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The Wraithwood Trilogy #1
Wraithwood
An estranged uncle, a mysterious mansion, and Arthurian legend--together they lead to a world of magic and bloodthirsty wizards who want teenage Brinnie dead.
Brynna "Brinnie" Lane has always lived a quiet life under the watchful eye of her hovering mother--until she's sent off for the summer to live with an uncle she didn't know she had. While her parents get to travel across the globe, she'll be spending three months in the middle of nowhere: upstate New York. It looks like she might spend the entire summer friendless with her nose in a book.
However, she soon finds that Wraithwood Estate, her uncle's creepy old mansion, holds as many secrets as the man himself. When Brinnie is warned not to explore any of it, her curiosity only grows. As unnatural events take place and Brinnie hears whispers of a hidden war, she must unravel the truth about her family's mysterious past if she wants to survive.
Something terrible happened at Wraithwood thirty years ago, and Brinnie is determined to find out what--even if it means confronting the possibility that magic is real.
Brynna "Brinnie" Lane has always lived a quiet life under the watchful eye of her hovering mother--until she's sent off for the summer to live with an uncle she didn't know she had. While her parents get to travel across the globe, she'll be spending three months in the middle of nowhere: upstate New York. It looks like she might spend the entire summer friendless with her nose in a book.
However, she soon finds that Wraithwood Estate, her uncle's creepy old mansion, holds as many secrets as the man himself. When Brinnie is warned not to explore any of it, her curiosity only grows. As unnatural events take place and Brinnie hears whispers of a hidden war, she must unravel the truth about her family's mysterious past if she wants to survive.
Something terrible happened at Wraithwood thirty years ago, and Brinnie is determined to find out what--even if it means confronting the possibility that magic is real.
340 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2021
About the author
Alyssa Roat
12 books182 followersAlyssa Roat has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and marketer. She is the managing editor at Mountain Brook Fire, and among other roles has previously been the publicity manager for publisher Mountain Brook Ink, as well as an associate literary agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, a freelance editor, and a freelance writer with 250+ bylines in local, national, and international publications. She holds a B.S. in Professional Writing from Taylor University. She would love to connect on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well @alyssawrote.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 13, 2021
Rating: 4 stars
I’m so glad that this was the very first ARC I ever got to read because it was such a wonderful experience. I wasn’t quite sure what direction the story was going to take after reading the blurb, but I wasn’t disappointed. I’m certain that younger me would have loved reading this even more than I did. She would have totally been able to relate to Brinnie, who was such a loveable and funny character. She actually behaved and thought like a girl her age, which I was really happy about. I hate it when the behaviour of characters in books doesn’t match with their age.
Getting to know all the characters with Brinnie and figuring out how the magic worked was loads of fun. There were some parts of the book that dragged on a bit and it bothered me a little that you didn’t find out more about the Arthurian legend until you were almost at the end of the book. I did get excited when a few characters from Arthurian lore were introduced and the ending of the book did leave me with a slight emotional lump in my throat.
I will always recommend a book that leaves me a bit emotional. Wraithwood is a pleasant and quick read, perfect for anyone that likes fantasy and a little bit of action. I look forward to the next book!
I’m so glad that this was the very first ARC I ever got to read because it was such a wonderful experience. I wasn’t quite sure what direction the story was going to take after reading the blurb, but I wasn’t disappointed. I’m certain that younger me would have loved reading this even more than I did. She would have totally been able to relate to Brinnie, who was such a loveable and funny character. She actually behaved and thought like a girl her age, which I was really happy about. I hate it when the behaviour of characters in books doesn’t match with their age.
Getting to know all the characters with Brinnie and figuring out how the magic worked was loads of fun. There were some parts of the book that dragged on a bit and it bothered me a little that you didn’t find out more about the Arthurian legend until you were almost at the end of the book. I did get excited when a few characters from Arthurian lore were introduced and the ending of the book did leave me with a slight emotional lump in my throat.
