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Hopes and Horse Feathers
Hello Hopefuls!
Welcome to Albael, a realm of dragons, magic flowers called dels, and winged horses. Learn of the fantastic relationship between these three as you follow apprentice healer Shail, and Del Abbey's darling Leeinn. The threads of these two young lives, along with countless others, will twine together to create a magnificent tapestry; and this, is only the beginning!
Welcome to Albael, a realm of dragons, magic flowers called dels, and winged horses. Learn of the fantastic relationship between these three as you follow apprentice healer Shail, and Del Abbey's darling Leeinn. The threads of these two young lives, along with countless others, will twine together to create a magnificent tapestry; and this, is only the beginning!
523 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 2, 2025
//Full disclosure that the author and I are friends, so some amount of bias probably exists in my review!//
I didn't realize how much I'd been missing sincerity in fantasy writing. I think there are a lot of stories out there in which the tone leans cynical, ironic, etc - which is fun to read in its own right, of course! Hopes and Horse Feathers, in contrast, is written genuinely, like it's straight from the heart.
Shail and Leeinn, our co-stars in this tale, are both at the outset of their respective coming-of-age arcs in life. Beyond sharing the trait of being good-hearted kids, the two act somewhat as foils for each other; Shail is eager to strike out and experience the world, while Leeinn is perfectly content at her idyllic home of Del Abbey, seeing no need to ever leave the comfort and safety of its walls.
The supporting cast is full of interesting folks and fascinating creatures, so readers are sure to find a favorite among their ranks! (I'm ride or die for Tiny and Tancer and all their wry but affectionate banter).
This is the first book in what will be a series, so there's a good portion of the writing that serves to introduce readers to the world of Albael, its lore, and inhabitants. I really enjoy world-building, so that added to the experience for me. In terms of plot, there are many threads that come together in the last third of the book, and each time I made a connection I felt absolutely delighted!
I would rate Hopes and Horse Feathers as appropriate for all ages, though probably most enjoyed by tweens and older due to some complex story elements that may be overlooked by younger readers.
I didn't realize how much I'd been missing sincerity in fantasy writing. I think there are a lot of stories out there in which the tone leans cynical, ironic, etc - which is fun to read in its own right, of course! Hopes and Horse Feathers, in contrast, is written genuinely, like it's straight from the heart.
Shail and Leeinn, our co-stars in this tale, are both at the outset of their respective coming-of-age arcs in life. Beyond sharing the trait of being good-hearted kids, the two act somewhat as foils for each other; Shail is eager to strike out and experience the world, while Leeinn is perfectly content at her idyllic home of Del Abbey, seeing no need to ever leave the comfort and safety of its walls.
The supporting cast is full of interesting folks and fascinating creatures, so readers are sure to find a favorite among their ranks! (I'm ride or die for Tiny and Tancer and all their wry but affectionate banter).
This is the first book in what will be a series, so there's a good portion of the writing that serves to introduce readers to the world of Albael, its lore, and inhabitants. I really enjoy world-building, so that added to the experience for me. In terms of plot, there are many threads that come together in the last third of the book, and each time I made a connection I felt absolutely delighted!
I would rate Hopes and Horse Feathers as appropriate for all ages, though probably most enjoyed by tweens and older due to some complex story elements that may be overlooked by younger readers.
December 17, 2024
A Mythical Tale!
I love how the book is written in tandem-read form, where all odd-numbered chapters focus on Shail and his exciting journey, while the even-numbered chapters follow Leeinn and her role in the abbey. Shail is perfectly portrayed as the young man with big aspirations, but who is also still young and not yet adjusted to independence. He's a likeable lad, and you'll find yourself excited, nervous, and anxious on his behalf! In similar form, Leeinn is a sweet, caring young woman, and her selflessness and eagerness to be a friend to all is heartwarming. Watching the different Hopefuls through her portions of the book is exciting and infectious, and each of the differing personalities makes the characters all-around unique in their own ways. You'll find yourself picking favorites and coming to your own conclusions about each of them, and their personal motives. The book ends in a great place, leaving you wanting more. I'm eagerly anticipating a continuation of this fascinating fantasy! A must-read!
I love how the book is written in tandem-read form, where all odd-numbered chapters focus on Shail and his exciting journey, while the even-numbered chapters follow Leeinn and her role in the abbey. Shail is perfectly portrayed as the young man with big aspirations, but who is also still young and not yet adjusted to independence. He's a likeable lad, and you'll find yourself excited, nervous, and anxious on his behalf! In similar form, Leeinn is a sweet, caring young woman, and her selflessness and eagerness to be a friend to all is heartwarming. Watching the different Hopefuls through her portions of the book is exciting and infectious, and each of the differing personalities makes the characters all-around unique in their own ways. You'll find yourself picking favorites and coming to your own conclusions about each of them, and their personal motives. The book ends in a great place, leaving you wanting more. I'm eagerly anticipating a continuation of this fascinating fantasy! A must-read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews