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Willa #1
Willa of the Wood
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2018)Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.
Willa, a young night-spirit, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work--the day-folk kill whatever they don't understand--but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.
When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to escape. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her day-folk enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?
As forces of unfathomable destruction encroach on her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is, facing deadly force with the warmest compassion, sinister corruption with trusted alliance, and finding a home for her longing heart.
Willa, a young night-spirit, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work--the day-folk kill whatever they don't understand--but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.
When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to escape. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her day-folk enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?
As forces of unfathomable destruction encroach on her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is, facing deadly force with the warmest compassion, sinister corruption with trusted alliance, and finding a home for her longing heart.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 10, 2018
643 people are currently reading
15339 people want to read
About the author
Robert Beatty
11 books2,059 followersRobert Beatty is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Serafina Series, the Willa Series, and Sylvia Doe — all published by Disney-Hyperion. Loved by both young readers and adults alike, his books are being taught in over a thousand classrooms nationwide and have been translated into over twenty languages across the world. Over ONE MILLION of his books have been sold.
The award-winning Serafina Series is a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual cat-like girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serafina and the Black Cloak, the first book in the series, won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. All four books in the series became #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Mr. Beatty's second project was the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Willa books are in the early stages of being developed into a live action television series by Lionsgate.
His latest book, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood, is the tale of a lonely 13-year-old girl and a powerful, magical storm that forever changes her life. The award-winning author Kwame Alexander called it, "Magical realism at its best." Both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly awarded Sylvia Doe with a prestigious STARRED REVIEW.
Robert Beatty lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters, who help create and refine his stories. He loves to explore the historic Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Mountains where his novels take place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Mr. Beatty was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year.
When asked about the inspiration for his writing, Robert said, “My books are inspired by my desire to write about heroic young girls for my three daughters."
The award-winning Serafina Series is a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual cat-like girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serafina and the Black Cloak, the first book in the series, won the Southern Book Prize in 2016. All four books in the series became #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Mr. Beatty's second project was the #1 New York Times best-selling Willa of the Wood Series, the story of a young forest girl with ancient magical powers who struggles for survival and understanding in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Willa books are in the early stages of being developed into a live action television series by Lionsgate.
His latest book, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood, is the tale of a lonely 13-year-old girl and a powerful, magical storm that forever changes her life. The award-winning author Kwame Alexander called it, "Magical realism at its best." Both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly awarded Sylvia Doe with a prestigious STARRED REVIEW.
Robert Beatty lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters, who help create and refine his stories. He loves to explore the historic Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Mountains where his novels take place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Mr. Beatty was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year.
When asked about the inspiration for his writing, Robert said, “My books are inspired by my desire to write about heroic young girls for my three daughters."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,330 reviews
December 1, 2019
FINALLY read it and loved it! Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
*********
I got a wonderful box with the book and goodies inside and it was personally signed =) The inside of the box was amazing the way it was set up. I will leave a link below the two pictures to the goodies inside if you're interested =)
THE GOODIES
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I got a wonderful box with the book and goodies inside and it was personally signed =) The inside of the box was amazing the way it was set up. I will leave a link below the two pictures to the goodies inside if you're interested =)
THE GOODIES
February 15, 2022
Uważam, że pierwsze 200 stron to ogromny chaos. Niemniej od strony 220 do końca, jest to przepiękna historia.
Gdyby nie początek to dałabym 5 gwiazdek.
Gdyby nie początek to dałabym 5 gwiazdek.
February 25, 2019
Willa of the Wood is a sweet and fun middle grade children's book. It tells the story of Willa, a thief for the Faeran clan. One night whilst out thieving, she is discovered by the day-folk man whose house she has entered. This sets off a string of events, leading Willa to discover the sinister nature of her clan's leader and the greed of the logging company which is infringing on her homeland. Now she must fight to save her beloved forest, its trees, and animals from both her own people and the day-folk. The book is beautifully written and very engaging. It's not many children's books that can hold my interest throughout, but this one did. It also has a great moral of not taking more than we need, and treating the natural world with respect. I highly recommend this for young readers and adults who enjoy middle grade books.
July 29, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
Absolutely delightful. So sweet. Highly recommend.
Absolutely delightful. So sweet. Highly recommend.
October 11, 2018
Absolutely fantastic!
The perfect mix of adventure, fantasy and excitement.
Thank you Disney Hyperion for my advance reader copy
This is my first Robert Beatty book to read; having heard of Serafina before of course, I’m yet to pick it up. I had zero expectations reading this book, and I was beyond pleased. Willa of the Wood is an adventure filled middle-grade debut where nature is alive as it should, where a young brave and ambitious girl brims with the ancient powers of the forest.
Light, fast paced, exciting and filled with magic; this book had me pull an all-nighter which I didn’t do for a very, very long time. I couldn’t stop reading, I was devouring it from the very first page till the last one.
It doesn’t take much time for the story to kick-start its gears, with the first words we jump right into the action and things unravel from this point forward. We meet young Willa who’s been raised in the mountains and who’s a tiny friend of nature.
The story is very empowering, strong and has loud and clear messages to all the young-lings out there; be strong, fight for what you believe in, survive, love and accept yourself and protect the world around you.
{full review}
The perfect mix of adventure, fantasy and excitement.
Thank you Disney Hyperion for my advance reader copy
This is my first Robert Beatty book to read; having heard of Serafina before of course, I’m yet to pick it up. I had zero expectations reading this book, and I was beyond pleased. Willa of the Wood is an adventure filled middle-grade debut where nature is alive as it should, where a young brave and ambitious girl brims with the ancient powers of the forest.
Light, fast paced, exciting and filled with magic; this book had me pull an all-nighter which I didn’t do for a very, very long time. I couldn’t stop reading, I was devouring it from the very first page till the last one.
It doesn’t take much time for the story to kick-start its gears, with the first words we jump right into the action and things unravel from this point forward. We meet young Willa who’s been raised in the mountains and who’s a tiny friend of nature.
