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Mastermind Academy #1
The Silver Strand
Ever since twelve year old Isabelle Tresdon's silver strand of hair sprouted, it's been nothing but trouble: bleeding pink dust and sparking like a firecracker. Refusing to be known as the girl with the freaky, grandma hair, she wishes it never grew and the hair withers and tarnishes. The only problem is, the strand is Isabelle's source of magic, and she can transform particles of energy into matter. It's also her ticket into Mastermind Academy, a secret school inside the earth's core. Five days remain before the strand drains her magic and life, forcing Isabelle to enter into a deal with two trickster Masterminds to save it. But what she doesn't count on is that there is more at stake than just her life.
Unknown Binding
First published August 25, 2013
About the author
L.J. Clarkson
9 books62 followersLJ Clarkson has done many things in her time. Making mud pies as an Environmental Engineer. Bossing people around as a project manager. Reducing flood risk to residents affected by floods. But her all time favorite job is telling stories and making others laugh.
She counts the following as very special talents: singing out of tune, laughing at her own jokes, reciting useless, but very fascinating facts, and a magical habit of magnetizing food to her clothes. If she were a Mastermind, she’d uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog’s fussy eating habits.
LJ is the author of the Mastermind Academy, Heaven and Hound and Fireborn series. You can find out more at www.mastermindacademy.net or join her newsletter here http://mastermindacademy.net/join-l-j...
She counts the following as very special talents: singing out of tune, laughing at her own jokes, reciting useless, but very fascinating facts, and a magical habit of magnetizing food to her clothes. If she were a Mastermind, she’d uninvent early mornings, grammar, broccoli, cleaning and her dog’s fussy eating habits.
LJ is the author of the Mastermind Academy, Heaven and Hound and Fireborn series. You can find out more at www.mastermindacademy.net or join her newsletter here http://mastermindacademy.net/join-l-j...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 22, 2014
After some surprising events in school one day, Isabella finds out that her mom has been keeping a big secret from her. That night she meets two interesting, um, people from her mom's past - and heads off to Mastermind Academy on an adventure to save her magic, her life - and much more.
I totally fell in love with the cover of this book. But I was disappointed in this book.
The whole idea of bleeding pink dust and growing a silver strand of hair sounded really unique and interesting, but when it played out at the beginning of the story, it ended up being stupid. "A cold and metallic rod ran from the temple to her shoulder. She twirled the chunky, silver hair between her thumb and forefingers. It gave off fuchsia colored sparkles at her touch." It became even more stupid when you find out that it is literally silver.
There is some bullying in this book and, instead of the coach stepping in and immediately taking care of it, it's as if he joins in. Now, I do like the comment he makes at the end of gym class, but by then it is too late.
Once they set off for the school, things do get a little better, but not enough to make up for the beginning.
I usually really like YA books and try to enjoy it like I did when I was younger, so you can understand how this was a bit disheartening for me. I may consider reading the rest of the series, though, just so I can find out what happens, but I won't rush to grab it up.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I totally fell in love with the cover of this book. But I was disappointed in this book.
The whole idea of bleeding pink dust and growing a silver strand of hair sounded really unique and interesting, but when it played out at the beginning of the story, it ended up being stupid. "A cold and metallic rod ran from the temple to her shoulder. She twirled the chunky, silver hair between her thumb and forefingers. It gave off fuchsia colored sparkles at her touch." It became even more stupid when you find out that it is literally silver.
There is some bullying in this book and, instead of the coach stepping in and immediately taking care of it, it's as if he joins in. Now, I do like the comment he makes at the end of gym class, but by then it is too late.
Once they set off for the school, things do get a little better, but not enough to make up for the beginning.
I usually really like YA books and try to enjoy it like I did when I was younger, so you can understand how this was a bit disheartening for me. I may consider reading the rest of the series, though, just so I can find out what happens, but I won't rush to grab it up.
Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2013
Isabelle is shocked when a silver strand of hair pokes through her scalp and grows into a large streak. Isabelle feels very embarrassed by the hair and thinks it looks weird and it makes her self-conscious at school. That day at home, she wishes that the strand never appeared. Then, the strand shrivels up and gets discolored. Isabelle is even more shocked when 2 people (well 1 person and one talking cat who used to be a person) from a magical world called Agartha (a strange world of magic) show up and tell her she’s going to die in five days unless she can heal her strand. Isabelle learns that the strand is a source of magical powers, HER magical powers and she must pass some “tests” in order to heal it. But is it too late?
This was one of those “I-got-in-trouble-because-my-parents-caught-me-reading-this-book-under-my-covers-with-a-flashlight-at-ten-o’clock-at-night-on-a-school-night” books. I really liked the plot to this story and I couldn’t put it down (hence the “under the covers” part :) ). The book was a fun read for me because of the magic part of it and there was the right amount of humor mixed into it. Isabelle is a great main character. I enjoyed getting to know her and I cared about what was happening to her. Esme and Boldrick (the two from Agartha) were good characters too. Ms. Clarkson did a good job writing an exciting story that is good for younger kids. By the end of the book, I was wanting more (but in a good way). I am glad to see that this is book 1 so I am guessing a book 2 is being written! YAY! The only thing I would change is that the cover was a bit too dark on the ebook version I read, but it still looks cool.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was one of those “I-got-in-trouble-because-my-parents-caught-me-reading-this-book-under-my-covers-with-a-flashlight-at-ten-o’clock-at-night-on-a-school-night” books. I really liked the plot to this story and I couldn’t put it down (hence the “under the covers” part :) ). The book was a fun read for me because of the magic part of it and there was the right amount of humor mixed into it. Isabelle is a great main character. I enjoyed getting to know her and I cared about what was happening to her. Esme and Boldrick (the two from Agartha) were good characters too. Ms. Clarkson did a good job writing an exciting story that is good for younger kids. By the end of the book, I was wanting more (but in a good way). I am glad to see that this is book 1 so I am guessing a book 2 is being written! YAY! The only thing I would change is that the cover was a bit too dark on the ebook version I read, but it still looks cool.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 27, 2014
I won this book on GoodReads from the author and promised to return with an honest review - here it is:
Isabelle is just a normal girl until one day at school she notices that she has a strange silver strand of hair, which shoots out pink sparkles, and that starts her on an amazing path of adventure and discovering who she really is. She has to undergo different trials using all her skills and knowledge, and only if she succeeds will she be able to save her strand from dying and two worlds from a disaster.
The book is about the adventures of a young teenager, but I loved it despite my teenage years being already some time behind me! It is light, funny, interesting, fast-paced and all around a really pleasant read. The characters really leap out of the pages and "feel" alive - I especially loved Mozzy! Reading about what happens to Isabelle at school brought me back to those days, and during the later adventures I wished I was her :) It was lovely to read and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
Isabelle is just a normal girl until one day at school she notices that she has a strange silver strand of hair, which shoots out pink sparkles, and that starts her on an amazing path of adventure and discovering who she really is. She has to undergo different trials using all her skills and knowledge, and only if she succeeds will she be able to save her strand from dying and two worlds from a disaster.
The book is about the adventures of a young teenager, but I loved it despite my teenage years being already some time behind me! It is light, funny, interesting, fast-paced and all around a really pleasant read. The characters really leap out of the pages and "feel" alive - I especially loved Mozzy! Reading about what happens to Isabelle at school brought me back to those days, and during the later adventures I wished I was her :) It was lovely to read and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!
December 28, 2013
Disclaimer: I received this ebook copy for free and received no monetary compensation for this review.
The target audience for this novel is 9-12 years old. I definitely feel that the main character, Isabelle, who is 12, behaves and acts like a child in that age range. (Trust me I have kids, so I know.)
I felt the flow of the story was a little rushed in places but not so much that a child would complain. I really think my favorite character is not the heroine of the story but her best friend.
There is plenty of humor and funny moments that liven up the book as well. Would I recommend it to others? Yes, I would.
The target audience for this novel is 9-12 years old. I definitely feel that the main character, Isabelle, who is 12, behaves and acts like a child in that age range. (Trust me I have kids, so I know.)
I felt the flow of the story was a little rushed in places but not so much that a child would complain. I really think my favorite character is not the heroine of the story but her best friend.
There is plenty of humor and funny moments that liven up the book as well. Would I recommend it to others? Yes, I would.
October 21, 2013
I really like this book. I think it's one that middle school children would enjoy. This book contains fantasy and magic. I feel like girls would enjoy this book more because it has a heroine,Isabelle. Isabelle is just a normal girl just trying to fit in school. She get a silver strand of hair and adventure and humor follows as she learns more about her mother and self. There are great characters in this book readers will love like Boldrick( who's a cat). I would definitely recommend this book for children 9-12 years old.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook copy for free and received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions about this book are my own.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook copy for free and received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions about this book are my own.
May 25, 2014
This was such a fun book to read. I think all ages can enjoy this book for I thoroughly enjoyed it even if I'm way past 12 years old. :) It's light, funny and is a delightful story about the young heroine Isabelle. I'm anxious for book 2!
May 30, 2017
An interesting story. A young girl is having a horrible time in school because of a bully and then after a week of headaches she is hit in the head with a basketball. And then ........., can't tell you. A lady with a cat shows up at her house and her mom goes out to talk to her and Belle goes also--guess what--she can hear the cat talking. She can hear frogs talking also. Belle has to complete three tasks and the book really takes off then. A fast read--read it in one setting. Would like to find out what happens next!! I recommend this book.
March 15, 2019
I really didn't think this story flowed very well for me. Choppy and sometimes no idea where a new adventure came from. Plus waaaay too preachy about environment. That alone really turned me off. I won't be continuing this series.
April 22, 2017
This was a very enjoyable middle grade story about a 12 year old child coming into her magical inheritance. It is interesting enough to be enjoyed by adults and children. There are real worries when Isabelle turns into a toad and must hide from her toad killing father. The science and environmental concerns are very well done. Boldrick, the man that was turned into a speaking cat until he can break the curse certainly added humor. I would recommend this to any one.
July 16, 2018
A cute tale about a girl who is different from her schoolmates and learns she’s got a magic strand of hair that is silver. It’s a cute tale of learning how to survive and revive the hair and saving the world of magic.
September 3, 2015
I am nine years old and I think this book is AWESOME!!! One day in the story, Isabelle is playing sports and gets hit by a ball and she starts bleeding pink dust! Then her hair sprouts a ‘granny hair’ even though she was only twelve years old! And in science class, Isabelle figures out that the silver hair is actually made out of actual real silver & might be even magical.
And there’s a vain talking cat called Boldrick with a silver whisker, just like Isabelle. I thought he was funny and can picture him with his posh English saying that his hair is like a Da Vinci canvas and he even has a fur ball problem before going into the tunnel, maybe because of all his over fur cleaning just like my cat Princess Fluffy. Oh and I can’t stop thinking about Boldrick’s vanilla hair gel and fringe and I thought that was funny but don’t think my cat would like hair gel like Boldrick does. (=^.^=)~
There are lots of funny parts, too, I like how its written and the funny things that are said by Bianca like “horse mite” & Isabella like “Warterella” and what Esme says reminds me of my teacher last year, she would have loved the Agartha stuff and I think that would be cool if it was real because it would help the planet heaps.
This book is well written and I found it really easy to picture what was happening and what the characters were like. It even made super gross toad cuisine, Isabella was eating seem super yummy but thought the parts about Mozzy’s toad family members was very sad. Everything about the story is interesting like the magical stuff, Agartha tech and the cheeky stuff they said.
Oh yeah and Isabelle has to pass three tests. The silver strand she has had it’s magic drained and now Isabelle has only five days to live, and she gets turned into a toad and that’s when things start to get dangerous and I don’t wait to spoil it for anyone by saying more about the story.
This book is really really awesome, unique and has lots of super cool interesting stuff and tons of funny surprises!!
~~~(=^.^=) = Boldrick the cat
**Actually, I read this book but on Amazon and I read the one with Boldrick the cat on the cover with the cute hair gel curl in his hair. (^.^)~
And there’s a vain talking cat called Boldrick with a silver whisker, just like Isabelle. I thought he was funny and can picture him with his posh English saying that his hair is like a Da Vinci canvas and he even has a fur ball problem before going into the tunnel, maybe because of all his over fur cleaning just like my cat Princess Fluffy. Oh and I can’t stop thinking about Boldrick’s vanilla hair gel and fringe and I thought that was funny but don’t think my cat would like hair gel like Boldrick does. (=^.^=)~
There are lots of funny parts, too, I like how its written and the funny things that are said by Bianca like “horse mite” & Isabella like “Warterella” and what Esme says reminds me of my teacher last year, she would have loved the Agartha stuff and I think that would be cool if it was real because it would help the planet heaps.
This book is well written and I found it really easy to picture what was happening and what the characters were like. It even made super gross toad cuisine, Isabella was eating seem super yummy but thought the parts about Mozzy’s toad family members was very sad. Everything about the story is interesting like the magical stuff, Agartha tech and the cheeky stuff they said.
Oh yeah and Isabelle has to pass three tests. The silver strand she has had it’s magic drained and now Isabelle has only five days to live, and she gets turned into a toad and that’s when things start to get dangerous and I don’t wait to spoil it for anyone by saying more about the story.
This book is really really awesome, unique and has lots of super cool interesting stuff and tons of funny surprises!!
~~~(=^.^=) = Boldrick the cat
**Actually, I read this book but on Amazon and I read the one with Boldrick the cat on the cover with the cute hair gel curl in his hair. (^.^)~
September 23, 2013
Reviewed for Readers’ Favorite (at ReadersFavorite.com)
The Silver Strand, by L. J. Clarkson, introduces readers to Isabelle Tresdon—an artist and scientist—not an athlete—who, while suffering through gym class with a headache, ends up on the floor with pink dust that sparkles around her, then fades away. Minutes later, Isabelle sprouts a “granny hair.” This silver streak worries Isabelle. Will the others kids now give her grandma nicknames, like Ethyl, Beryl, or Shirley? With the assistance of her best friend, Bianca, Isabelle attempts to cut off the silver streak. Only later does she learn that it was to be her ticket into the Mastermind Academy, a school of magic.
Presented with a series of tests she must pass in order to earn back her silver streak, Isabelle begins a journey full of chaos, worry and fun! She discovers how to use her imagination to envision the solution to a problem, how to appreciate her own unique beauty and that of others, and how to believe in herself.
In The Silver Strand, Clarkson has provided Isabelle support via a cast of characters rich in quirky personality traits. Meet Bianca, the tough best friend who uses her shirt to wipe off “a year’s worth of smudges” from her eyeglasses. Meet “Mom,” who has kept her own silver streak hidden all these years! One after the other, from Mr. Higgins, the science teacher who conducts dangerous in-class experiments, to Jemima, who accuses Isabelle of being an alien, to Boldrick, destined to live in the form of a cat for years, to Esme the daredevil, to Max the toad, to Ramala the dragon—who initially intends to season, roast and then eat Isabelle—The Silver Strand delivers! With charm, wit and laugh-out-loud dialogue and prose, Clarkson has created a story that is destined to become a favorite for middle grade and pre-teen readers!
Also posted on my site at www.oathtaker.com, on BookLikes at http://patriciareding.booklikes.com/p... and on my Facebook page (/PatriciaRedingAuthor), tweeted on Twitter, added to my Pinterest page and noted in postings made on two Google+ book review communities.
The Silver Strand, by L. J. Clarkson, introduces readers to Isabelle Tresdon—an artist and scientist—not an athlete—who, while suffering through gym class with a headache, ends up on the floor with pink dust that sparkles around her, then fades away. Minutes later, Isabelle sprouts a “granny hair.” This silver streak worries Isabelle. Will the others kids now give her grandma nicknames, like Ethyl, Beryl, or Shirley? With the assistance of her best friend, Bianca, Isabelle attempts to cut off the silver streak. Only later does she learn that it was to be her ticket into the Mastermind Academy, a school of magic.
Presented with a series of tests she must pass in order to earn back her silver streak, Isabelle begins a journey full of chaos, worry and fun! She discovers how to use her imagination to envision the solution to a problem, how to appreciate her own unique beauty and that of others, and how to believe in herself.
In The Silver Strand, Clarkson has provided Isabelle support via a cast of characters rich in quirky personality traits. Meet Bianca, the tough best friend who uses her shirt to wipe off “a year’s worth of smudges” from her eyeglasses. Meet “Mom,” who has kept her own silver streak hidden all these years! One after the other, from Mr. Higgins, the science teacher who conducts dangerous in-class experiments, to Jemima, who accuses Isabelle of being an alien, to Boldrick, destined to live in the form of a cat for years, to Esme the daredevil, to Max the toad, to Ramala the dragon—who initially intends to season, roast and then eat Isabelle—The Silver Strand delivers! With charm, wit and laugh-out-loud dialogue and prose, Clarkson has created a story that is destined to become a favorite for middle grade and pre-teen readers!
Also posted on my site at www.oathtaker.com, on BookLikes at http://patriciareding.booklikes.com/p... and on my Facebook page (/PatriciaRedingAuthor), tweeted on Twitter, added to my Pinterest page and noted in postings made on two Google+ book review communities.
August 11, 2016
*Received from the Author in exchange for an honest review*
Unique and individual, this story is unlike any other! It is a lovely magical read, showing a girl build her confidence and belief in herself. The cover is mysterious, dark and interesting with the arch representing her entry into a new world.
After an embarrassing day back at school when Isabelle discovers she has a silver strand, she believes it is ugly and horrible, but is soon convinced by her best friend that it is indeed magical and special… after she wishes it away, oops! To earn back her silver strand, her source of magic, she must complete three dangerous challenges to earn the right to go to Mastermind Academy. However, she is lead into an even more dangerous situation when she goes along with Boldrick and Esme.
Isabelle is a lovely character who cares about everyone, no matter what they are or where they come from; for example Mosey who is a toad. My favourite character out of everyone was without-a-doubt Mr Boldrick, I found him very funny but was additionally sensible with his gentleman like manner, furthermore he intrigued me with his history and I wanted to learn more about his mysterious past.
This is a lovely, magical story, it is light and easy to read but holding your attention till the end. There are many different aspects to this story that will appeal to everyone, additionally the story is continuous meaning something is always occurring. Full of imagination, this story a perfect read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the second instalment.
Unique and individual, this story is unlike any other! It is a lovely magical read, showing a girl build her confidence and belief in herself. The cover is mysterious, dark and interesting with the arch representing her entry into a new world.
After an embarrassing day back at school when Isabelle discovers she has a silver strand, she believes it is ugly and horrible, but is soon convinced by her best friend that it is indeed magical and special… after she wishes it away, oops! To earn back her silver strand, her source of magic, she must complete three dangerous challenges to earn the right to go to Mastermind Academy. However, she is lead into an even more dangerous situation when she goes along with Boldrick and Esme.
Isabelle is a lovely character who cares about everyone, no matter what they are or where they come from; for example Mosey who is a toad. My favourite character out of everyone was without-a-doubt Mr Boldrick, I found him very funny but was additionally sensible with his gentleman like manner, furthermore he intrigued me with his history and I wanted to learn more about his mysterious past.
This is a lovely, magical story, it is light and easy to read but holding your attention till the end. There are many different aspects to this story that will appeal to everyone, additionally the story is continuous meaning something is always occurring. Full of imagination, this story a perfect read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the second instalment.
October 11, 2013
(3.5 stars) Isabelle's life starts out pretty ordinary. She's trying to survive gym class, along with her best friend, Bianca. She's had a headache for a few days and, suddenly, she's bleeding pink dust and feeling something wiggle out of her head. She grew a silver strand of hair that she tries to get rid of. She's not sure what to do and then Esme and Boldrick (a cat) show up. Her strand is dying and she has five days to revive it or she will die as well. She has to pass three tests and if she does, she will then be admitted to Mastermind Academy.
This is a cute, quick, clean read! Isabelle is likable and I found myself cheering her on. Boldrick is a cat and he was pretty funny. Esme is quirky and unpredictable.
I liked the beginning, then Isabelle turned into a toad and that part felt kind of long to me. Then, later, she met a dragon, which was enjoyable and then she went on a few more adventures with Esme and Boldrick. She learned more about what was happening and what the real mission was. It was fast-paced with a satisfying end. I was hoping to read about her experiences in the Academy, but I guess that will be book 2! I recommend this for mid-grade readers, 9-12.
Mel's Shelves
This is a cute, quick, clean read! Isabelle is likable and I found myself cheering her on. Boldrick is a cat and he was pretty funny. Esme is quirky and unpredictable.
I liked the beginning, then Isabelle turned into a toad and that part felt kind of long to me. Then, later, she met a dragon, which was enjoyable and then she went on a few more adventures with Esme and Boldrick. She learned more about what was happening and what the real mission was. It was fast-paced with a satisfying end. I was hoping to read about her experiences in the Academy, but I guess that will be book 2! I recommend this for mid-grade readers, 9-12.
Mel's Shelves
September 26, 2014
Isabelle has five days to unlock the mysteries of her sick silver strand before its failing magic drains her of life. After wishing away her silver strand at the end of an embarrassingly strange school day Isabelle learns of her magic and the world she could have been a part of had she not unknowingly wished her magic away.
Three tests bar her path into mastermind academy where she will learn to use magic... if she can get it back. Dragons, shape shifters, scheming council members, death seems to await her around every corner and with every passing minute.
The Silver Strand enters a world of lost races and magic of the mind. The voice is perfect for the age group the book is targeted towards and makes for a quick while creatively entertaining read for adults. I didn't want to put it down.
Three tests bar her path into mastermind academy where she will learn to use magic... if she can get it back. Dragons, shape shifters, scheming council members, death seems to await her around every corner and with every passing minute.
The Silver Strand enters a world of lost races and magic of the mind. The voice is perfect for the age group the book is targeted towards and makes for a quick while creatively entertaining read for adults. I didn't want to put it down.
January 20, 2014
"The Silver Strand" is a fun story with an interesting premise and beautiful characters. I absolutely loved it! The idea that one's magic can come from a single Silver Strand of hair is both exciting and frightening! Are my grays meaning I'm turning magical? To wield such power would be such a big responsibility. But 12 year old Isabelle takes it with a stride. When she finally figures out what the strand's all about, she also has to figure out how to get hers healed. Unfortunately, wishing something away usually works! I'm definitely looking forward to the second book, and a more in-depth look and exploration of Mastermind Academy. Likened to the Harry Potter, the "Mastermind Academy" series is definitely something to watch for.
January 30, 2015
This was such a fun book to read. I think all ages can enjoy this book for I thoroughly enjoyed it even if I'm way past 12 years old. :) It's light, funny and is a delightful story about the young heroine Isabelle. I'm anxious for book 2!
February 2, 2017
Wait a minute isn't it Strand? Yes but it acts like a banjo string making noise and being wonkie. This is a delightful mid-grade book, you will at sometime kick yourself for skipping if you do. In other words give it a try.
July 16, 2015
This was an interesting book after all, with a fun twist on how magic manifests. First part of a series, so I'll have to see if I can find the rest in the series to give it a shot.
October 8, 2017
Choppy story line
I was frustrated with the lack of smoothness, or finished polish. The characters went from scene to scene with little to no connection. For example, while speeding along in their traveling device, they encounter similar devices that have guns aiming at them. Then I kid you not, they are in a forest. What happened to the armed gaurd? There's not even a sentence saying they blew past them! I honestly don't even want to finish the book.
I was frustrated with the lack of smoothness, or finished polish. The characters went from scene to scene with little to no connection. For example, while speeding along in their traveling device, they encounter similar devices that have guns aiming at them. Then I kid you not, they are in a forest. What happened to the armed gaurd? There's not even a sentence saying they blew past them! I honestly don't even want to finish the book.
May 16, 2016
I was given this ARC by the publisher in exchange for a honest rating and review.
Ever since twelve year old Isabelle Tresdon’s silver strand of hair sprouted, it’s been nothing but trouble: bleeding pink dust and sparking like a firecracker. Refusing to be known as the girl with the freaky, grandma hair, she wishes it never grew and the hair withers and tarnishes.
The only problem is, the strand is Isabelle's source of magic, and she can transform particles of energy into matter. It's also her ticket into Mastermind Academy, a secret school inside the earth’s core. Five days remain before the strand drains her magic and life, forcing Isabelle to enter into a deal with two trickster Masterminds to save it. But what she doesn't count on is that there is more at stake than just her life.
The story started off strong and intriguing, taking place immediately at the moment when Isabelle is hit by a basketball and her silver hair sprouts out (I cringed a little at the ridiculous description of pink dust spurting out). And after that, it's when Isabelle's life takes a turn for the worse--her mother is revealed to have a silver strand just like her. These people that possess silver strands are called Masterminds. With the power of their silver strands, they can transform particles of energy into matter.
This concept caught my curiosity and pulled me onward to read more.
However, to my irritation and disappointment, Clarkson did not elaborate much on the topic, only choosing to focus on silly descriptions and cringe-worthy character dialogue that didn't seem necessary. I'll come back to that later on. But what really confused me was the contradicting concept of magic and science.
Magic and science are two complete opposites. Yet, in Agartha, they supposedly perform magic based on scientific concepts, i.e. molecular physics, as stated in the book. If that is so, can I ask how do the Masterminds change the vibration of the atoms and the molecules of something? Why did they possess this ability in the first place? What are the origins of Agartha?
The second problem I had with this book was the immense lack of world-building. Every time the book mentions Agartha, I only know that the world is ruled by a group called the Councilors and their residents are all Masterminds that can turn everything into anything, and so on and so on. Also, the Councilors have struck a deal with the Terrans, a.k.a. humans, to work together. If so, why doesn't anyone that is human seem to know about the deal with Agartha? If all the residents of Agartha know of it, why are humans oblivious to it? There is also no elaboration or speculation on the Councilors, or Agartha, except for Mount Cinder.
The book felt rushed and confusing, and the sentences were short. The descriptions were poor and awkward. The characters were two-dimensional, and the author's poor attempts to make Esme and Boldrick funny didn't amuse me, or make me captivated by them. Isabelle is a poor heroine with a flat personality. She didn't have any quirks or special traits about her that made me like her. Also, I felt that her reaction to her being a Mastermind was flat and unnatural, like she could have reacted more to it, not just think, "Oh, so I'm a Mastermind. I have special powers. So cool." It also made me feel like she didn't miss her human life at all, with her best friend and her father. The bad guys were also not really threatening or dangerous. I think that Clarkson could have tried to write more about Isabelle's feelings and thoughts, and evoke more emotions into her writing, rather than just writing action, when she was also not good at writing that.
Overall, I thought the book was pretty enjoyable at the start, but as the book progressed, it became dull and monotonous. I also thought that Isabelle being turned into a toad was kind of useless and redundant. The book was only about 180 pages, but it felt hard to force through the murky middle, which was the worst part of the book. The starting was good and the ending was sweet. I give The Silver Strand two and a half stars.
A cold and metallic rod ran from her temple to her shoulder. She twirled the chunky, silver hair between her thumb and forefinger. It gave off fuchsia colored sparkles at her touch. Tingles rippled through her. Warmth spread across her temple, dissolving the ache and dizziness.
It twinkled in the sunlight streaming through the skylight, and she brushed pink powder off it. What was this weird, silver hair?
Ever since twelve year old Isabelle Tresdon’s silver strand of hair sprouted, it’s been nothing but trouble: bleeding pink dust and sparking like a firecracker. Refusing to be known as the girl with the freaky, grandma hair, she wishes it never grew and the hair withers and tarnishes.
The only problem is, the strand is Isabelle's source of magic, and she can transform particles of energy into matter. It's also her ticket into Mastermind Academy, a secret school inside the earth’s core. Five days remain before the strand drains her magic and life, forcing Isabelle to enter into a deal with two trickster Masterminds to save it. But what she doesn't count on is that there is more at stake than just her life.
The story started off strong and intriguing, taking place immediately at the moment when Isabelle is hit by a basketball and her silver hair sprouts out (I cringed a little at the ridiculous description of pink dust spurting out). And after that, it's when Isabelle's life takes a turn for the worse--her mother is revealed to have a silver strand just like her. These people that possess silver strands are called Masterminds. With the power of their silver strands, they can transform particles of energy into matter.
This concept caught my curiosity and pulled me onward to read more.
“I picture an apple in (my head). My mind transforms invisible particles of energy into the atoms, protons and neutrons of an apple. The energy flashes when it changes state, from a moving wave of energy, to fixed, solid matter. Everything the eyes see appears to be solid. But that’s just an illusion. Everything is made up of millions of atoms and molecules too tiny for the eye to see that they are in a constant state of vibration. When you change the vibration, you can change the state of something."
However, to my irritation and disappointment, Clarkson did not elaborate much on the topic, only choosing to focus on silly descriptions and cringe-worthy character dialogue that didn't seem necessary. I'll come back to that later on. But what really confused me was the contradicting concept of magic and science.
Magic and science are two complete opposites. Yet, in Agartha, they supposedly perform magic based on scientific concepts, i.e. molecular physics, as stated in the book. If that is so, can I ask how do the Masterminds change the vibration of the atoms and the molecules of something? Why did they possess this ability in the first place? What are the origins of Agartha?
The second problem I had with this book was the immense lack of world-building. Every time the book mentions Agartha, I only know that the world is ruled by a group called the Councilors and their residents are all Masterminds that can turn everything into anything, and so on and so on. Also, the Councilors have struck a deal with the Terrans, a.k.a. humans, to work together. If so, why doesn't anyone that is human seem to know about the deal with Agartha? If all the residents of Agartha know of it, why are humans oblivious to it? There is also no elaboration or speculation on the Councilors, or Agartha, except for Mount Cinder.
The book felt rushed and confusing, and the sentences were short. The descriptions were poor and awkward. The characters were two-dimensional, and the author's poor attempts to make Esme and Boldrick funny didn't amuse me, or make me captivated by them. Isabelle is a poor heroine with a flat personality. She didn't have any quirks or special traits about her that made me like her. Also, I felt that her reaction to her being a Mastermind was flat and unnatural, like she could have reacted more to it, not just think, "Oh, so I'm a Mastermind. I have special powers. So cool." It also made me feel like she didn't miss her human life at all, with her best friend and her father. The bad guys were also not really threatening or dangerous. I think that Clarkson could have tried to write more about Isabelle's feelings and thoughts, and evoke more emotions into her writing, rather than just writing action, when she was also not good at writing that.
Overall, I thought the book was pretty enjoyable at the start, but as the book progressed, it became dull and monotonous. I also thought that Isabelle being turned into a toad was kind of useless and redundant. The book was only about 180 pages, but it felt hard to force through the murky middle, which was the worst part of the book. The starting was good and the ending was sweet. I give The Silver Strand two and a half stars.
May 22, 2017
Horrible and not recommended
It was hardly interesting. Super boring and annoying.
I would not recommend, it because it will put you to sleep.
It was hardly interesting. Super boring and annoying.
I would not recommend, it because it will put you to sleep.
May 25, 2017
Immature, but it would work for a middle-school reader.
June 17, 2017
Great reading, for a first time by this author just loved it, kept me interested until I had finished the story in a short space of time.
October 4, 2013
Isabelle just wants to be normal. That proves difficult when a metallic silver strand sprouts out of her head on day after gym class and shoots off fuchsia sparkles. Isabelle already has kids picking on her because she’d rather be in science class, she doesn’t need to be given grannie nicknames as well (obviously Isabelle never watched Stacy London rock her silver streak on What Not To Wear).
Angry at the problems her new hair has caused (like the school mean queen Jemina saying she’s an alien) Isabelle wishes the hair had never grew in and then her REAL problems begin. The hair shrivels up and shortly after, two strange people arrive stating they have come to take Isabelle to Mastermind Academy, a magical school hidden inside the Earth.
Isabelle soon learns her mother has a silver strand as well and was tossed out of Mastermind Academy for plotting against the Councilors. But according to the new arrivals, a woman named Esme and a talking cat named Boldrick, her mother was wrongly accused and they need Isabelle help to save their magical world. At the same time, Esme and Boldrick will help Isabelle save her strand before it magically sucks up Isabelle’s life.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story. Isabelle is such a typical tween. She’s desperate to fit in and doesn’t always have the strongest confidence in herself. Boldrick is also a delight with his proper 18th century gentleman mannerisms. Throughout, he and Esme show Isabelle that she is special and help build up her confidence. Through completing the tests to save her strand, Isabelle learns to accept her magic and to believe in herself which comes in very handy at the end.
There were a few issues throughout this book such as wrong tenses of words or other minor editing issues. I’m hoping the copy I received is an ARC and these mistakes will be fixed. There was also some sloppy storytelling that even in a mid-grade shouldn’t be there. For example, Isabelle reflects on the times Boldrick caused trouble by behaving impulsively (he has issues driving). One time occurred near the beginning of the book but the second occurred within pages of this and felt repetitive.
Regardless, this is a delightful magical tale that I think will be popular with young girls ages 9-13. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review
Angry at the problems her new hair has caused (like the school mean queen Jemina saying she’s an alien) Isabelle wishes the hair had never grew in and then her REAL problems begin. The hair shrivels up and shortly after, two strange people arrive stating they have come to take Isabelle to Mastermind Academy, a magical school hidden inside the Earth.
Isabelle soon learns her mother has a silver strand as well and was tossed out of Mastermind Academy for plotting against the Councilors. But according to the new arrivals, a woman named Esme and a talking cat named Boldrick, her mother was wrongly accused and they need Isabelle help to save their magical world. At the same time, Esme and Boldrick will help Isabelle save her strand before it magically sucks up Isabelle’s life.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story. Isabelle is such a typical tween. She’s desperate to fit in and doesn’t always have the strongest confidence in herself. Boldrick is also a delight with his proper 18th century gentleman mannerisms. Throughout, he and Esme show Isabelle that she is special and help build up her confidence. Through completing the tests to save her strand, Isabelle learns to accept her magic and to believe in herself which comes in very handy at the end.
There were a few issues throughout this book such as wrong tenses of words or other minor editing issues. I’m hoping the copy I received is an ARC and these mistakes will be fixed. There was also some sloppy storytelling that even in a mid-grade shouldn’t be there. For example, Isabelle reflects on the times Boldrick caused trouble by behaving impulsively (he has issues driving). One time occurred near the beginning of the book but the second occurred within pages of this and felt repetitive.
Regardless, this is a delightful magical tale that I think will be popular with young girls ages 9-13. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review
June 23, 2016
I was asked to read and review this book's sequel, The Silver Chains, by L. J. Clarkson's team, and was given this first book to read also.
The Silver Strand is a fantasy middle grade novel. It focuses on the main protagonist Isabelle and her discovery of magic. I would say I had mixed feelings about the book. As a person who thoroughly likes reading fantasy middle grade, I was excited. There were some aspects that I liked a lot, and some that fell short for me.
The plot was strange but intriguing. The strand was a unique choice that kept a sense of mystery. By the end of the book, we still don't really know what exactly is going on, which I was okay with. The pacing was a bit off. It seemed like for half the book, Isabelle was a toad hopping around aimlessly. The portion after that I did like better. It took over halfway through to finally get to the magic school, but when we did it felt more together.
I liked all of the characters but I didn't feel particularly attached to any of them. We didn't get any depth, and so it kept me from getting to engaged in the read.
The writing seemed a bit juvenile to me, which is fine because it is middle grade. But one aspect I really like in middle grade is when it transcends age groups and can be enjoyed by all. Lots of middle grade does this successfully, but I don't think this was a goal of the author. It doesn't have to do this to be a good book, it just takes some of my personal enjoyment out of it. Although it decreases the pool of people who could read it, I do think that the main demographic could enjoy it a lot.
This book is a fun read, and I think that young readers would enjoy it tremendously. I think that this series has a lot of potential for a young fan base. I also think that the author could do a lot in the future. This book was good, but it could do a lot more.
The Silver Strand is a fantasy middle grade novel. It focuses on the main protagonist Isabelle and her discovery of magic. I would say I had mixed feelings about the book. As a person who thoroughly likes reading fantasy middle grade, I was excited. There were some aspects that I liked a lot, and some that fell short for me.
The plot was strange but intriguing. The strand was a unique choice that kept a sense of mystery. By the end of the book, we still don't really know what exactly is going on, which I was okay with. The pacing was a bit off. It seemed like for half the book, Isabelle was a toad hopping around aimlessly. The portion after that I did like better. It took over halfway through to finally get to the magic school, but when we did it felt more together.
I liked all of the characters but I didn't feel particularly attached to any of them. We didn't get any depth, and so it kept me from getting to engaged in the read.
The writing seemed a bit juvenile to me, which is fine because it is middle grade. But one aspect I really like in middle grade is when it transcends age groups and can be enjoyed by all. Lots of middle grade does this successfully, but I don't think this was a goal of the author. It doesn't have to do this to be a good book, it just takes some of my personal enjoyment out of it. Although it decreases the pool of people who could read it, I do think that the main demographic could enjoy it a lot.
This book is a fun read, and I think that young readers would enjoy it tremendously. I think that this series has a lot of potential for a young fan base. I also think that the author could do a lot in the future. This book was good, but it could do a lot more.
June 9, 2014
The gorgeous cover and premise had me picking up this story, and I read it one sitting. I love stories filled with fantastical elements where anything is possible, and The Silver Strand delivers this and more.
Isabelle is a young girl who struggles to deal with her newfound talents, but things get more complicated when two strangers show up, determined to help her learn what having a silver strand of hair means and how to heal herself. She has abilities, just like her mother, but before she can fully be embraced into the Academy she must first undergo a few tasks. And this is where the fun really takes off. I loved it when Isabelle turned into a toad, and the characters she meets are heartwarming and mesmerizing. With each adventure, Isabelle starts to learn what it means to have responsibilities.
The hidden world at the earth’s core was a clever twist, and things only heat up for Isabelle when she finally arrives there. I won’t give anymore away, but I can’t wait for book 2, or anything written by Clarkson. Her writing style is so addictive.
The supporting cast of characters had me laughing out loud at times, and I would love to see a separate spin off tale about Boldrick. I adored his antics, his hair obsession, and his purrrfection.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventures, with a heavy splash of humor.
Isabelle is a young girl who struggles to deal with her newfound talents, but things get more complicated when two strangers show up, determined to help her learn what having a silver strand of hair means and how to heal herself. She has abilities, just like her mother, but before she can fully be embraced into the Academy she must first undergo a few tasks. And this is where the fun really takes off. I loved it when Isabelle turned into a toad, and the characters she meets are heartwarming and mesmerizing. With each adventure, Isabelle starts to learn what it means to have responsibilities.
The hidden world at the earth’s core was a clever twist, and things only heat up for Isabelle when she finally arrives there. I won’t give anymore away, but I can’t wait for book 2, or anything written by Clarkson. Her writing style is so addictive.
The supporting cast of characters had me laughing out loud at times, and I would love to see a separate spin off tale about Boldrick. I adored his antics, his hair obsession, and his purrrfection.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventures, with a heavy splash of humor.
June 9, 2014
The gorgeous cover and premise had me picking up this story, and I read it one sitting. I love stories filled with fantastical elements where anything is possible, and The Silver Strand delivers this and more.
Isabelle is a young girl who struggles to deal with her newfound talents, but things get more complicated when two strangers show up, determined to help her learn what having a silver strand of hair means and how to heal herself. She has abilities, just like her mother, but before she can fully be embraced into the Academy she must first undergo a few tasks. And this is where the fun really takes off. I loved it when Isabelle turned into a toad, and the characters she meets are heartwarming and mesmerizing. With each adventure, Isabelle starts to learn what it means to have responsibilities.
The hidden world at the earth’s core was a clever twist, and things only heat up for Isabelle when she finally arrives there. I won’t give anymore away, but I can’t wait for book 2, or anything written by Clarkson. Her writing style is so addictive.
The supporting cast of characters had me laughing out loud at times, and I would love to see a separate spin off tale about Boldrick. I adored his antics, his hair obsession, and his purrrfection.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventures, with a heavy splash of humor.
Isabelle is a young girl who struggles to deal with her newfound talents, but things get more complicated when two strangers show up, determined to help her learn what having a silver strand of hair means and how to heal herself. She has abilities, just like her mother, but before she can fully be embraced into the Academy she must first undergo a few tasks. And this is where the fun really takes off. I loved it when Isabelle turned into a toad, and the characters she meets are heartwarming and mesmerizing. With each adventure, Isabelle starts to learn what it means to have responsibilities.
The hidden world at the earth’s core was a clever twist, and things only heat up for Isabelle when she finally arrives there. I won’t give anymore away, but I can’t wait for book 2, or anything written by Clarkson. Her writing style is so addictive.
The supporting cast of characters had me laughing out loud at times, and I would love to see a separate spin off tale about Boldrick. I adored his antics, his hair obsession, and his purrrfection.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventures, with a heavy splash of humor.
March 15, 2016
I received this for review from LibraryThing.
Twelve year old Isabelle is completely embarrassed when she grows a silver strand of hair that causes her to bleed pink dust, and then a magnet sticks to the hair in the middle of class. She wishes that the hair had never grown causing it to shrivel, but later she finds out that her silver strand is the source of her new magic and if she can't save it she will lose her life as well. If she can save her hair and her life in 5 days she will be able to go to Mastermind Academy to learn how to use her magic.
I really looked forward to reading this book because it sounds amazing. I was disappointed in the story because a silver strand that bleeds pink dust, a girl that turns into a toad, people-eating dragons, and too many conveniences occurred. I definitely believe that this is geared towards 9-12 year olds, and I would probably have liked or liked this more if I were 9 years old. I just found it to be too ridiculous, and there were many times things were just too much of a coincidence to force the story together. Maybe removing some things and adding others would have made it better. I felt like we moved so fast from one thing to the next. I had no sense of what each "world" was like. Overall, I am sad that I did not enjoy this story.
I gave it 2/5 stars.
Twelve year old Isabelle is completely embarrassed when she grows a silver strand of hair that causes her to bleed pink dust, and then a magnet sticks to the hair in the middle of class. She wishes that the hair had never grown causing it to shrivel, but later she finds out that her silver strand is the source of her new magic and if she can't save it she will lose her life as well. If she can save her hair and her life in 5 days she will be able to go to Mastermind Academy to learn how to use her magic.
I really looked forward to reading this book because it sounds amazing. I was disappointed in the story because a silver strand that bleeds pink dust, a girl that turns into a toad, people-eating dragons, and too many conveniences occurred. I definitely believe that this is geared towards 9-12 year olds, and I would probably have liked or liked this more if I were 9 years old. I just found it to be too ridiculous, and there were many times things were just too much of a coincidence to force the story together. Maybe removing some things and adding others would have made it better. I felt like we moved so fast from one thing to the next. I had no sense of what each "world" was like. Overall, I am sad that I did not enjoy this story.
I gave it 2/5 stars.
October 6, 2016
Isabelle Tresdon is an ordinary twelve year old girl. That is, until she sprouts a silver hair. The strand, which cannot be pulled out or cut off, emits sparks and pink dust. Not realising that it is the source of her magic, she wishes it were gone, causing it to wither and become sick. As a result of this, to save her silver strand, Isabelle must successfully complete three tests in five days or else her silver strand will drain her magic and kill her.
The Silver Strand is a ripping good yarn that is filled with drama, suspense and humour. The author’s use of scientific information makes the book informative without being nerdy. The references to occult (mystery) knowledge increase the mystique of the book and create prose somewhere between fiction and non-fiction. Despite the fact that the book was pitched at adolescents, I found it to be quite the page turner.
In critique, I thought the hero could have been braver, although she is probably very realistic for a girl her age. The use of American spelling and references to Fahrenheit rather than Celsius when the story is set in Queensland Australia creates a cultural cringe. Unfortunately, the story also contains clichés and a few typos which could have been eliminated with more careful editing.
Despite these minor issues, I found the book so enjoyable that it is one that I’d recommend. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
The Silver Strand is a ripping good yarn that is filled with drama, suspense and humour. The author’s use of scientific information makes the book informative without being nerdy. The references to occult (mystery) knowledge increase the mystique of the book and create prose somewhere between fiction and non-fiction. Despite the fact that the book was pitched at adolescents, I found it to be quite the page turner.
In critique, I thought the hero could have been braver, although she is probably very realistic for a girl her age. The use of American spelling and references to Fahrenheit rather than Celsius when the story is set in Queensland Australia creates a cultural cringe. Unfortunately, the story also contains clichés and a few typos which could have been eliminated with more careful editing.
Despite these minor issues, I found the book so enjoyable that it is one that I’d recommend. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
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