I will always recommend a book that leaves me a bit emotional. Wraithwood is a pleasant and quick read, perfect for anyone that likes fantasy and a little bit of action. I look forward to the next book!
May 20, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read, and I was so thrilled to have received an early copy. My goodness, what's not to love? I love the quiet but strong nature of Brinnie. You don't see this too often in YA. This book is seriously what I would've loved to see in YA books back when I was a teen.
It's steeped in beautiful descriptions and every character is incredibly complex. It's lighthearted with just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes. Please, go read this. You will not regret it.
It's steeped in beautiful descriptions and every character is incredibly complex. It's lighthearted with just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you on your toes. Please, go read this. You will not regret it.
July 15, 2021
A promising start to the series
I'm hooked! Now I'm waiting anxiously for the two remaining books in the Wraithwood Trilogy!
I have to confess to some trepidation about reading Wraithwood. I don't read spooky stories - can't stand witches, ghosts, goblins, and such. And don't do gory. So when I received my advance reader copy and saw the synopsis, I hesitated and even contacted the author to make sure I knew what I was in for. Being reassured this was not going to be any of those things, I started to read.
What a great story! I immediately liked Brinnie and was as confused as she was by the strange things she witnessed at her uncle's estate. Little by little, as secrets were revealed, I was anxiously awaiting the rest of the mystery to be explained. While some of the names should have been clues (and it would have helped if I re-read the synopsis) to the Arthurian legend aspects, I was as surprised to discover the identities of some of the characters as Brinnie was.
Completely age-appropriate for its intended middle-grade and high-school audience, Wraithwood is also an excellent read for an adult audience. The ending only had a hint of possible things to come and wrapped up the adventures quite nicely. So read this now, and wait with me for the rest of the Wraithwood Trilogy to release. Because I'm guessing that you will also want to be sure to read the entire series.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I'm hooked! Now I'm waiting anxiously for the two remaining books in the Wraithwood Trilogy!
I have to confess to some trepidation about reading Wraithwood. I don't read spooky stories - can't stand witches, ghosts, goblins, and such. And don't do gory. So when I received my advance reader copy and saw the synopsis, I hesitated and even contacted the author to make sure I knew what I was in for. Being reassured this was not going to be any of those things, I started to read.
What a great story! I immediately liked Brinnie and was as confused as she was by the strange things she witnessed at her uncle's estate. Little by little, as secrets were revealed, I was anxiously awaiting the rest of the mystery to be explained. While some of the names should have been clues (and it would have helped if I re-read the synopsis) to the Arthurian legend aspects, I was as surprised to discover the identities of some of the characters as Brinnie was.
Completely age-appropriate for its intended middle-grade and high-school audience, Wraithwood is also an excellent read for an adult audience. The ending only had a hint of possible things to come and wrapped up the adventures quite nicely. So read this now, and wait with me for the rest of the Wraithwood Trilogy to release. Because I'm guessing that you will also want to be sure to read the entire series.
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75
An estranged uncle, a mysterious mansion, and Arthurian legend. And Brinnie could have been spending her Summer with her parents and sister who is giving birth.
This is a gem of a coming-of-age urban fantasy. Cut off from the rest of the world except for few trips into the village, readers become as involved in the strange comings and going’s of the mansion. The unexplainable disappearances and reappearances of her uncle, the odd conversations she overhears, the questionable experiments her uncle makes her do….
The characters were so funny and relatable. Especially Brinnie who is thrown into a strange situation and just wants to know what the heck is going on. Not to mention:
If this isn’t embarrassingly, accurately me, I don’t know what is.
My only gripe: sometimes the amount of characters and lack of information felt a bit too much, even if it was supposed to add to Brinnie’s confusion as to the readers’.
Whilst this is a fairly simple fantasy book, this would be perfect for a light read, a beginner read to fantasy, or for younger readers.
”Her life is in more danger every second she spends away from Wraith-wood. Sooner or later, they will find her. Then it will be too late."
An estranged uncle, a mysterious mansion, and Arthurian legend. And Brinnie could have been spending her Summer with her parents and sister who is giving birth.
This is a gem of a coming-of-age urban fantasy. Cut off from the rest of the world except for few trips into the village, readers become as involved in the strange comings and going’s of the mansion. The unexplainable disappearances and reappearances of her uncle, the odd conversations she overhears, the questionable experiments her uncle makes her do….
The characters were so funny and relatable. Especially Brinnie who is thrown into a strange situation and just wants to know what the heck is going on. Not to mention:
”Did you catch the make and model?" Miss Burtle interrupted.
"Oh. I'm not very good with cars. It was black, I think. A car with four doors."
If this isn’t embarrassingly, accurately me, I don’t know what is.
My only gripe: sometimes the amount of characters and lack of information felt a bit too much, even if it was supposed to add to Brinnie’s confusion as to the readers’.
Whilst this is a fairly simple fantasy book, this would be perfect for a light read, a beginner read to fantasy, or for younger readers.
”I think my head's going to explode."
"Try not to do that in the kitchen. Don't want brains in the cereal."
June 22, 2023
So, as it turns out, starting this book around 10:30pm for some quick reading before bed is not a good idea — before I knew what was happening, it was almost midnight, and rather than the three chapters I'd intended, I'd finished half the book. The second night, full of hubris, I picked this up again and said "Surely I'll do better tonight; I'll just read a chapter or two, and I certainly won't finish the book."
Guess what happened.
So, yes. I am sleep-deprived now, but for good reasons best summed up as: this book is excellent. The younger protagonist, the writing style, and the basic premise (MC gets sent to live with a mysterious relative and winds up in Magical Adventures) give me the vibes of some of the books I really enjoyed in my preteen and early teen years in a really good way. I liked Brinnie, and I also liked following her adventure and discovering this new world with her. Also, kudos to the author for figuring out a GOOD in-universe explanation for why no one ever tells the protagonist anything. I appreciated that, and I thought it was pretty clever.
Of course, the other problem with reading this book now? I'm planning to get the second one at Realm Makers . . . and that's three weeks away. How am I ever going to wait that long?
Guess what happened.
So, yes. I am sleep-deprived now, but for good reasons best summed up as: this book is excellent. The younger protagonist, the writing style, and the basic premise (MC gets sent to live with a mysterious relative and winds up in Magical Adventures) give me the vibes of some of the books I really enjoyed in my preteen and early teen years in a really good way. I liked Brinnie, and I also liked following her adventure and discovering this new world with her. Also, kudos to the author for figuring out a GOOD in-universe explanation for why no one ever tells the protagonist anything. I appreciated that, and I thought it was pretty clever.
Of course, the other problem with reading this book now? I'm planning to get the second one at Realm Makers . . . and that's three weeks away. How am I ever going to wait that long?
August 21, 2021
I don't usually read fantasy/YA, but of course read this as Alyssa was a student of mine at Taylor U and now is a dear friend. Trust me when I say that I didn't do 5 stars for any other reason beyond this book deserves it. Knowing Alyssa, knowing her quest to write fantasy/YA that honors Jesus, that brings hope to readers when much in that genre is leaving readers feeling hopeless, I feel that she has accomplished this in a page-turner that I couldn't put down. If you have teens looking for books filled with magic and mystery that also bring hope and positivity, begin this series. You won't be sorry.
April 13, 2023
Absolutely adored this book once I got a little into it. I was so angry for the main character I was like why are they keeping things from her why won't the just tell her what is going on?
Then the rest of the book was WHY.
Oh so good.
Cannot wait for the other two!
I really cannot discuss much of what happened as it would be spoilers, just read it for yourself. Wizards and magic and a maze and Mordred and Morgana and yeah I didn't know Arthurian stuff would wind up into it either.
Then the rest of the book was WHY.
Oh so good.
Cannot wait for the other two!
I really cannot discuss much of what happened as it would be spoilers, just read it for yourself. Wizards and magic and a maze and Mordred and Morgana and yeah I didn't know Arthurian stuff would wind up into it either.
June 29, 2021
I was really impressed with how the story began looking it would play on tropes I was familiar with, but then found new riffs on those ideas and took them where I didn't expect. I was particularly impressed with how the writer used suspense and mystery to keep me second-guessing how things would develop. A great new fantasy find, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this writer!
July 17, 2021
Immersive, atmospheric, and brimming with magic, Wraithwood presents a skillful take on Arthurian legends, harnessing a gothic manor and ensemble of enchanting characters to create an unforgettable read. A treasure for any booklover. Alyssa Roat is a wizard at her craft.
June 19, 2021
An estranged uncle, a mysterious mansion coupled with Arthurian legend…
Fourteen year old Brynna “Brinnie” Lane has always lived a quiet life under the watchful eye of her hovering mother—until she’s sent off for the summer to live with an uncle she didn’t know she had.
Before long however she finds that Wraithwood Estate, her uncle’s creepy old mansion, holds as many secrets as the man himself. When Brinnie is warned not to explore any of it, her curiosity only grows. As unnatural events take place and Brinnie hears whispers of a hidden war, she must unravel the truth about her family’s mysterious past if she wants to survive.
Something terrible happened at Wraithwood thirty years ago, and Brinnie is determined to find out what—even if it means confronting the possibility that magic is real…
You know that feeling - the one that tells you that this is going to be an amazing read? I had that feeling after the first couple of pages. Wraithwood is the first instalment of the Wraithwood trilogy and was my first introduction to the author - and boy was I in for a treat! From the offset, the author drew me in effortlessly with a glimpse of a stunning world of magic, wizardry and Arthurian legend. Atmospheric, full of magic and utterly convincing, this rich and captivating tale left me longing to become a part of the Wraithwood community long after the final pages.
Brinnie was an appealing and relatable protagonist who finds herself completely out of her depth in her new surroundings. Her courage and development throughout the book was exceptional. Seeing her relationship unfold with Merlin as well as her camaraderie with Mrs Tynsdale was one the highlights of the book for me - as was her profound meeting with a certain Lady of the Forest.
I loved the way the author vividly described the landscape surrounding the Wraithwood. I felt as though I was there breathing in the fresh air along with Brinnie. The references to the Arthurian legend and Welsh mythology added to the mystical ambiance surrounding the Estate as did the secondary characters who also added great depth and layers to this world.
From the outstanding world building and multifaceted characterisation it’s clear that the author threw her heart and soul into this book. So caught up was I in this world that when I finally turned the last page, I felt emotionally bereft. It felt like I was saying goodbye to family. While this is my first book by this author it certainly won’t be my last. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. Highly recommended.
Fourteen year old Brynna “Brinnie” Lane has always lived a quiet life under the watchful eye of her hovering mother—until she’s sent off for the summer to live with an uncle she didn’t know she had.
Before long however she finds that Wraithwood Estate, her uncle’s creepy old mansion, holds as many secrets as the man himself. When Brinnie is warned not to explore any of it, her curiosity only grows. As unnatural events take place and Brinnie hears whispers of a hidden war, she must unravel the truth about her family’s mysterious past if she wants to survive.
Something terrible happened at Wraithwood thirty years ago, and Brinnie is determined to find out what—even if it means confronting the possibility that magic is real…
You know that feeling - the one that tells you that this is going to be an amazing read? I had that feeling after the first couple of pages. Wraithwood is the first instalment of the Wraithwood trilogy and was my first introduction to the author - and boy was I in for a treat! From the offset, the author drew me in effortlessly with a glimpse of a stunning world of magic, wizardry and Arthurian legend. Atmospheric, full of magic and utterly convincing, this rich and captivating tale left me longing to become a part of the Wraithwood community long after the final pages.