The story is very empowering, strong and has loud and clear messages to all the young-lings out there; be strong, fight for what you believe in, survive, love and accept yourself and protect the world around you.
{full review}
May 3, 2023
I don't feel like this book would be good for me in Middle Grade. Maybe a bit older. But it was interesting as an adult, I like the characters he created and this world.
March 3, 2019
Our review is up, now, at American Indians in Children's Literature. Our expertise is on depictions of Native peoples in children's and young adult literature. Jean Mendoza wrote the review.
Our decision: We do not recommend Willa of the Wood.
Here's an excerpt of our review:
One of the themes here is assimilation vs cultural survival -- not of human societies but of a fantasy society the author calls the Faeran. They look kind of similar to humans, but have quills on their necks and sharp teeth. They have long kept their existence separate from humans, though the Cherokee supposedly know about them and tell stories of them "around their campfires at night." The Faeran have magical connections to nature. Or at least, they used to. Few of them still do when the story begins.
The Faeran are governed by an autocrat who says they must use the "Eng-lish" language, for their own survival. (But if the Faeran must also hide their existence from humans, why would speaking English-only be an advantage?) This supposedly god-like charismatic leader is fascinated by humans' technology. He sends squads of teen and pre-teen Faeran to take things from the humans at night. He deals with dissent as power-hungry fearful dictators do. His mantra is "There is no I, only we." (That's what made me think of Anthem, Ayn Rand's teen-friendly allegory on the evils of cooperative societies in general.) To the Faeran, that means everyone must do what the leader wants. Willa soon runs afoul of him and finds herself homeless and on the run.
Willa's grandmother ("Mamaw"), her last living relative, is murdered as the plot heats up. She has taught Willa her "wood witch" knowledge of magic, herb-lore, etc., setting the child apart from other Faeran as well as from the humans. She has also taught Willa the old language, in secret. It's part of their bond, so I wondered why Willa doesn't call her grandmother by a Faeran name instead of one that's used by real-life English-speaking humans.
Some of the human characters in Willa are white-skinned invaders -- homesteaders and greedy, forest-killing loggers. The most sympathetic white character ("the man Nathaniel") becomes Willa's friend. The other whites are destroyers of the beloved trees. We eventually learn that Nathaniel was married to a Cherokee woman who has been killed. He believes their three children were also killed, but as Willa discovers, they were kidnapped by the Faeran.
In some ways (which might or might not be intentional on Beatty's part), Faeran existence parallels the experience of those Cherokee who managed to remain on their ancestral homelands when the rest of their people were forced westward during Removal. Their land and places that were home are damaged by greedy, murderous invaders. They're under intense pressure to change in order to survive. But the book isn't about Cherokee life in the early 1900s.
Not that Cherokees are erased in Willa. The word "Cherokee" appears more than 30 times. But the Cherokee Nation itself isn't mentioned -- not its existence or its history, including Removal (which in real life enabled people like Nathaniel and the tree-killers to do their things in the mountains). The Cherokee homelands are merely the setting for Faeran vs human and Faeran vs Faeran conflict.
Some mentions of "Cherokee": Willa recalls that Mamaw told her of a "lake that the Cherokee called Atagahi". The Faeren are eager to have "Cherokee arrowheads" as tips for their spears. Willa visualizes "Cherokee farmers" and has seen them walking on the road and "trading peacefully with homesteaders." She sees a dozen "Cherokee families" fleeing some disaster, including one boy who "definitely wasn't from the same clan" as the others and who, the author hints, may not be a typical human (Willa thinks his scent is that of a mountain lion). She has overheard Cherokees and homesteaders telling stories of a black panther. She recognizes that the names on 4 grave markers are probably "Cherokee names," and she recalls that "most of the Cherokee" lived on the other side of a mountain that is important to the Faeran. The "Cherokee called it Kuwa'hi" and settlers called it Clingman's Dome.
In his author's note, Beatty thanks three Eastern Band Cherokee people by name. All three are involved in preservation/renewal of the Cherokee language, and one is described as a storyteller. Beatty doesn't make clear how their "guidance and assistance" was useful in writing Willa. I think readers would benefit from knowing that.
For more: https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
Our decision: We do not recommend Willa of the Wood.
Here's an excerpt of our review:
One of the themes here is assimilation vs cultural survival -- not of human societies but of a fantasy society the author calls the Faeran. They look kind of similar to humans, but have quills on their necks and sharp teeth. They have long kept their existence separate from humans, though the Cherokee supposedly know about them and tell stories of them "around their campfires at night." The Faeran have magical connections to nature. Or at least, they used to. Few of them still do when the story begins.
The Faeran are governed by an autocrat who says they must use the "Eng-lish" language, for their own survival. (But if the Faeran must also hide their existence from humans, why would speaking English-only be an advantage?) This supposedly god-like charismatic leader is fascinated by humans' technology. He sends squads of teen and pre-teen Faeran to take things from the humans at night. He deals with dissent as power-hungry fearful dictators do. His mantra is "There is no I, only we." (That's what made me think of Anthem, Ayn Rand's teen-friendly allegory on the evils of cooperative societies in general.) To the Faeran, that means everyone must do what the leader wants. Willa soon runs afoul of him and finds herself homeless and on the run.
Willa's grandmother ("Mamaw"), her last living relative, is murdered as the plot heats up. She has taught Willa her "wood witch" knowledge of magic, herb-lore, etc., setting the child apart from other Faeran as well as from the humans. She has also taught Willa the old language, in secret. It's part of their bond, so I wondered why Willa doesn't call her grandmother by a Faeran name instead of one that's used by real-life English-speaking humans.
Some of the human characters in Willa are white-skinned invaders -- homesteaders and greedy, forest-killing loggers. The most sympathetic white character ("the man Nathaniel") becomes Willa's friend. The other whites are destroyers of the beloved trees. We eventually learn that Nathaniel was married to a Cherokee woman who has been killed. He believes their three children were also killed, but as Willa discovers, they were kidnapped by the Faeran.
In some ways (which might or might not be intentional on Beatty's part), Faeran existence parallels the experience of those Cherokee who managed to remain on their ancestral homelands when the rest of their people were forced westward during Removal. Their land and places that were home are damaged by greedy, murderous invaders. They're under intense pressure to change in order to survive. But the book isn't about Cherokee life in the early 1900s.
Not that Cherokees are erased in Willa. The word "Cherokee" appears more than 30 times. But the Cherokee Nation itself isn't mentioned -- not its existence or its history, including Removal (which in real life enabled people like Nathaniel and the tree-killers to do their things in the mountains). The Cherokee homelands are merely the setting for Faeran vs human and Faeran vs Faeran conflict.
Some mentions of "Cherokee": Willa recalls that Mamaw told her of a "lake that the Cherokee called Atagahi". The Faeren are eager to have "Cherokee arrowheads" as tips for their spears. Willa visualizes "Cherokee farmers" and has seen them walking on the road and "trading peacefully with homesteaders." She sees a dozen "Cherokee families" fleeing some disaster, including one boy who "definitely wasn't from the same clan" as the others and who, the author hints, may not be a typical human (Willa thinks his scent is that of a mountain lion). She has overheard Cherokees and homesteaders telling stories of a black panther. She recognizes that the names on 4 grave markers are probably "Cherokee names," and she recalls that "most of the Cherokee" lived on the other side of a mountain that is important to the Faeran. The "Cherokee called it Kuwa'hi" and settlers called it Clingman's Dome.
In his author's note, Beatty thanks three Eastern Band Cherokee people by name. All three are involved in preservation/renewal of the Cherokee language, and one is described as a storyteller. Beatty doesn't make clear how their "guidance and assistance" was useful in writing Willa. I think readers would benefit from knowing that.
For more: https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
July 12, 2018
Not having been familiar with this author's other novels, I had zero expectations going into this, other than to have a great time. With the cute cover and fun sounding synopsis, I was sure, if nothing else, that was exactly what I was going to get.
Can I just say that I love all the heart in this book?
It was so much fun but it was so much more than just a good read. It has meaning and feeling. I loved the unexpected depth of Willa's love for her people and her woods. The setting was perfect and so picturesque that it felt like you were transported right into the very heart of Willa's story.
I loved Willa's adventurous heart and her strong spirit. The twists were a nice surprise, in fact the whole story was a delightful surprise and one I'm so very glad I took the time to read. It truly makes me want to pick up the author's other work and check it out as well.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Can I just say that I love all the heart in this book?
It was so much fun but it was so much more than just a good read. It has meaning and feeling. I loved the unexpected depth of Willa's love for her people and her woods. The setting was perfect and so picturesque that it felt like you were transported right into the very heart of Willa's story.
I loved Willa's adventurous heart and her strong spirit. The twists were a nice surprise, in fact the whole story was a delightful surprise and one I'm so very glad I took the time to read. It truly makes me want to pick up the author's other work and check it out as well.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 20, 2018
“Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.”
This was lovely. A girl that can intrinsically blend into her forest surroundings to see but not be seen. A different kind of Robin Hood story with a female protagonist and a great plot.
She is Faeran and a thief…the best one of the forest people, the best one of her clan. Her leader has put all his trust in her. In groups, all the kids are trained to go hunting, raiding and looting for things on the other side.
Her tribes people blend into their forest surroundings and raid the day folk, who fell trees to build their homes and make fires to keep them warm. The same ones that posess worldly treasures, jewelry and coins from distant places.
At some point, Willa gets caught and she challenges her leader. She is ousted from the clan, strikes up a friendship with a day folk man who teaches her to read. Along the way, she finds kindness and humanity in a society that shares the same world as hers and is yet so different.
One day, she stumbles upon a big secret of the Faeran. Something that has been hidden from the tribe’s people for a long time and that could expose the leader in the worst of ways. Something that explains her families’ tragic demise and shake the foundation of the tribe.
Caught between her world and that of the day folk, Willa is desperately trying to tie it all together and do right. One thing is for sure, the Faeran people deserve the truth.
***
This was such a magically wonderful book. When you are young, you are one with your environment and nature and the wonder never ceases. Willa and her tribe embody and cherish the natural world, the forest and the animals. A Native American (or native anywhere) quality comes to mind. This is perfectly portrayed in the characterization and history of Willa's people.
Parallel to the Faeran tribes, the day folk resemble immigrants or settlers to this part of the world. They not only take what they need to survive, but create trade routes and smuggle goods.
This not only would make a great novel to read for students, it is also just a great story of courage, trust and right from wrong.
Simply darling. I loved it.
This is the first book of the WILLA series, and I definitely want to read the next one.
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
This was lovely. A girl that can intrinsically blend into her forest surroundings to see but not be seen. A different kind of Robin Hood story with a female protagonist and a great plot.
She is Faeran and a thief…the best one of the forest people, the best one of her clan. Her leader has put all his trust in her. In groups, all the kids are trained to go hunting, raiding and looting for things on the other side.
Her tribes people blend into their forest surroundings and raid the day folk, who fell trees to build their homes and make fires to keep them warm. The same ones that posess worldly treasures, jewelry and coins from distant places.
At some point, Willa gets caught and she challenges her leader. She is ousted from the clan, strikes up a friendship with a day folk man who teaches her to read. Along the way, she finds kindness and humanity in a society that shares the same world as hers and is yet so different.
One day, she stumbles upon a big secret of the Faeran. Something that has been hidden from the tribe’s people for a long time and that could expose the leader in the worst of ways. Something that explains her families’ tragic demise and shake the foundation of the tribe.
Caught between her world and that of the day folk, Willa is desperately trying to tie it all together and do right. One thing is for sure, the Faeran people deserve the truth.
***
This was such a magically wonderful book. When you are young, you are one with your environment and nature and the wonder never ceases. Willa and her tribe embody and cherish the natural world, the forest and the animals. A Native American (or native anywhere) quality comes to mind. This is perfectly portrayed in the characterization and history of Willa's people.
Parallel to the Faeran tribes, the day folk resemble immigrants or settlers to this part of the world. They not only take what they need to survive, but create trade routes and smuggle goods.
This not only would make a great novel to read for students, it is also just a great story of courage, trust and right from wrong.
Simply darling. I loved it.
This is the first book of the WILLA series, and I definitely want to read the next one.
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
Read
April 27, 2019Mini review:
DNF
Trigger warning: Mention of physical and verbal abuse. Withdrawal of necessities such as food. Kidnapping children. Up till the point I read.
I was really looking forward to reading this! I have heard so many good things about this author. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
Honestly I just couldn't handle all the dark themes. Such as the triggers above. I have read this in YA and Adult books but can't seem to take it in middle grade. I started to feel sick as I continued to read.
Overall this wasn't for me. I still recommend as I think others will enjoy it more. And it's important for children.
DNF
Trigger warning: Mention of physical and verbal abuse. Withdrawal of necessities such as food. Kidnapping children. Up till the point I read.
I was really looking forward to reading this! I have heard so many good things about this author. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
Honestly I just couldn't handle all the dark themes. Such as the triggers above. I have read this in YA and Adult books but can't seem to take it in middle grade. I started to feel sick as I continued to read.
Overall this wasn't for me. I still recommend as I think others will enjoy it more. And it's important for children.
April 7, 2023
Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.
Twelve-year-old Willa is a night-spirit living in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her job is to steal from the lairs of the humans, called day-folk, and bring back what she finds to her clan, a race of people known as the Faeran. She is told to fear the humans, to take from them but never be seen. Then one night, Willa is discovered, and it changes everything.
Oh, this book. Whenever I think about it, my heart warms and my pulse races. Robert Beatty's writing has become a second home to me, ready to welcome me and wrap me up in its beauty, magic, and adventure. Willa of the Wood delivers in more ways than one, pulling readers deep into the mysteries of the forest and the secrets of a hidden people.
Willa is an intriguing main character that you cannot help but love. Her spirit shines through her love for nature and life; the way she grows from obedient, loyal Faeran to protector of truth is beautiful. Her interactions with her environment and the creatures of the forest blended the divide between magic and reality and truly led me to believe in the spirit of the forest.
From Willa's quick escapes and fast thinking to the lush, peaceful moments in which her soul blossoms, there's never a boring moment in this book. What I loved reading about the most was Willa's interactions with Nathaniel; the way they formed an unbreakable bond unbearably softened my heart. Even reading Willa of the Wood a second time, I laughed and I cried during the moments shared between them.
The world of the Faeran provides for a twisted web of secrets for Willa to uncover; as she discovers how corrupt her clan is, Willa must choose between being quiet, subdued, and safe, and raising her voice to save all that she loves. Her losses hurt me as much as they hurt her and her triumph had me cheering in victory alongside her. Willa is one of the most precious, unique protagonists that I've had the privilege of reading about.
Willa of the Wood is an awe-inspiring experience of a story that I'll continue to hold dear to my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone looking for a tale of courage, magic, nature, and finding your place in a broken world.
"But love wasn't the stone. It was the river. Love was like the glistening stars in the midnight sky, like the sun that always rises, and the water that always flows... Love was infinite in so many ways. It felt as if she could keep opening her heart to the magic in the world, and the magic in the world would keep filling it."
Twelve-year-old Willa is a night-spirit living in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her job is to steal from the lairs of the humans, called day-folk, and bring back what she finds to her clan, a race of people known as the Faeran. She is told to fear the humans, to take from them but never be seen. Then one night, Willa is discovered, and it changes everything.
Oh, this book. Whenever I think about it, my heart warms and my pulse races. Robert Beatty's writing has become a second home to me, ready to welcome me and wrap me up in its beauty, magic, and adventure. Willa of the Wood delivers in more ways than one, pulling readers deep into the mysteries of the forest and the secrets of a hidden people.
Willa is an intriguing main character that you cannot help but love. Her spirit shines through her love for nature and life; the way she grows from obedient, loyal Faeran to protector of truth is beautiful. Her interactions with her environment and the creatures of the forest blended the divide between magic and reality and truly led me to believe in the spirit of the forest.
From Willa's quick escapes and fast thinking to the lush, peaceful moments in which her soul blossoms, there's never a boring moment in this book. What I loved reading about the most was Willa's interactions with Nathaniel; the way they formed an unbreakable bond unbearably softened my heart. Even reading Willa of the Wood a second time, I laughed and I cried during the moments shared between them.
The world of the Faeran provides for a twisted web of secrets for Willa to uncover; as she discovers how corrupt her clan is, Willa must choose between being quiet, subdued, and safe, and raising her voice to save all that she loves. Her losses hurt me as much as they hurt her and her triumph had me cheering in victory alongside her. Willa is one of the most precious, unique protagonists that I've had the privilege of reading about.
Willa of the Wood is an awe-inspiring experience of a story that I'll continue to hold dear to my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone looking for a tale of courage, magic, nature, and finding your place in a broken world.
"But love wasn't the stone. It was the river. Love was like the glistening stars in the midnight sky, like the sun that always rises, and the water that always flows... Love was infinite in so many ways. It felt as if she could keep opening her heart to the magic in the world, and the magic in the world would keep filling it."
June 23, 2018
Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty is a beautifuly written book that can reach a wide range of audiences. Avid upper elementary readers would be swept in by the engaging central character of Willa, as well as the magic that punctuates this story. Middle school, high school, and even adult readers would find similar positive connects to the narrative, as well.
What is more, there is a sense of place that grounds this and the rest of this series. As someone who has spent time on at least three occasions exploring Asheville, North Carolina, and the Biltmore Estate, the book brought back memories of the grounds and the forest and mountains surrounding this area.
Willa of the Wood would take a center stage in my classroom or school library, and would be recommended reading for my students. I would also extend this invitation to others looking for a quality read that shines as an example of young adult literature.
What is more, there is a sense of place that grounds this and the rest of this series. As someone who has spent time on at least three occasions exploring Asheville, North Carolina, and the Biltmore Estate, the book brought back memories of the grounds and the forest and mountains surrounding this area.
Willa of the Wood would take a center stage in my classroom or school library, and would be recommended reading for my students. I would also extend this invitation to others looking for a quality read that shines as an example of young adult literature.
December 28, 2020
Such a creative world! The author kept me interested in the book the whole time. Beautiful characters, strong plot, this book has it all!
I recommend this to people who love fantasy, adventure, and want to save the environment.
Excited to get ahold of the next book!
I recommend this to people who love fantasy, adventure, and want to save the environment.
Excited to get ahold of the next book!
June 13, 2018
I recieved a copy of Willa of the Wood as part of the review team.
Willa of the Wood wasn't only one of the best books I have ever read, but but one of the most meaningful. Willa is very determined to keep her wood safe. She loves the wood with all her heart, because it is one of her best friends. Willa ever since she was little she was taught to hate humans. They were cutting down the wood, her home. Soon Willa learned to love the thing she hated most. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a page turner and suspense.
Willa of the Wood wasn't only one of the best books I have ever read, but but one of the most meaningful. Willa is very determined to keep her wood safe. She loves the wood with all her heart, because it is one of her best friends. Willa ever since she was little she was taught to hate humans. They were cutting down the wood, her home. Soon Willa learned to love the thing she hated most. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a page turner and suspense.
January 31, 2020
I have fallen in love with Willa and her world.
This book is beautiful and sweet--but also suspenseful and intense. The imagery is stunning, the plot fast at times and meandering at others, and the characters are wonderful.
And yeah, that ending was so cute that I was near tears.
This book is beautiful and sweet--but also suspenseful and intense. The imagery is stunning, the plot fast at times and meandering at others, and the characters are wonderful.
And yeah, that ending was so cute that I was near tears.
February 20, 2021
4⭐️/5
Dzisiaj recenzja książki „Willa, dziewczyna z lasu” autorstwa Robert Beatty. Pokazuje ona ogromną miłość do przyrody, odkrywanie własnego ja, różnice w postrzeganiu świata oraz wiele innych ważnych w dzisiejszym świecie spraw.
Nasza główna bohaterka Willa jest odważną dziewczyną, która próbuje odnaleźć siebie i jest ona dobrze wykreowana tak samo jak reszta bohaterów.
Powieść ta posiada drugie dno, które wskazuje że trzeba walczyć o siebie i nie poddawać się.
Świat jest wyraźnie wykreowany i łatwo go sobie wyobrazić, klimat w książce tez był niespotykany.
Wada tej książki są rzadko występujące nudne momenty. Język w książce jest łatwy, przyjemnie i szybko się czyta przez czcionkę, która według mnie jest idealna.
To także książka o przyjaźni, dziewczynka poznaje różne zwierzęta i pomaga im, a oni jej. Zakończenie kompetnie mnie zasmuciło. W moim przekonaniu nie jest to tylko książka dla dzieci, ale dla każdego.
Książka z wydawnictwa literackiego
Dzisiaj recenzja książki „Willa, dziewczyna z lasu” autorstwa Robert Beatty. Pokazuje ona ogromną miłość do przyrody, odkrywanie własnego ja, różnice w postrzeganiu świata oraz wiele innych ważnych w dzisiejszym świecie spraw.
Nasza główna bohaterka Willa jest odważną dziewczyną, która próbuje odnaleźć siebie i jest ona dobrze wykreowana tak samo jak reszta bohaterów.
Powieść ta posiada drugie dno, które wskazuje że trzeba walczyć o siebie i nie poddawać się.
Świat jest wyraźnie wykreowany i łatwo go sobie wyobrazić, klimat w książce tez był niespotykany.
Wada tej książki są rzadko występujące nudne momenty. Język w książce jest łatwy, przyjemnie i szybko się czyta przez czcionkę, która według mnie jest idealna.
To także książka o przyjaźni, dziewczynka poznaje różne zwierzęta i pomaga im, a oni jej. Zakończenie kompetnie mnie zasmuciło. W moim przekonaniu nie jest to tylko książka dla dzieci, ale dla każdego.
Książka z wydawnictwa literackiego
August 4, 2020
Willa of the Wood is a wonderfully-written and engaging middlegrade book that is full of heart and meaning and gave me all the feels. I sped through it in two days and felt the whole time as if I was transported straight into Willa's world. It's easily in my top five reads of 2019 and one I know I'll be coming back to. I will forever adore Robert Beatty's writing.
Everything I loved (it's literally everything, tbh):
• Willa: Willa is an adorable, resourceful, determined and selfless nature child. She does not deserve what she goes through and I teared up at several parts, ngl. I love how Beatty always puts his MC's through the fire but they stand back up and fight no matter what, despite their fears. Gutsy characters are the best. Also, her woodcraft is awesome and kind of freaky. But also awesome. And I love how she speaks to plants and animals and takes care of them. I will always be soft for a character who loves animals because, same. (⌒∇⌒)
• The Faeran: Mythological creatures are my favorite, particularily made up ones. I thought the faeran were very unique and interesting and I liked what I learned about them and their close connection with nature. Speaking of which, I loved how full of nature this book was. Perhaps some would say it was overly environmentalist but I have to disagree. When you consider Willa's background and culture and the fact that she is literally not a human (therefore she does not think like one), her feelings about humans cutting down trees makes complete sense. She talks to the trees and they understand and help her out, of course she's going to be upset that humans kill trees to build houses. She's never even spoken to a human and lives a completely different sort of life so she wouldn't understand. It's only natural for her to see it as monstrous. Robert Beatty definitely wasn't condemning humans for the things we do to survive and that's obvious when Nathaniel explains to Willa why he has to use wood. And she learns, too, that humans are not the evil she always thought, not all of them.
• Nathaniel: He's so kind and gentle and so softhearted, I love him. The development of his and Willa's relationship as they got to know and trust each other was just so pure and precious and lovely to read about. And everything that happened to him was devastating and it was so well-written but like the part where he came home tired and depressed and Willa was anxious but then he looks up and sees her and his face goes all soft *wipes away tears* I'm just here for all the Parent Substitute tropes, honestly.
• WOLVES: That's all. Wolves. But, like, wolves as they truly are--magnificent and incredible animals who should be respected, not man-eating monsters as so many books have made them out to be. The whole part with them made me so happy.
• The Themes: It has excellent morals about not taking more than we need and treating nature with respect, something so important which every child should be taught.
• Found Family!!!! ( ♡.♡ ) Just, like, YES. Watch me BE IN LOVE WITH THIS TROPE FOREVER
I highly recommend this for young readers and adults who enjoy middlegrade books. But don't go into it expecting a lighthearted read, it is actually dark for MG and the characters have to overcome serious hardships and pain. The darker, sadder atmosphere made it all the more beautiful, I think, especially combined with the hope and sweeteness of the story. And that ending. My goodness, I was crying. It was so good.
Everything I loved (it's literally everything, tbh):
• Willa: Willa is an adorable, resourceful, determined and selfless nature child. She does not deserve what she goes through and I teared up at several parts, ngl. I love how Beatty always puts his MC's through the fire but they stand back up and fight no matter what, despite their fears. Gutsy characters are the best. Also, her woodcraft is awesome and kind of freaky. But also awesome. And I love how she speaks to plants and animals and takes care of them. I will always be soft for a character who loves animals because, same. (⌒∇⌒)
• The Faeran: Mythological creatures are my favorite, particularily made up ones. I thought the faeran were very unique and interesting and I liked what I learned about them and their close connection with nature. Speaking of which, I loved how full of nature this book was. Perhaps some would say it was overly environmentalist but I have to disagree. When you consider Willa's background and culture and the fact that she is literally not a human (therefore she does not think like one), her feelings about humans cutting down trees makes complete sense. She talks to the trees and they understand and help her out, of course she's going to be upset that humans kill trees to build houses. She's never even spoken to a human and lives a completely different sort of life so she wouldn't understand. It's only natural for her to see it as monstrous. Robert Beatty definitely wasn't condemning humans for the things we do to survive and that's obvious when Nathaniel explains to Willa why he has to use wood. And she learns, too, that humans are not the evil she always thought, not all of them.
• Nathaniel: He's so kind and gentle and so softhearted, I love him. The development of his and Willa's relationship as they got to know and trust each other was just so pure and precious and lovely to read about. And everything that happened to him was devastating and it was so well-written but like the part where he came home tired and depressed and Willa was anxious but then he looks up and sees her and his face goes all soft *wipes away tears* I'm just here for all the Parent Substitute tropes, honestly.
• WOLVES: That's all. Wolves. But, like, wolves as they truly are--magnificent and incredible animals who should be respected, not man-eating monsters as so many books have made them out to be. The whole part with them made me so happy.
• The Themes: It has excellent morals about not taking more than we need and treating nature with respect, something so important which every child should be taught.
• Found Family!!!! ( ♡.♡ ) Just, like, YES. Watch me BE IN LOVE WITH THIS TROPE FOREVER
I highly recommend this for young readers and adults who enjoy middlegrade books. But don't go into it expecting a lighthearted read, it is actually dark for MG and the characters have to overcome serious hardships and pain. The darker, sadder atmosphere made it all the more beautiful, I think, especially combined with the hope and sweeteness of the story. And that ending. My goodness, I was crying. It was so good.
August 31, 2018
This was a very enjoyable, entertaining book, and it gave me some serious nostalgia Fern Gully vibes. However, I felt like there were certain aspects missing that could've helped bring this book next level. The biggest being that I wish there was more world-building. That part of the book felt rushed.
That said, Willa was a fantastically developed character. So brave and loyal and everything I like to see in a character. I also appreciated how dark this middle grade story was. There's death and pain and serious hardships that the characters have to overcome. When adding in the moral and environmental aspects, it made for a telling story. One that I'm happy exists for kids to read.
I'll definitely be interested in seeing where this story goes next, and I look forward to trying out some more of Mr. Beatty's backlist.
That said, Willa was a fantastically developed character. So brave and loyal and everything I like to see in a character. I also appreciated how dark this middle grade story was. There's death and pain and serious hardships that the characters have to overcome. When adding in the moral and environmental aspects, it made for a telling story. One that I'm happy exists for kids to read.
I'll definitely be interested in seeing where this story goes next, and I look forward to trying out some more of Mr. Beatty's backlist.
December 9, 2018
I have too many angry thoughts about this book to think straight right now, so I'll be back.
You can read my updates to get the flavor of my anger.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
You can read my updates to get the flavor of my anger.
I was approved for an eARC, via Netgalley, in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2018
I was feeling down and looking for something fantastical and ethereal and my co-worker/friend lent me this ARC. I read it within a couple of days. It is an amazing tale of a creature that is tied to nature and lives a magical life of being able to communicate with and interact with the woods and all that live in it.
However, this is not a sweet fairy tale. It is violent and brutal and cruel at times. I actually was a bit surprised that it was considered Juve because while I highly recommend this, I would definitely mention this to anyone purchasing it. That said, Willa is a delight. She is brave and charming and sparkly and I very much cared what happened to her. The story is action packed and centers around her making discoveries about her past, her family, and her family ties to witchcraft (woodwitches). There were so many amazing moments, from her talking to the trees that cradle her to sleep to her blending into the woods and becoming part of them to the descriptions of the Smokey Mountains and how they breathe life into the world with their morning fog. There are also strong themes of love and belonging that were incredibly moving and heartwarming without becoming cheesy .
It made me want to go run away and live in the woods...enchanting.
However, this is not a sweet fairy tale. It is violent and brutal and cruel at times. I actually was a bit surprised that it was considered Juve because while I highly recommend this, I would definitely mention this to anyone purchasing it. That said, Willa is a delight. She is brave and charming and sparkly and I very much cared what happened to her. The story is action packed and centers around her making discoveries about her past, her family, and her family ties to witchcraft (woodwitches). There were so many amazing moments, from her talking to the trees that cradle her to sleep to her blending into the woods and becoming part of them to the descriptions of the Smokey Mountains and how they breathe life into the world with their morning fog. There are also strong themes of love and belonging that were incredibly moving and heartwarming without becoming cheesy .
It made me want to go run away and live in the woods...enchanting.
March 13, 2022
DNF at page 235/376 - 60% done 1.5 stars for what I read.
I really wanted to like this. I live in TN and this is set in the Great Smoky Mountains and I loved Robert's Serafina series so I felt like I would love this. However, after about 40% in I felt like there was content that isn't appropriate for middle grade readers and at 60% I definitely don't feel like it is.
content:
- multiple mentions of her being hit by the leader or friends - physical abuse
- they depict the leader of their clan as a "god" and I don't think that's necessary
- there is a lot of detail surrounding blood, animal injuries, death
- very depressing in general
- where I stopped reading is due to a relationship between her and middle aged man that I know is "meant to be building as a family" and not intended to be anything inappropriate, but she just met him and soon after is sleeping in the same room as him with his dog and that is just not ok in my book for a middle grade reader. I also felt like her interactions with him were very odd and off-putting. I have seen other reviews mention this so I am thankful I am not the only one who thought this.
This book is labeled for readers 9-12 on amazon, I do not agree.
I really wanted to like this. I live in TN and this is set in the Great Smoky Mountains and I loved Robert's Serafina series so I felt like I would love this. However, after about 40% in I felt like there was content that isn't appropriate for middle grade readers and at 60% I definitely don't feel like it is.
content:
- multiple mentions of her being hit by the leader or friends - physical abuse
- they depict the leader of their clan as a "god" and I don't think that's necessary
- there is a lot of detail surrounding blood, animal injuries, death
- very depressing in general
- where I stopped reading is due to a relationship between her and middle aged man that I know is "meant to be building as a family" and not intended to be anything inappropriate, but she just met him and soon after is sleeping in the same room as him with his dog and that is just not ok in my book for a middle grade reader. I also felt like her interactions with him were very odd and off-putting. I have seen other reviews mention this so I am thankful I am not the only one who thought this.
This book is labeled for readers 9-12 on amazon, I do not agree.
April 12, 2019
It wasn’t for me but this book was very sad and atmospheric and could please other readers.
October 17, 2020
توصیفات این کتاب خیلیی خیلییی دوست داشتنیه. و شخصیت اولش جور خاص و جالبی خلق شده که این خلاقیت نویسنده رو میرسونه.
May 2, 2023
2019: Alright, I saw this book in Barns and Noble, I read the summary and it sounded interesting. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, it seemed very different and I knew chances were good it would go on the long list of books I never finished. But I decided to give it a shot and, honestly, I probably just bought it because the cover looked so cool. Then I read it. It started off good and it just kept getting better. At the end of the book I was crying tears of happiness, and trust me, I never do that. My one complaint, why did I ever question the book in the first place? So, basically, the saying is right, don't judge a book by its cover because even when it has the coolest cover you've ever seen the book is still better.
2023: Time two was just as good. Here I am 4 years later and I STILL cried. The best word I can think of to describe this book is beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful story, and beautiful themes. I think I loved it just as much second time around.
2023: Time two was just as good. Here I am 4 years later and I STILL cried. The best word I can think of to describe this book is beautiful. Beautiful writing, beautiful story, and beautiful themes. I think I loved it just as much second time around.
September 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Fast paced. Loved the connection with family and tradition. Gave me Fern Gully vibes a bit too. Really enjoyed it.
Fast paced. Loved the connection with family and tradition. Gave me Fern Gully vibes a bit too. Really enjoyed it.
December 8, 2023
To kolejny raz, kiedy nie wiem, dlaczego tak długo zwlekałam z przeczytaniem danej książki! Fantastyczna przygoda zarówno dla małego i dla dużego, bo choć skierowana jest do młodszej młodzieży, to jest zaskakująco dojrzała, czasem trochę brutalna, ale pełna ciepła, magii i miłości i fantastycznie porusza temat poszukiwania własnej tożsamości i poszukiwania swojego miejsca we wszechświecie.
Dodatkowy plus, że mimo iż jest to pierwszy tom serii, to jest zamkniętą, świetnie dopracowaną historią z idealnym zakończeniem. Zdecydowanie warta polecenia i pokochania!
Dodatkowy plus, że mimo iż jest to pierwszy tom serii, to jest zamkniętą, świetnie dopracowaną historią z idealnym zakończeniem. Zdecydowanie warta polecenia i pokochania!
March 27, 2019
I received my Willa of the Wood copy as part of the early review team for Robert Beaty. I began reading the book intently trying to dive right into the story line...as the story begins we meet this brand new character Willa, and she’s a little fireball...brave, and fearless, she conquers what she goes after! The novel twist and turns and we realize she is not what we first thought...and the mystery keeps unfolding, the events that move us through the storyline are breath taking and surprising...however as you near the end of the book, you find that you cannot turn the pages fast enough...the story is beyond your wildest dreams.
My Review: The beginning of the novel left me stunned at this new character and how surprisingly different she was from everything I had read about, she became a very different type of hero than I had expected but one I quickly wanted to support! The novel moves at a very nice pace at the beginning of the novel steady enough to get the idea...but fast enough to keep your attention...the middle of the book slows down quite a bit to allow you time to process a great wealth of information, which is very important to the final chapters, and then the climax and conclusion are riveting with the novel pressed firmly against your nose you will begin to turn the pages faster and faster until The End....I’m hoping that there will be a second book, because the ending left me wanting to know much more about Willa!
My Recommendation: I feel that this novel definitely reaches the middle school audiences the best, there are some very vivid descriptions that I feel like would be best for 12 and up to read with that in mind
this book is very unique and one that I highly recommend! And if you like it check out Robert Beauty’s other series: Serafina.
Check out my other reviews at: bookcriticblog.simplesite.com
My Review: The beginning of the novel left me stunned at this new character and how surprisingly different she was from everything I had read about, she became a very different type of hero than I had expected but one I quickly wanted to support! The novel moves at a very nice pace at the beginning of the novel steady enough to get the idea...but fast enough to keep your attention...the middle of the book slows down quite a bit to allow you time to process a great wealth of information, which is very important to the final chapters, and then the climax and conclusion are riveting with the novel pressed firmly against your nose you will begin to turn the pages faster and faster until The End....I’m hoping that there will be a second book, because the ending left me wanting to know much more about Willa!
My Recommendation: I feel that this novel definitely reaches the middle school audiences the best, there are some very vivid descriptions that I feel like would be best for 12 and up to read with that in mind
this book is very unique and one that I highly recommend! And if you like it check out Robert Beauty’s other series: Serafina.
Check out my other reviews at: bookcriticblog.simplesite.com
July 11, 2018
This is the kind of story that draws you in and holds you captive! It's the kind of story I would have loved as a youth.
Willa loves the woods. She protects them from the humans even as she steals from them. That's how she survives. Raised to belief deeply in the magic and strength of the Smoky Mountains, her world is not flat, not round but mountains.
The author has a magical style that draws you in and has you wondering about what people believe compared to what is. It's one of those books that's beautiful in its ability to make you think. Willa grew-up believing one thing about her people and about the humans. But life isn't always what one has been taught. And figuring that out what it is really is the point of growing up.
Willa is a well developed character with a deep love of the animals around her. She is compassionate and strong. A small woodpecker she helps and the wolves who help her are put a small example of her adventures. But it is strangers coming together that really makes this story come alive. A magical journey to see that others have a different (not bad) way of doing things. As the twists and turns of this one conclude, it's been a satisfying journey.
I haven't read this author before so I didn't have any expectations. I'm glad I took the time to check it out and enjoy the magic in it's pages. It's definitely a good one for middle grade but could be enjoyed by all ages.
Willa loves the woods. She protects them from the humans even as she steals from them. That's how she survives. Raised to belief deeply in the magic and strength of the Smoky Mountains, her world is not flat, not round but mountains.
The author has a magical style that draws you in and has you wondering about what people believe compared to what is. It's one of those books that's beautiful in its ability to make you think. Willa grew-up believing one thing about her people and about the humans. But life isn't always what one has been taught. And figuring that out what it is really is the point of growing up.
Willa is a well developed character with a deep love of the animals around her. She is compassionate and strong. A small woodpecker she helps and the wolves who help her are put a small example of her adventures. But it is strangers coming together that really makes this story come alive. A magical journey to see that others have a different (not bad) way of doing things. As the twists and turns of this one conclude, it's been a satisfying journey.
I haven't read this author before so I didn't have any expectations. I'm glad I took the time to check it out and enjoy the magic in it's pages. It's definitely a good one for middle grade but could be enjoyed by all ages.
March 4, 2022
GAH. THIS WAS FRUSTRATING. I found everything about this book to be confusing, from the time period (there's like a waterwheel and loggers so I guess early 1900s?) to the design of the Faeran (at the beginning of the book they're basically humans with green skin but then suddenly they have like quills at the base of their necks?) to the way magic works in this world (what are Willa's powers again?) to the dynamics of relationship (Willa has a "best friend" that we basically never meet, weird family relationships that are conveniently never brought up until the plot demands, WHAT IS HAPPENING BETWEEN WILLA AND NATHANIEL). ALSO I do not think there was enough research done before this manuscript was written, there is so much exposition and overexplanation of what is happening in the characters' heads. I think this is a parable about conservation but it comes across as argumentative towards both sides? I have so many questions. So many frustrations. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk
July 23, 2023
Trigger warnings for abuse to children, animal murder. I don’t understand the high reviews. This book is dark and depressing and the horror this child endures is awful. And they kill the dog. So.
The end is “happy” I guess but only because the world literally caught on fire and burned to the ground. I can’t imagine wanting a child to read this, I didn’t even want to read it as an adult. The topic and world building felt middle grade but the subject matter and ick are young adult.
This was very obviously written by a man. Because he wrote a very mature 12 year old female. And the times where there’s a weird vibe or romantic love, especially at the end, between the 12 year old child and “the man Nathanial” is creepy. I’ll give the author the benefit of the doubt that it’s just an inability to know what a female child feels and not groomer behavior.
It’s a bit like Hunger Games with fairies and nature. How did people rate this so high??
The end is “happy” I guess but only because the world literally caught on fire and burned to the ground. I can’t imagine wanting a child to read this, I didn’t even want to read it as an adult. The topic and world building felt middle grade but the subject matter and ick are young adult.
This was very obviously written by a man. Because he wrote a very mature 12 year old female. And the times where there’s a weird vibe or romantic love, especially at the end, between the 12 year old child and “the man Nathanial” is creepy. I’ll give the author the benefit of the doubt that it’s just an inability to know what a female child feels and not groomer behavior.
It’s a bit like Hunger Games with fairies and nature. How did people rate this so high??
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