Bad Luck Girl by Sarah Zettel!

http://literatureobsessed.blogspot.co...

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

In volume two of the American Fairy series, we catch up to Callie LaRoux in Hollywood, the seat of power for the Unseelie Court. Callie and Jack obtain jobs with MGM studios, which seems to be the best way of going about finding Callie's parents and settling this whole prophecy business. Things start to go awry when Jack and Callie witness a young starlet, Ivy Bright (think Shirley Temple), about to be kidnapped by fairies. They rescue her with the aid of a well-known singer, Paul Robeson, who, in spite of being human, seems to know an awful lot about fairies. In the meantime, Shake is back, but not nearly as powerful as he was. Callie and Jack know they must be getting close to Callie's parents, but there's so much going on with Callie's arrival in Unseelie territory that they get stalled just trying to keep themselves alive.
I was really excited about this sequel since I loved the first book in the series. This one just fell kind of flat for me. The plot has a lot of action, which will surely keep many fans entertained, but it seemed to lose some of the historical detail in exchange for action sequences. I'm still more than a little confused by the Paul Robeson and his role in the whole thing. He appears near the beginning of the book and then disappears from the plot for nearly half of the book. The Ivy Bright storyline is predictable at best, annoying at worst. Overall, the heavy reliance on action makes the book feel convoluted and considerably less magical than its predecessor. Here's hoping the third book can manage to pull everything back together; I would really like to see the series redeem itself, especially since the concept is so good.

[Misty Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** A 3.5 Review as posted on KindleObsessed blog ***


There is this quote by the amazing Joss Whedon that says:

“I am a fan of sequels even though they are inevitably awful.”

Now, Joss was of course speaking about theatrical sequels, but the last four words of his simple statement (they are inevitably awful) are (sadly) more than often true when it comes to literature as well.

These “awful sequels” however do not usually come on the tail of a less than impressive predecessor. Nine times out of ten, if the first book was a flop, you aren’t going to bother yourself with the rest of the series. It’s the amazing FIRST novel that convinces us to keep reading.

There are exceptions to every rule though aren’t there, and “Gold Girl” by Sarah Zettel is not only appropriately titled, but so far superior to it’s matriarch “Dust Girl” that I had a difficult time believing they were even written by the same person.

“Callie LeRoux has put her grimy, harrowing trip from the depths of the Dust Bowl behind her. Her life is a different kind of exciting now: she works at a major motion picture studio among powerful studio executives and stylish stars. Still nothing can distract her from her true goal. With help from her friend Jack and guidance from the great singer Paul Robeson, she will find her missing mother.

But as a child of prophecy and daughter of the legitimate heir to the Seelie throne, Callie poses a huge threat to the warring fae factions who’ve attached themselves to the most powerful people in Hollywood . . . and they are all too aware that she’s within their reach.”

Here’s the deal. Two fold and up front. I didn’t like “Dust Girl.” If you read my review for it you might have noticed phrases like:

“down right cacophonous”

“a rather catastrophic beginning to a series”

Or the significantly less eloquent… “Hot mess!”

In short, it was a novel jamb packed with awesome stuff with no glue to keep it together. IF I hadn’t already obligated myself to read the THIRD book in the series, I probably wouldn’t have read THIS book. That said, I’m glad I was obligated, because what I found lacking in the first novel, was aptly placed on the first page of “Gold Girl” adding a level of depth and clarification that was absent from (and the eventual downfall of) “Dust Girl.”