Brinnie was an appealing and relatable protagonist who finds herself completely out of her depth in her new surroundings. Her courage and development throughout the book was exceptional. Seeing her relationship unfold with Merlin as well as her camaraderie with Mrs Tynsdale was one the highlights of the book for me - as was her profound meeting with a certain Lady of the Forest.
I loved the way the author vividly described the landscape surrounding the Wraithwood. I felt as though I was there breathing in the fresh air along with Brinnie. The references to the Arthurian legend and Welsh mythology added to the mystical ambiance surrounding the Estate as did the secondary characters who also added great depth and layers to this world.
From the outstanding world building and multifaceted characterisation it’s clear that the author threw her heart and soul into this book. So caught up was I in this world that when I finally turned the last page, I felt emotionally bereft. It felt like I was saying goodbye to family. While this is my first book by this author it certainly won’t be my last. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2021
This was such a good read. Teenage me would have loved this to pieces, adult me found a great book hooked with Arthurian Lore.
The book has so much detail, it kind of drags some and is boring at times. Lots of foreshadowing, but is entertaining nonetheless.
I can't wait to see what else happens with Brinnie and Merlin, that ending was heart wrenching.
The book has so much detail, it kind of drags some and is boring at times. Lots of foreshadowing, but is entertaining nonetheless.
I can't wait to see what else happens with Brinnie and Merlin, that ending was heart wrenching.
December 3, 2022
This was such a delight! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I had a blast experiencing this modern fantasy adventure mostly set at a mysterious mansion, the Wraithwood Estate. It gave me such a nostalgic summer-holidays-novel vibe like some books I loved reading when I was younger (like The Dark Hills Divide meets Over Sea, Under Stone), but it was unique too! I loved disappearing into this lovely setting.
It was fun following Brinnie around and seeing her discover this greater fantastical world around her. I’m curious to see what she’ll do with some of it in the future! Her uncle Merlin was fabulous too and I wish he’d have been in it even more, but I loved him and his mysteriousness. The other characters made for an excellent cast, particularly Ms. Tynsdale and Quentin, who were great! Loved these characters!
The plot was exciting and kept me invested and curious at turns, guessing and second-guessing. And the setting was so cool! I especially loved the maze! No spoilers but there were so many great moments involving the maze and just—yesss. So cool. More books should have magical mazes, TBH. It made me so happy. *grinning* Definitely my favorite part of the book! Oh, and the flying chairs were cool . . . ;)
A note, too, that listening to the audiobook was a blast and I highly recommend it! The narrator did an amazing job of bringing each character to life and making a thoroughly enjoyable book all the more delightful. I highly recommend both the book and the audiobook!
It was simply a blast and I ended it going WAIT! COME BACK! Especially with that not-quite-a-cliffhanger-buuuut . . . So I’m super looking forward to checking out the sequel, Mordizan, soon. I need more! I can’t wait to go back to this series!
Definitely recommended if you enjoy light YA modern fantasy, a dash of peril and suspense, and Arthurian vibes. It was a blast!
(I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
Review also posted on my book blog: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...
It was fun following Brinnie around and seeing her discover this greater fantastical world around her. I’m curious to see what she’ll do with some of it in the future! Her uncle Merlin was fabulous too and I wish he’d have been in it even more, but I loved him and his mysteriousness. The other characters made for an excellent cast, particularly Ms. Tynsdale and Quentin, who were great! Loved these characters!
The plot was exciting and kept me invested and curious at turns, guessing and second-guessing. And the setting was so cool! I especially loved the maze! No spoilers but there were so many great moments involving the maze and just—yesss. So cool. More books should have magical mazes, TBH. It made me so happy. *grinning* Definitely my favorite part of the book! Oh, and the flying chairs were cool . . . ;)
A note, too, that listening to the audiobook was a blast and I highly recommend it! The narrator did an amazing job of bringing each character to life and making a thoroughly enjoyable book all the more delightful. I highly recommend both the book and the audiobook!
It was simply a blast and I ended it going WAIT! COME BACK! Especially with that not-quite-a-cliffhanger-buuuut . . . So I’m super looking forward to checking out the sequel, Mordizan, soon. I need more! I can’t wait to go back to this series!
Definitely recommended if you enjoy light YA modern fantasy, a dash of peril and suspense, and Arthurian vibes. It was a blast!
(I received a free e-ARC of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
Review also posted on my book blog: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...
June 10, 2021
Wraithwood was a great book that left me questioning at every turn of the page. The world Alyssa Roat created was full of magic and intrigue and made me want to be part of the Wraithwood community. I loved Brinnie and her skepticism and Uncle Merlin and his mysteriousness. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
June 3, 2021
Wraithwood took me beyond my usual genres and I loved it! I was taken in from the beginning and read Wraithwood in 2 days.
Author Alyssa Roat is a new-to-me author who I look forward to reading more of. Wraithwood is YA Contemporary fantasy that is clean and well written.
Wriathwood features Brynna Lane (Brinnie) and Merlin Ludovic (Uncle Merlin). I highly recommend Wraithwood to fans of the Arthurian legend. I look forward to book two with anticipation.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Author Alyssa Roat is a new-to-me author who I look forward to reading more of. Wraithwood is YA Contemporary fantasy that is clean and well written.
Wriathwood features Brynna Lane (Brinnie) and Merlin Ludovic (Uncle Merlin). I highly recommend Wraithwood to fans of the Arthurian legend. I look forward to book two with anticipation.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
June 12, 2021
This book is a gift to the world, and it's is actually the first one by Alyssa Roat I read. To be honest, I have such a hard time paying attention to any books anymore that I read very, very slowly... if I read at all. When I received an early copy from the author my first thought was "I will likely not get through chapter one because I will be bored to death and hopefully she just won't ask me."
Instead, my jaw hit the table and I literally was whining to people all week when I couldn't go back to reading it. Wraithwood led me to trying to track down anything by the author, and now she is the only author I have Read Everything By and I'm kind of mad I have to wait for more.
Frankly, Wraithwood is a work of art. The heroine, Brinnie, is the type of character I've always wanted to read about, but she is also the type of heroine advised against in Proper Writing Technique™ classes. Which is a shame, because there are many of us out there who want a NON-TRADITIONALLY proactive character to follow and relate to. A shy hero or heroine that isn't quite sure what's going on, but she tries to make the best of it while being brave and active in their own, EQUALLY VALID WAY. WE'RE NOT ALL KATNISS EVERDEEN OKAY OUR LIVES AND PASSIONS AND ROLES MATTER TOO.
Brinnie made me, a 29-year-old with OCPD, major depression, and a trauma disorder who has worked her butt off to hold down a regular drop, feel SEEN. I was reading this book going, "Wait, I'm allowed to go on adventures too? I'm allowed to be cool too? I'm allowed to be a part of Something Bigger too?"
I. Love. This. Book. This book is as if The Chronicles of Narnia collided with Arthurian fantasy but if Arthurian fantasy wasn't boring (sorry, y'all).
I don't generally like young adult OR fantasy, but I used to. I used to find a lot of magic in books but I just...didn't see it anymore. YA fantasy felt like a slog of regurgitated tropes manufactured to engage the minds of those who didn't want to think.... instead of utilizing the fact it was, you know, FANTASY AND COULD DO LITERALLY ANYTHING IT WANTED TO and could do something interesting.
Probably explains while I was so...
...at even the thought of hoping for something magical.
But then Wraithwood snaps me up from page one, all... "*whips out sunglasses* B-) Imma show you what storytelling magic is again. Hang on." And I'm like "what" and Wraithwood is like "yes." And I'm like "okay."
AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER ONE.
only complaint. I have to wait for another one.
and that is my review. because the magical wonderfulness of it is impossible to be contained in a proper, fancy, respectable review...cuz I've spent YEARS analyzing books into "Tolerable," "Boring," and "What is this rodent crap of a story people keep telling me to spend time on?!" that I'd forgotten MAGIC. and CHARACTERS. and being swept up into stories with CHARM. and. and. just, like, FEELING stuff and like there's good in the world.
The only other author I've experienced this with in the last two years was Hope Bolinger who, PROBABLY NOT COINCIDENTALLY, is Alyssa Roat's co-author on her other marvelous series Dear, Hero that everyone should also read.
Instead, my jaw hit the table and I literally was whining to people all week when I couldn't go back to reading it. Wraithwood led me to trying to track down anything by the author, and now she is the only author I have Read Everything By and I'm kind of mad I have to wait for more.
Frankly, Wraithwood is a work of art. The heroine, Brinnie, is the type of character I've always wanted to read about, but she is also the type of heroine advised against in Proper Writing Technique™ classes. Which is a shame, because there are many of us out there who want a NON-TRADITIONALLY proactive character to follow and relate to. A shy hero or heroine that isn't quite sure what's going on, but she tries to make the best of it while being brave and active in their own, EQUALLY VALID WAY. WE'RE NOT ALL KATNISS EVERDEEN OKAY OUR LIVES AND PASSIONS AND ROLES MATTER TOO.
Brinnie made me, a 29-year-old with OCPD, major depression, and a trauma disorder who has worked her butt off to hold down a regular drop, feel SEEN. I was reading this book going, "Wait, I'm allowed to go on adventures too? I'm allowed to be cool too? I'm allowed to be a part of Something Bigger too?"
I. Love. This. Book. This book is as if The Chronicles of Narnia collided with Arthurian fantasy but if Arthurian fantasy wasn't boring (sorry, y'all).
I don't generally like young adult OR fantasy, but I used to. I used to find a lot of magic in books but I just...didn't see it anymore. YA fantasy felt like a slog of regurgitated tropes manufactured to engage the minds of those who didn't want to think.... instead of utilizing the fact it was, you know, FANTASY AND COULD DO LITERALLY ANYTHING IT WANTED TO and could do something interesting.
Probably explains while I was so...
...at even the thought of hoping for something magical.
But then Wraithwood snaps me up from page one, all... "*whips out sunglasses* B-) Imma show you what storytelling magic is again. Hang on." And I'm like "what" and Wraithwood is like "yes." And I'm like "okay."
AND NOW I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER ONE.
only complaint. I have to wait for another one.
and that is my review. because the magical wonderfulness of it is impossible to be contained in a proper, fancy, respectable review...cuz I've spent YEARS analyzing books into "Tolerable," "Boring," and "What is this rodent crap of a story people keep telling me to spend time on?!" that I'd forgotten MAGIC. and CHARACTERS. and being swept up into stories with CHARM. and. and. just, like, FEELING stuff and like there's good in the world.
The only other author I've experienced this with in the last two years was Hope Bolinger who, PROBABLY NOT COINCIDENTALLY, is Alyssa Roat's co-author on her other marvelous series Dear, Hero that everyone should also read.
October 24, 2021
From the gorgeous cover to our darling Brinnie, I'm happy to have this book on my shelves. Our MC was different than most of the YA heroines I've read, and I appreciated the freshness of a sweet, shy narrator who slowly comes into her own. It was a lovely process to witness, and by the end of the book, I was cheering for the person she'd become. And her shadow abilities! SO COOL!
I'm looking forward to where the next book takes us.
I'm looking forward to where the next book takes us.
July 13, 2021
In Wraithwood we follow Brynna Lane (Brinnie) who is sent to spend the Summer with an uncle she didn't even know she had. She soon discovers that both the Estate and her uncle Merlin, have many secrets. Secrets that almost everyone she meets at the Estate know- except her. The more curious she becomes the more Secretive everyone is.