Here, let me spell it out for you:

“Once upon a time in Kansas, there was a normal girl called Callie. I thought she was me. I’d been told all my life she was me. Turns out, all my life I’d been lied to. Turns out, I was about as far from a normal girl as you could get. I wasn’t even human. Not all the way, anyhow. My father, Daniel LeRoux, who’d run out on my mother before I was born, wasn’t just a piano player; he was a prince of fairies. The Unseelie court fairies, to be specific. He hadn’t run out on my mama for any of the usual reasons. He had gone to renounce the throne so they could get married. Be he never came back, and I grew up with just Mama in the Imperial Hotel in Slow Run, Kansas. Times were worse than bad because the rain had stopped and the dust had come to cover Kansas. I guessed Mama decided all that truth – my being half fairy, or having magic in my bones, or waiting on my father to get back from telling his Unseelie parents he wasn’t taking up the family business of being royalty – was kind of a lot to lay on a girl stuck out in the Dust Bowl. I didn’t know for sure why she hadn’t told me about Papa and the rest of it. By the time I found out, Mama had vanished too, in the middle of the biggest dust storm the world had ever seen. But it wasn’t the dust that got her; it was the fairies. The bright, shining ones. The Seelies. Now I was out looking for Mama, and Papa, and the rest of the truth about myself. As you’ve probably figured, that was a tall order, and a long road. So far, it had taken me all the way to Los Angeles, California. I had no idea how far it was going to take me before I hit the end.”

From the outside looking in, this may not look like much, but let me assure you…it is. The problem with book one was that it became very abstract and the main story became harder and harder to find. By the end of the novel, it was all just a bunch of words and circumstances that meant very little and went next to nowhere. This simple opening brought everything back into focus. Set everything back on the rails, and allowed the TRUE story to open on solid ground.

From that moment on, everything changed. The story of Callie and her fight to save her parents, protect her friend, and not lose herself took center stage. Everything else was just a beautiful harmony surrounding it. But enough waxing poetic. Let’s talk about the characters a little since I didn’t really touch on them much in my “Dust Girl” rant.

“Dust Girl” had it’s fair share of supporting characters, (Evil Uncles, Desperate Grandmothers, Duty-bound fairy friends) but none that really expressed the differences between the two fairy courts. In “Golden Girl” the main plot surrounds Callie’s discovery of her parents IN the Seelie court and her plan to rescue them. This small line of discovery opened the door for Zettel and her ability to manipulate multiple characters into existence. There will alway be Callie and her hardworking side-kick Jack. But now there is Ivy Bright, a Hollywood starlet that is much more than she appears. There is also Paul Robeson, who knows more than he should, and a whole handful of Seelie stand-ins. These extra characters (and their connection to the “other side” of the story) opened several doors for growth in both Callie and Jack, but also Callie’s parents and the relationship between the lot of them. They also added an element of emotional drama that (despite the anxiety over her missing parents) was not at all convincing the first go around.

This emotional connection helped further the plot as well. I felt more invested, not as annoyed. I followed the ins and outs of the fairies and their abilities more easily. I started to feel excitement for the next page, not dread. All of these elements rounded out to produce a truly enjoyable sequel. A sequel I firmly believed didn’t have a chance in hell of surviving the sequel-pocolypse.

There was heart. There was action. There was a solid story, with a solid purpose. There were fairies, and deception; body engulfing summons and raging jealousy. THIS was the book that should have opened this series. It made me want to keep reading. It forged a warpath, and I happily marched behind with wishes and hopes for a righteous ending.

So what does all of this mean? It means that if you managed to struggle through the first “American Fairy” novel, you’ll be happy to get your hands on the second.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Sometimes obligations are a gift, not a curse.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, stories about fairies aren't my go-to when it comes to fantasy fiction. But I've sometimes got personal reasons for checking out books outside of my usual preferences, so I gave this YA fantasy a go.

I'll further admit that because dust and Dust Bowl themes don't appeal to me when it comes to fiction, I skipped here to Book Two of this trilogy. I certainly am into the Golden Age of Hollywood, and key nuggets of Callie's backstory in this book kept me from feeling lost. While I didn't connect with her character or the whole novel as much as I would've liked, a particular wish/dream of Callie's for the future especially spoke to me.

Now, even with the "golden" theme, this isn't a bright story. Callie has a good deal to learn and go through on this leg of her journey, including times of violence and icky creatures she must face. And a minstrel show depicted as a tragedy left a bad taste in my mental mouth—as I'm sure it was supposed to.

Although I wouldn't have used some of the real historical figures for the fantasy purposes they're used for in this book, the last third or quarter of the action gripped me, particularly the climax.

I plan on reading the third book of this trilogy soon.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars: An imaginative, creative and magical series.

Callie nervously straightens her suit. She is heading to MGM studios to meet Jack to try and find a gate into Fairy. Since there desperate escape from the dust plains and the Midnight Court, Jack and Callie have been trying to remain undetected by the Fae. Here amongst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood the dust bowl seems far behind, but Callie and Jack know that the Fae are attracted to the glamorous California lifestyle so they are ever weary. Callie desperately wants to find her parents before the Fae find her. Can Jack and Callie rescue Callie's parents?
What I Liked:
*Once again, I was amazed at the creativity and the complexity of the story. The world building is solid and the story telling is imaginative. There is hardly a dull moment in this one as you don't know from one page to the next what is in store for Callie and Jack, whether it be sneaking around on the sets of the largest picture studio of the era or navigating in the realms of Fairy. There is plenty to keep you entertained with this one, from movies, to fairies and magic and strange worlds.
*I was impressed with the detailed world building. Callie and Jack arrive in California and soon they are navigating MGM studios. I loved how Ms. Zettel managed to bring Hollywood during the golden age alive. The scenes where Callie is ducking onto the busy movie sets are some of my favorite in the book, as well as the final epic battle with the Fae that turns into a old time Hollywood movie.
*The romance in this one is still waiting to unfurl but I like that. For one thing, Callie, the heroine, is only fourteen years old so a full budded romantic relationship is not exactly realistic. Instead what you have is a solid friendship between Jack and Callie. The pair have each other's backs and they have gotten into some pretty tough scrapes, but they always manage to survive. In this installment, Callie's feelings are starting to grow for Jack, and at times, she feels increasingly jealous when another girl looks Jack's way. I am anxiously awaiting for the romance to fully bloom, but for now I am satisfied with the way things are going because it is realistic and I love the friendship. Besides, what better way to start a romance then with a friendship?
* Don't let the young age of the protagonist hold you back. This is not written for the younger crowd, don't get me wrong there is nothing inappropriate about this one, but it has an intricate storyline with a lot going on. It is a great read for older readers as well. I appreciate that this is a clean read, there is no drinking, drugs or sex, but there is plenty of appeal for readers of all ages. Especially if you like paranormal.
*I liked that this one draws to a satisfying ending, while it leaves plenty of story lines to follow up in the final book of the trilogy. You get a small happily ever after while you wait for the last book.
The cover of this one is absolutely stunning. I love the vintage glamorous Hollywood look, it is the perfect fit for the story.
And The Not So Much:
*One of the things I enjoyed so much about Dust Girl was learning more about the dust bowl years and the Great Depression. While I loved that this one is set in Hollywood during the Golden Age, I was a bit disappointed that there was no mention of the Depression and how it was affecting Hollywood and the movie industry. I would have loved to see a bit more historical detail included that told a bit about the Depression.
*I was a bit confused over the role of an African American singer Mr. Robeson. He comes to Callie and Jack's aid when they are in a bit of a bind with a couple of fairies. He seems to be well educated on the Fae even though he is human. There is a small explanation offered later, but I didn't feel like it answered all my questions. How did this gentlemen become so educated on all things involving the fairies? He certainly knew the ins and outs of bargaining with a Fae. I just thought that this part of the story needed a touch more detail.
*The whole story line with Callie's wayward Uncle, Shake, is left unfinished. I was a bit confused on his role, intentions and I am eager to know more. I expect that he will play a big part in the final book.

Golden Girl is a satisfying and entertaining follow up to Dust Girl. This book has plenty to offer as you navigate Hollywood during the Golden Era. This time around you hang out with a budding Shirley Temple like starlet named Ivy Bright, sneak around the biggest movie sets of the era and tangle with the duplicitous fairies. There is plenty of magic and diabolical fairy plotting in this one that will keep you guessing until the final pages. If you are a reader who is looking for a smart and original series without love triangles and dreaded cliffhangers, definitely give this one a try.

Favorite Quotations:
"Mr. Sumner looked at me and my sandwich. I knew he wanted to protest, but there's nothing stronger in the world than a woman in her kitchen when she's got the need to feed."
"I remembered walking with him through the dust storms, and running through rail yards, and him teaching me how to hop a freight, and lying our way across the California line. These were not wishes, not dreams or shiny movie feelings where you knew how it was going to go. These were the memories of what we'd really been through. This was our friendship that came pouring back to me."
"It's not about what they are, or even what you are, it's about who you are, and who you want to be."

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@
Rainy Day Ramblings.

[Selena (Life of a Random) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I first read the first book from this series in 2014 or earlier, and I'm reading this second book for the first time. These books still hit just as good now that I'm 25. I'm reading about a 14 year old main character, and this story is captivating.

The world is as shining and brilliant as the fae folk, rich with history and fantasy elements. I'm in love with the characters, with their deep, binding connections whether because of promises, friendships, or blood.

The twists and turns are amazing, and although there is an element of being able to see what's going on in the story a little more clearly and being the screaming at the screen/pages "look, look, it's right there". There's so much going on and so much chaos, that you also share the confusion and fuzziness of the main character.

5/5

[Ry Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry in the series. I was slightly concerned that a plot twist was far too obvious, but it turned out to have a couple of additional twists and turns I wasn't expecting. Looking forward to picking up the third book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprising in a way I can't explain. I definitely like the series for use in my future classroom though. I liked that it shows that just because someone looks like one of the characters, doesn't mean they are always on your side.

[Sage Thoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content Rating and Review

http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually like this book better than the first one in the series. I'm curious as to what will happen in Book 3.

[Chidera 🇺🇸 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. It wasn't that interesting till like the climax. It was a little bit confusing in the ending part but the book is interesting. I recommend it; that is if you like fairy tales.

[Sandy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think Callie has solved the rivalry, something tragic happens. On the plus side, she does rescue her parents who join her and Jack back in reality.

[Rakesh Chawda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent fast read. Nothing bad, nothing spectacular.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover Blurb: Yes or No? I'm not a fan of the cover art, because there is a character impersonator. But I do like the color scheme and that it at least is sticking to a theme - in other words, the covers for Book #1 and #2 match!

Characters: Callie and Jack are still really awesome. Callie is smart and sensible and fits the era perfectly. Jack is loyal and quick-witted and has a great sense of humor. And while I definitely didn't like (i.e. trust) Shake in Dust Girl, I actually did trust him in Golden Girl. I'm not sure why, since he really is totally untrustworthy, but I honestly believed he had Callie's best interests mostly at heart. Whether or not that trust was well-founded - well, you'll have to read the book to find out. Ivy was unbelievably fun to dislike, though at times I did pity her. I never trusted her, though, and I totally understood Callie's urge to slap her sometimes. A prim and high-minded girl, she was just horrid. The one thing that bothered me was I believe Ivy was supposed to be about Callie's age, but I kept picturing her a lot younger due to her behavior, and I'm not sure that the Reader was supposed to.

The Romance: There is undoubtedly a future romance in store for Callie and Jack, and I don't mind it. They're both such favorites and so good for each other, I think it will work out perfectly fine.

Plot: Having escaped her UnSeelie relatives, Callie and Jack have traveled to Hollywood - straight into the heart of the Seelie Court's kingdom. The most dangerous place for Callie to be, as she's hunted by both fey courts because of a prophecy surrounding her. But Callie is determined to free her parents from the Seelies, even if it means dying in the process. Amid the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it's hard to tell who is human and who is fey, and even harder to tell what is magic illusion and what is real. Maybe I'm just used to it now, but Golden Girl didn't seem as weird as Dust Girl. I've never been a fan of the idea of taking the fey world out of the British Isles and putting it in America, but it's accomplished remarkably well in this trilogy. None of the magic of Faerie is lost, and the Author presents her Readers with downright spooky and amazingly enchanting imagery. In truth, this has to be one of my favorite fey trilogies! Golden Girl is slightly less fast paced than Dust Girl, but it doesn't detract from it at all. There's still plenty going on, lots of mystery, and lots of magic. I only got a tiny bit annoyed when the plot took a turn so obvious that I had to wonder why the characters (Callie specifically) didn't see it sooner. But it was a minor annoyance, and didn't destroy the plot in any significant way.

Believability: Not applicable.

Writing Style: First person, past tense. Callie's narration voice is so perfect for the era and the story. I really enjoy reading her perspective.

Content: None.

Conclusion: So the climax was a little weird and unexpected. I loved the battle of wits between Ivy and Callie; it was the sudden appearance of a giant dragon that made me quirk my eyebrow in puzzlement. I just didn't see that coming. At all. I'm actually really sad that there's only three books, because this trilogy just keeps getting better. I really enjoyed Dust Girl, but Golden Girl is even better. Between the characters, the era, and how well the Author portrays Faerie, it's hard not to like it.

Recommended Audience: Girl-read, fourteen-and-up, great for fans of fey stories!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Once upon a time in Kansas, there was a normal girl called Callie. I thought she was me. I'd been told all my life she was me.

"Turns out, all my life I'd been lied to. Turns out, I was about as far from a normal girl as you could get."

After a hard-won victory, Callie LeRoux has finally made her way out of the Dust Bowl. Her small life in a small Kansas town is miles and miles away, along with any believe Callie had that her life would be normal. Now she is in the bright, sunny world of California with her friend Jack looking for her kidnapped mother and the father she never got the chance to meet.

Now that Callie knows the truth--that she is part Fairy complete with the magic that comes with it--she is running out of time. Enemies are closing in and Callie still has a lot to learn about her powers and the prophecy that predicts she will change the entire Fairy realm.

With missing parents to find, Fairy monsters to dodge and a very annoying child star to tend, Callie has her hands full. She will have to muster all of her strength (not to mention her magic) if she wants to save her parents and get free from the Fairies in Golden Girl (2013) by Sarah Zettel.

Golden Girl is the sequel to Dust Girl and the second book in Zettel's American Fairy Trilogy.

Golden Girl picks up with Callie and Jack settled in California as they negotiate Hollywood's studio system to try and find the Fairies holding Callie's mother captive. Zettel once again brings a piece of 1935 to life--this time with vivid descriptions that are as bright as any technicolor films.

The story is also, once again, imbued with music throughout: chapter titles come from Gershwin hits and spirituals. A list of recommended listening (and watching) can be found at the back of the book along with an author's note about some historical details.

Callie is one of my favorite narrators. Her voice is perfect for the time period and her story. Zettel's writing seems effortless with crisp dialog and evocative scenes of both the human and fairy worlds.

Although Golden Girl refers to earlier events (and, of course, has some loose ends to deal with in the final book), this book is a largely complete story that works well on its own. While fantasy readers are the obvious audience for this book, Golden Girl is also a delightful choice for fans of old movies and music as well as anyone interested in the 1930s. Zettel once again demonstrates her abundant talent as an author in Golden Girl.

Possible Pairings: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, The Diviners by Libba Bray, The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron, Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst, Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin, Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin, Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really curious to see where this series was going, even though I wasn't overly impressed with Dust Girl. Golden Girl picks up a little bit later, after Callie and Jack have settled into their new lives in Hollywood. Jack is working as a script runner at the MGM studio, and he's trying to sneak Callie in so she can investigate the fairy gate located there. Well, things have to go wrong. Jack and Callie stumble upon some kind of exchange, where it appears that one of Hollywood's brightest stars is being kidnapped and handed over to the Seelie. Callie rescues her and is rewarded with a job at her home, putting Callie exactly where she needs to be in order to find her parents.

I loved the Old Hollywood setting of Golden Girl. It's the perfect place for fairies to gather, with all of that glitz and glamor! It's easy to get caught up in, especially when Ivy Bright is on your side. Callie is determined to rescue her parents and avoid the rest of her royal family, and all of the clues lead to Hollywood. However, there's even more trouble than she anticipated when Callie senses magic in her boss's household. She just can't pinpoint who it's radiating from. Unfortunately, it's super obvious (at least to me) who the fairy is. All of the hints are staring Callie straight in the face, but she doesn't figure it out until it's too late. That was way too convenient for plot excitement purposes, but I didn't believe it at all. It definitely dampened my enjoyment, since I was really liking everything else that was happening.

Golden Girl is a really good sequel. The plot moves forward, the characters learn and grow, and the final battle is all set up. No middle book syndrome here! I just didn't like it quite as much as I could have if Callie hadn't been so blind and naive. Everyone she comes across is able to trick her! She knows fairies can't be trusted, and she knows enough about them to be able to pick out who is probably one, and yet she fails on both accounts multiple times. A lot of interesting stuff is revealed though, so that kept me interested, and I'm excited to see what comes of the war that's brewing.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Amy (Sun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting/World Building: 4/5
Main Character: 4/5
Other Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Triggering/Issues: 4/5 (For the 'other girl' angle in the romance, ugh.)

AVERAGED TOTAL: 4 out of 5.

This is a slightly less enthusiastic 4 than the first book in the series. The thing is, there wasn't much massively wrong with this sequel, and while I did read through it in one day, it didn't have the same SPARK as the first one did. I think the problem for me was with the main character Callie, and the sort-of love triangle. Thankfully, this book didn't do my least favorite romance trope with the main girl being interested in two guys. It did, however, do another trope I don't really like, where another girls comes in, and the love interest shows interest in her, so the main character gets jealous and starts hating her.

On the plus side, the "other girl" is at least not just portrayed as awful and evil. There's depth to her, a reason for her being the way she is, for her longing for love, and that makes it a lot more likable. I think I just could have done without QUITE so much of the jealousy, and probably a little less of the main character making stupid decisions. She does a lot of blundering about in this book, much like the first, but I was kind of wishing she'd have learned a little more from what happened in the first book? Especially since Jack is right there telling her not to trust someone, and she doesn't listen.

These first two paragraphs make it sound like I didn't like the book much, but I did! I still enjoyed the world it presented, this time the Hollywood side of the Great Depression rather than the 'regular' people. (Which makes sense because this book was focused more on the Seelies, and they live in Hollywood.) I also felt like this book gave me a much better understanding of how her magic works, and how the power it's built on comes from wishes but also from music and emotions and such.

All in all it was a good book, despite my issues with certain things, and I'm looking forward to reading the third and final!

[manda-rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book dives right into where Callie's life left off with the last book. Callie, the Unseelie Court heir, is on a mission to find her parents. And while the fae will stop at nothing to control Callie due that pesky prophecy surrounding her, she's not going to let them stop her.

Callie and Jack have landed themselves in California trying to locate the entrance to the Seelie Court. They have her parents, and she wants them back. While merging into the movie star spotlight, they meet some interesting characters. One is a girl named Ivy who is a little spoiled starlet, but all she wants is a friend. As things are revealed and Callie finds her way into the fairy world again, she finds there's a lot more to these people than she first thought.

Again, I enjoyed the story-telling and the world building set in the 1930s. We're in the world of old Hollywood (or early Hollywood, whatever). And we get to see a lot of behind-the-scenes scenes that are used for those movies. In addition, there's a lot of fairy magic involved. Every time I think I've got the magic figured out, something new pops up and I can't quite comprehend how it works. Regardless, it's fun to try to follow. The only complaint I have about this book is it seems slightly childish to me, but that just means I'd recommend this one for tweens in addition to young adults.

An American Fairy series that I'd recommend for anyone looking for a good fantasy set in the past. It's fun to follow, and before you know it, you're at the end asking for more.

[Gwyneth Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this book as soon as it became available, and read it in under 48 hours. Now I'm sorry. Not because I didn't love it, because I did, but because I now have probably a year to wait until the next book in the series comes out.
I loved Dust Girl, which was set in the midwest during the dust bowl, because it was an interesting and new take on magic and fairies. Golden Girl continues in that vein, with Callie and her friend Jack having made it to California. Hollywood, to be exact. Callie grew up in Kansas, thinking that the big secret she and her mother were keeping was that her father was a black man. In the previous book, Callie learned that the truth was more complicated and fantastic, that her father was actually a fairy, furthermore, a prince of the Unseelie Court. Both the Seelie and Unseelie courts are looking for Callie because of a prophecy about her powers.
Callie has come to Hollywood because she's been told her parents are being held captive in "the golden mountains of the west." Where could that be but California. And if you're looking for 'glamour' in California, where else would you go but Hollywood? Once there, Callie and Jack get drawn into the life of Amy Bright, a child star. The story weaves in real historical characters like Paul Robeson and William Randolph Hearst. It's a suspenseful ride as Callie learns more about herself and her magic as she searches for her parents. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Zettel has topped herself here, shifting the action from the poverty-stricken Dust Bowl to the glittering lights of Hollywood. The thrill of Callie’s predicament is liberally seasoned with meeting the historic figure of Paul Robeson, a character of such dignity, grace and strength that his presence immeasurably enhances the book. Callie also finds herself faced with an improbable enemy in the form of a Shirley-Temple wannabe. Ms. Zettel manages to make the latter credibly dangerous instead of the laughable figure she might have been, a tribute to her tremendous gifts of characterization.

In this novel the stakes are considerably higher. The terror and menace ratchet higher with every page, leaving the reader gripped with stomach-churning tension. Callie remains redoubtable figure. She grows into maturity and her power with every chapter, acting with the cunning of a gambler, the kindness inherent in her nature and the desperation of a teenager wishing to rescue her loved ones. Her efforts to save her family, protect innocents and avoid conflict don’t always work but her valiant attempts are wonderful to read.

The novel ends with the threat of warfare, so exciting events are in the offing. This series proves that the fantasy genre is an ever-malleable gift in the hands of brilliant authors like Ms. Zettel.

[Merrilyn Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callie has escaped the Dust Bowl and has ended up in Hollywood with her friend, Jack. (This happened in the first book in the series, which I did not read.) Now, Callie and Jack have to find Callie's parents. Her father is a fairy king of the Unseelies and her mother is a mortal, making Caliie a half blood. Callie and Jack came to Hollywood because it is supposed to be where the gate is to the fairy world. This leads to San Simeon, William Randolph Hearst's castle. Callie and Jack meet Ivy Bright, a child actress, and she befriends them, taking Callie into her house to live. Soon, it becomes apparent that Ivy is a part of the fairy world, too, and she causes trouble for Callie and Jack. The Seelies and Unseelies are battling it out in Hollywood. Callie just wants to be reunited with her father and mother. Complications in the story include Callie's father being a black man and the language surrounding him is of the 1930s time period, "negro," "blackface," and references to black vaudeville seem out of place. Zettel is a historian and includes every last detail, but I am not sure it would make sense to a young reader with no historical knowledge. This is not a book or series I would have in my school library, but may be very enjoyable for fairy tale lovers at the public library.

[Bookboy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Golden Girl picks up in the aftermath of Dust Girl, the first book in the American Fairy Trilogy. Once again, we find ourselves in the company of Callie and Jack, this time in the glamour and glitz of Depression-era Hollywood. Callie is determined to find and free her parents, who are being held by the fae, but the fae themselves have very different plans for her and her family.

As I read Golden Girl, I found myself immersed once again in a fantastically realised alternate, though at times two dimensional, world, which incorporates a lot of historical people and events into it. Sarah Zettel does almost as good a job in describing the world of the home of movies as she did in describing the Dust Bowl, giving her book a keen historical edge without taking away from the story. Callie and Jack’s adventures continue to be thrilling, full of twists and turns and unforgettable characters. Throw in some chilling scenes when the fae become involved, and once again Ms. Zettel has created an enthralling tale, which suffers slightly from comparison to the first book and a certain lack of depth in the world surrounding it.

If you enjoyed the first, you will enjoy this one and probably be looking forward to the finale just as much as I am!

[Dlora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Book Two in the American Fairy Trilogy following Dust Girl. While the period details about the Dust Bowl were really great in the first book, this second one set in Hollywood during the Depression era didn't have the same atmospheric feel--maybe because rich movie tycoons throwing decadent, glittering parties with starlets willing to do anything to break into the movies hasn't changed much. It seemed more time was spent developing the conflict between the fairies and Callie learning what her powers can and can't do. Sarah Zettel's creation of fairy rules and abilities was very imaginative but I missed having the fascinating historical setting in addition to the fantasy elements. Callie is still on the search to save her parents from the Seelie kingdom, Jack is still her sidekick, and they pick up child star Ivy Bright and great singer Paul Robeson (a real historical figure) in their quest.

[Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the same problems I encountered in Dust Girl, but with fewer of its redeeming qualities. Still incredibly imagined, just not my cup of tea. Maybe a virulent case of Middle Book Syndrome? Still, I'll read the third book because I'm already invested in Callie's and Jack's fate – despite this book distancing me from them a bit. (A real rating would be 2.5 stars, but since I shafted Zettel on half a star for Dust Girl, I don't feel as bad about giving her one here. Also, the charaterisation issues I had with the fist book aren't as present in this one.)

[Maeve Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is good but it is too young for me. It is written for children and I think children will really like it. I got bored after the first book but I'm a middle-aged adult. I often read books meant for high school because the plots can be good and the characters well-developed. I think the characters in this book are well-developed. The plot was good if you are new to good fairy vs bad fairy but I've read so many of these that I just got bored. I did like this book over Holly Black's books which I also stopped reading for the similar reasons, too young. Where as Holly Black's bad fairies are predictable I did like the way Sarah Zettel depicted her Unseelie fairy world better. It was more unique than most. That is why I enjoyed the first book in this series.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2d book in series beginning with Dust Girl. Here Callie is more confident, finding her voice. Instead of the Dust Bowl, we've traveled to Hollywood where she and Jack hope to find another door into the fairy world to find her parents. Why Hollywood? Because fairy's like all that is perfect and beautiful in the human world. Partly enjoyed this because some of the action takes place at San Simeon, the Hurst mansion, and my grandfather took me there when is was 11ish. So beautiful!!!

I'm hoping the 3rd book in the American Fair Trilogy is available....

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't been aware that the series was going to continue to follow Callie; somehow I'd gotten it into my head that each story would be distinct - no idea why. It was nice to have this pick up where the last book ended, but with enough back story filled in that I wasn't lost (since it's been a while since I read the first one). I love Zettel's writing style, and this is no exception; the addition of actual historical figures was fun, and I'm enjoying learning the "rules" of Callie's new life as she does.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am having so much fun with this series. It is very true to the way a fairy tale should be written. That the issues of racial prejudiced of the 1930's is addressed in its many forms from skin color, interracial marriage down to the fairy's even being prejudice to each other; a good morally lesson as all good Tales like this should have. Calliope, the half fairy, half black girl from the Dust Bowl has every Court, both human and fairy, out to get her. She has a lot of pluck and is not a whiner but faces with courage (and compassion; her human side) some very harsh situations.