The world building really allows you to enjoy discovering these secrets and the history of Wraithwood Estates with Brinnie. I would recommend Wraithwood to those who are a fan of the Arthurian legend and mythology.
A big Thank You to Alyssa Roat for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I can't wait for book #2!
The world building really allows you to enjoy discovering these secrets and the history of Wraithwood Estates with Brinnie. I would recommend Wraithwood to those who are a fan of the Arthurian legend and mythology.
A big Thank You to Alyssa Roat for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I can't wait for book #2!
May 28, 2022
This is such a wonderful adventure. Fast paced with incredible world building this is an amazing place of magic and wizards, mystery and suspense, drama and tension and characters that are quirky and fun. Throw in some surprises, some twists and some turns and you have a fantastic fantasy read that will have you hook line and sinker.
July 27, 2021
Roat delivers such a well-crafted story that I often lost track of time while reading it. You know a book is good when you’re waiting in line at a drive-thru, opening your Kindle app to find out what happens next, and hoping the line won’t move too quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed how she incorporated Arthurian legend into a modern tale of magic. I’m also grateful for the satisfying ending that provides resolution instead of the YA novel trend toward cliffhangers. Sweet relief! Finally, I appreciate that the book provides clean fun for young adults who enjoy wizarding stories without the darkness so common in this genre.
September 6, 2021
A classic in the making. The atmosphere in this tale sucks you in and doesn't let go. I look forward to see where Alyssa Roat will go next with this story!
October 19, 2022
Oh I forgot to mark this as read.
AND HOW CAN I MAKE my CHAIRS FLY???
That was random ..
Noice
AND HOW CAN I MAKE my CHAIRS FLY???
That was random ..
Noice
March 12, 2023
The author is 17 and home-schooled. A good first novel. I am looking forward to watching her growth as a writer.
Shelved as 'ebook-own-toread'
March 15, 2023free on kindle
march 15, 2023
https://amzn.to/3JFWDeA
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march 15, 2023
https://amzn.to/3JFWDeA
#ad
July 15, 2021
Absolutely magical. Colourful and vivid characters. Beautiful, swoon-worthy setting, fascinating world-building, and interesting mythological influences. What else can I say? So much fun. A page-turner. I could hardly stop reading because I just had to find out what was going on at Wraithwood?!
July 12, 2021
I thought the plot of Wraithwood sounded interesting but I went into it not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up liking this book. Brinnie is someone you easily sympathize with and root for. I’m excited to see what the next book will bring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2021
I love Wraithwood by Alyssa Roat. The novel is well-written and the characters believable. The setting is also very detailed and I could visualize the mansion, rooms, and wooded surroundings. The plot is intriguing but not too hard to follow. I recommend this good fantasy read...
December 13, 2022
Took me a minute at the beginning to get into it, but it was definitely worth it by the end.
August 2, 2021
Ok, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was such a fun, mysterious read and I loved the MC Brinnie. A young Karisa would have totally related to her (she loved spending time in the library and was up for an adventure 😝). This was a great start to what I’m sure will be an incredibly fun series, and I can’t wait to find out more about this world!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
June 29, 2021
A new author and a great exciting book
Magic loved from the beginning to the end
I won’t spoil you have to read for yourself
I hope you enjoy as much as I did
Magic loved from the beginning to the end
I won’t spoil you have to read for yourself
I hope you enjoy as much as I did
June 20, 2021
I enjoyed this story! In addition to the creepy mansion (which almost has a personality of its own), the characters are varied and the author took her time unraveling the mysteries for the reader. Brinnie is a sympathetic heroine, awkward yet brave, maturing nicely over the course of the story.
Wraithwood will keep you reading long past your bedtime!
I received an advance copy of this book, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Wraithwood will keep you reading long past your bedtime!
I received an advance copy of this book, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews