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The Triskaidek
On the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month of her thirteenth year something rather strange happened to Alley Willowwood. In fact it was so strange the only way she could explain it was... magic? Welcome to Camp Fae where the fairies send their kids each summer to learn magic. Alley has more to learn than most since she didn't even believe in magic. Now she has to solve an important mystery to stop a treacherous villain from using his magic to take over the world.
- GenresYoung Adult Fantasy
298 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2010
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 21, 2012
Fun and somewhat silly book for younger teens that has a few missteps, but makes up for it with invention and an interesting world.
On a whim, Alley decides to go to a store named the Thirteen Kites on the thirteenth day of her thirteenth birthday. Fitting, right? But then the thirteens start to pile up like cars in a car crash: the kite she wins there has thirteen panels, and she has thirteen feet of twine. It even flies thirteen feet in the air.
This is the start of a magical awakening that reveals Alley's true nature, and sends her to Camp Fae-summer camp for new and young fairies to learn their powers. Add a purring blue crab, fairy merit badges, Fgoogle (because fairies get in everywhere, even Google,) the problems of trying to make fireworks, and an evil villain, and you have this book.
This rides the line between middle-grade fiction and young adult. There are some flaws. Alley is a little too accepting of her situation when she arrives at Camp Fae, and it would have been nice to see her "why is this happening to me?" reactions continue a bit. She's also a bit too powerful with not much background on why she had the potential to be a fairy. The book starts out very weird and humorous, but settles down a bit in Camp Fae and becomes more of a regular fantasy. And finally one certain character isn't foreshadowed enough, and their big reveal is a bit lacking.
But there's a lot of good things to the book, too. The magic and elemental system is very good, and puts a lot of fantasy to shame. Fairies use elemental stones and certain objects in conjunction with types of spells to create effects, and it feels like a real, lived system with advisers mentioning the properties of certain stones. Little things like how fairies tend to use uncut gemstones because they are cheaper and the magical effects are the same are nice details that really sell how magic works.
The characters aren't bad either. Many of them have twists to their personalities, and the slightly skewed nature of the book makes them a lot more memorable than usual. The nature of the villain especially.
In all it's a creative, quirky book that won't scratch the itch of people looking for a paranormal romance, but is a lot of fun otherwise. If your younger teen likes things like WinX club or W.I.T.C.H. they might like this book quite a bit.
On a whim, Alley decides to go to a store named the Thirteen Kites on the thirteenth day of her thirteenth birthday. Fitting, right? But then the thirteens start to pile up like cars in a car crash: the kite she wins there has thirteen panels, and she has thirteen feet of twine. It even flies thirteen feet in the air.
This is the start of a magical awakening that reveals Alley's true nature, and sends her to Camp Fae-summer camp for new and young fairies to learn their powers. Add a purring blue crab, fairy merit badges, Fgoogle (because fairies get in everywhere, even Google,) the problems of trying to make fireworks, and an evil villain, and you have this book.
This rides the line between middle-grade fiction and young adult. There are some flaws. Alley is a little too accepting of her situation when she arrives at Camp Fae, and it would have been nice to see her "why is this happening to me?" reactions continue a bit. She's also a bit too powerful with not much background on why she had the potential to be a fairy. The book starts out very weird and humorous, but settles down a bit in Camp Fae and becomes more of a regular fantasy. And finally one certain character isn't foreshadowed enough, and their big reveal is a bit lacking.
But there's a lot of good things to the book, too. The magic and elemental system is very good, and puts a lot of fantasy to shame. Fairies use elemental stones and certain objects in conjunction with types of spells to create effects, and it feels like a real, lived system with advisers mentioning the properties of certain stones. Little things like how fairies tend to use uncut gemstones because they are cheaper and the magical effects are the same are nice details that really sell how magic works.
The characters aren't bad either. Many of them have twists to their personalities, and the slightly skewed nature of the book makes them a lot more memorable than usual. The nature of the villain especially.
In all it's a creative, quirky book that won't scratch the itch of people looking for a paranormal romance, but is a lot of fun otherwise. If your younger teen likes things like WinX club or W.I.T.C.H. they might like this book quite a bit.
July 31, 2012
What an awesome book for kids around 12 and up who want to get into the fantasy paranormal genre. The Triskaidek was well written, there is mystery, magic and action. I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to read this book. Basil Sprig makes the world of the fae fun, interesting and inviting to kids of all ages. I enjoyed reading it and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Alley next! I think the only thing I was not so sure about was the use of the word thirteenth so much in the beginning of the book.
Alley I loved her, she is sweet, caring, independent and a little stubborn. She enters camp fae not knowing she is a fairy on a mission from a special magical creature. She needs to find a way to save this little blue crab and figure out who she can trust along the way. Not every fairy uses their magic for good and appearances can be deceiving…
Alley I loved her, she is sweet, caring, independent and a little stubborn. She enters camp fae not knowing she is a fairy on a mission from a special magical creature. She needs to find a way to save this little blue crab and figure out who she can trust along the way. Not every fairy uses their magic for good and appearances can be deceiving…
July 11, 2016
I think the last time I read anything in the fantasy genre was during my adolescent years. I really enjoyed reading Basil Sprig's first book in the Camp Fae series. Reading this book brought back childhood memories of how much I enjoyed visiting a magical world through reading. In addition to fantasy there was also mystery, adventure, and a good message included. The book put a smile on my face. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, "The Pixitres".
January 6, 2011
I loved this book! a wonderfully delightful story ~ makes you feel like a dreamy young girl again!
May 13, 2019
“Fairy magic makes things work in predictable ways, but you can’t always find the line between what is magic and what is just nature.”
On the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month of her thirteenth year, Alley is swept up in the magic of her Thirteenth. Then a magical creature shows up on her doorstep. Then her mom finds her a camp to go to for the summer: Camp Fae. Coincidence or are they related to her Thirteenth?
Triskaidek is a cute yet full-bodied story with complex characters, a rich magical world, and an overarching plot.
I loved how well-developed all the magic details were in this story. I liked the specificity for learning different types of magic, even though Alley didn’t always follow the recipes. I loved how there are two approaches to magic – through hard work and dedication to the recipes and history and knowledge and then the intuitive type. Some fairies are naturally talented (intuitive) for certain magic, like invisibility, and others have to work and work for years and years on a type of magic in order to learn it (flying). The magic is also quite organic and the fairies are left to learn on their own time in their own way to earn ‘badges.’ To earn a badge is to show proficiency in a specific type of magic (like Flying 1).
I enjoyed all the characters, especially Alley. She is clever but magically ‘clumsy’ since she is new to doing magic. She doesn’t always realize or know the consequences of using her magic prior to intuitively using her magic! This results in problems for Alley and the entire camp. Not only that, but Alley must earn badges even though following a recipe for doing magic doesn’t come naturally to her and she must figure out how to do the mission the Sunbird gave her before going to Camp Fae. I would have liked to see more of Alley’s flaws, but I really liked her point of view.
Anyone who read and loved the Harry Potter series, will definitely enjoy The Triskaidek.
On the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month of her thirteenth year, Alley is swept up in the magic of her Thirteenth. Then a magical creature shows up on her doorstep. Then her mom finds her a camp to go to for the summer: Camp Fae. Coincidence or are they related to her Thirteenth?
Triskaidek is a cute yet full-bodied story with complex characters, a rich magical world, and an overarching plot.
I loved how well-developed all the magic details were in this story. I liked the specificity for learning different types of magic, even though Alley didn’t always follow the recipes. I loved how there are two approaches to magic – through hard work and dedication to the recipes and history and knowledge and then the intuitive type. Some fairies are naturally talented (intuitive) for certain magic, like invisibility, and others have to work and work for years and years on a type of magic in order to learn it (flying). The magic is also quite organic and the fairies are left to learn on their own time in their own way to earn ‘badges.’ To earn a badge is to show proficiency in a specific type of magic (like Flying 1).
I enjoyed all the characters, especially Alley. She is clever but magically ‘clumsy’ since she is new to doing magic. She doesn’t always realize or know the consequences of using her magic prior to intuitively using her magic! This results in problems for Alley and the entire camp. Not only that, but Alley must earn badges even though following a recipe for doing magic doesn’t come naturally to her and she must figure out how to do the mission the Sunbird gave her before going to Camp Fae. I would have liked to see more of Alley’s flaws, but I really liked her point of view.
Anyone who read and loved the Harry Potter series, will definitely enjoy The Triskaidek.
July 28, 2017
The Triskaidek is a book that I would recommend. I would recommend this book for people who like reading fantasy blended with mystery. I also like this book because almost every chapter keeps you cliff hanging at the ending. Another reason why I would recommend this book is because the very beginning hooks the reader instead of losing the reader. The genre of the book is fantasy mixed with adventure and mystery. Fantasy is poured into these pages since there is magic and fairies. Adventure lie's in this book since the characters have to risk their lives in parts of pages. Mystery finds it way in by sending Alley a mission only she can find out on her own. This story will take you on an exciting journey between two worlds of good and evil. And what you expect doesn't alway happen the way you expect it to. This book makes you connect to the main character Alley so much that you begin to have feelings for her and many other characters that Basil created. The Triskaidek is a book that will lead you into an adventure and throw your imagination into a world where journeys never end.
September 30, 2022
Great series!
This series is a "must read"! The characters are well-written and the plots keep you guessing. Can't wait for #3.
This series is a "must read"! The characters are well-written and the plots keep you guessing. Can't wait for #3.
July 21, 2012
Originally posted at my blog Concise Book Reviews By Michelle
Fairy parents send their children to the Camp Fae to learn to use magice, and so they themselves can have some R & R of course. This story is told in the 3rd person view, and we get a good look into Alley’s thoughts, and the narrator even will address the reader at times.
Alley is cute and fun, and tries to help everyone. She seems perfect fairy wise. She even has a “look” she gives when she is mad at people. One thing I didn’t like, is that Alley has just found out she is a fairy, and didn’t even believe in magic or that fairy’s existed, until she is at Camp Fae, and she seems too perfect, like she too perfect at everything, I kindof wish she would have some big fail at something, and I don’t mean blowing things up, a big fail. Seems she can do it all without really trying. Overall Alley is a sweet character who’s heart is in the right place.
This is a cute fairy story for younger teens and tweens, maybe 10-14 years old. Though I see that is the target range, I find some thoughts and actions of Alley to be even more of a 16 year old. For instance, usually at 13 girls and boys alike think boys have cooties, lol, but then you do have the more boy crazy girls at that age as well. Just seems at times Alley seems even younger than 13 but at other times, acts a little too old for her age. Maybe its different now than when I was 13 (long ago) but I do remember when my daughter was 13 (not too long ago) and she was defiantly not into boys at all at that age. Some of the thoughts Ally has when another fairy who is a little older than her, needs to help her back into Camp Fae, and says she needs to hug him, to allow him to teleport them. She gets flustered and embarrassed, like she likes him, or something. That part just felt a little older. But don’t get me wrong, this book is perfect for the mature 10 year olds to about 14.
Here is a quote of the part I am talking about: page 93 (reviewer paperback copy)
“I guess I will try and take you” He explained.
“Take me?”
“Yep. I’ve never done it before but supposedly once you’ve got teleporting down it itsn’t difficult. I just bring two of us over there.”
“Ok, then what? I take your hand?”
“No, you’d better hug me.”
“Hug you?”
“Yep.”
And she suddenly felt herself pulled into his strong embrace.
The feel of his strong arms around her-the warmth of his body, the smell of his strength, and the tenderness of his touch.
“Are you sure you aren’t doing this to…” she couldn’t complete the thought. His face was suddenly reddening, but he laughed a little. Maybe he was being straight with her after all, but she kind of wished he wasn’t. It felt good to be held like this, and Saladine was so…
…so dreamy.
So you see what I mean, this seems like it would be more 16-17 year olds in this part, but they are not, she is 13 and him I am not sure, a few years older maybe.
I do recommend the book however, as it is a fantastical, magical world that the author has written. The creativity in this book is wonderful, for sure. I am anxious to get on with reading book 2 The Pixitres to see how it all plays out.
I was sent a review copy by the author for my honest review.
Fairy parents send their children to the Camp Fae to learn to use magice, and so they themselves can have some R & R of course. This story is told in the 3rd person view, and we get a good look into Alley’s thoughts, and the narrator even will address the reader at times.
Alley is cute and fun, and tries to help everyone. She seems perfect fairy wise. She even has a “look” she gives when she is mad at people. One thing I didn’t like, is that Alley has just found out she is a fairy, and didn’t even believe in magic or that fairy’s existed, until she is at Camp Fae, and she seems too perfect, like she too perfect at everything, I kindof wish she would have some big fail at something, and I don’t mean blowing things up, a big fail. Seems she can do it all without really trying. Overall Alley is a sweet character who’s heart is in the right place.
This is a cute fairy story for younger teens and tweens, maybe 10-14 years old. Though I see that is the target range, I find some thoughts and actions of Alley to be even more of a 16 year old. For instance, usually at 13 girls and boys alike think boys have cooties, lol, but then you do have the more boy crazy girls at that age as well. Just seems at times Alley seems even younger than 13 but at other times, acts a little too old for her age. Maybe its different now than when I was 13 (long ago) but I do remember when my daughter was 13 (not too long ago) and she was defiantly not into boys at all at that age. Some of the thoughts Ally has when another fairy who is a little older than her, needs to help her back into Camp Fae, and says she needs to hug him, to allow him to teleport them. She gets flustered and embarrassed, like she likes him, or something. That part just felt a little older. But don’t get me wrong, this book is perfect for the mature 10 year olds to about 14.
Here is a quote of the part I am talking about: page 93 (reviewer paperback copy)
“I guess I will try and take you” He explained.
“Take me?”
“Yep. I’ve never done it before but supposedly once you’ve got teleporting down it itsn’t difficult. I just bring two of us over there.”
“Ok, then what? I take your hand?”
“No, you’d better hug me.”
“Hug you?”
“Yep.”
And she suddenly felt herself pulled into his strong embrace.
The feel of his strong arms around her-the warmth of his body, the smell of his strength, and the tenderness of his touch.
“Are you sure you aren’t doing this to…” she couldn’t complete the thought. His face was suddenly reddening, but he laughed a little. Maybe he was being straight with her after all, but she kind of wished he wasn’t. It felt good to be held like this, and Saladine was so…
…so dreamy.
So you see what I mean, this seems like it would be more 16-17 year olds in this part, but they are not, she is 13 and him I am not sure, a few years older maybe.
I do recommend the book however, as it is a fantastical, magical world that the author has written. The creativity in this book is wonderful, for sure. I am anxious to get on with reading book 2 The Pixitres to see how it all plays out.
I was sent a review copy by the author for my honest review.
February 27, 2011
Originally posted at: rivreads.blogspot.com
Short Review:
Alley is a sweet character with a heart in the right place who makes mistakes like the rest of us. The story has a unique voice with memorable characters and great plot twists. The creativity of this book was wonderful.
I recommend it for mature 10 year olds, but mainly 11-13 year olds with a love of faeries and an imagination good enough to take it all in.
Long Review:
I'm going to try not to sound like I'm repeating the MM. The book has a really original voice that I see rarely. While being told in 3rd person, it's giving you great insight into Alley's thoughts, while the narrator has his own opinions and even addresses the reader.
Alley is cute and earnest. She's trying to help everyone, though she is making plenty of mistakes along the way. She even has her own "Look" for when she's mad at people. The Look gets a bit annoying after a while, but it's sweet in its own way.
This book has so many great supportive characters. Although the first friends she meets sorta fade into the background, it all comes together, and Alley has some absolutely incredible friends throughout.
I had some problems with this book, though. Everyone seems to love Alley and she's pretty perfect, fairy-wise. She didn't even know fae existed, and then she comes to Camp Fae and she's the best at everything she tries. I was hoping she'd just have some sort of #epicfail in one of the basic things she tries...and blowing things up doesn't really count. The book was also a bit too complex for the targeted age group. I was confused at all the different elements and groupings in the camp, which play a major part in the whole thing.
But overall, I must say it was a really enjoyable book.
Rating: **** 4 stars. Good book, good writing.
Short Review:
Alley is a sweet character with a heart in the right place who makes mistakes like the rest of us. The story has a unique voice with memorable characters and great plot twists. The creativity of this book was wonderful.
I recommend it for mature 10 year olds, but mainly 11-13 year olds with a love of faeries and an imagination good enough to take it all in.
Long Review:
I'm going to try not to sound like I'm repeating the MM. The book has a really original voice that I see rarely. While being told in 3rd person, it's giving you great insight into Alley's thoughts, while the narrator has his own opinions and even addresses the reader.
Alley is cute and earnest. She's trying to help everyone, though she is making plenty of mistakes along the way. She even has her own "Look" for when she's mad at people. The Look gets a bit annoying after a while, but it's sweet in its own way.
This book has so many great supportive characters. Although the first friends she meets sorta fade into the background, it all comes together, and Alley has some absolutely incredible friends throughout.
I had some problems with this book, though. Everyone seems to love Alley and she's pretty perfect, fairy-wise. She didn't even know fae existed, and then she comes to Camp Fae and she's the best at everything she tries. I was hoping she'd just have some sort of #epicfail in one of the basic things she tries...and blowing things up doesn't really count. The book was also a bit too complex for the targeted age group. I was confused at all the different elements and groupings in the camp, which play a major part in the whole thing.
But overall, I must say it was a really enjoyable book.
Rating: **** 4 stars. Good book, good writing.
January 13, 2011
I didn’t really know what to expect with this book. I’m fourteen, but Alley doesn’t seem like she’s my age. In more ways than one, she seems younger. It was hard thinking of her at my age. To me, she was too innocent and it didn’t seem that she was exposed to the world that much (even if it takes place at a fairy camp). Throughout the whole book, she kinda stays the same. I guess her character grows more to think and stuff, but it didn’t feel like there was that much character growth.
But I did think the plot was good. The book kept me reading to know what happened, but it wasn’t like I stayed up really late to keep reading. I liked the plot, and it was nice how things came together in the end. Her friend’s were nice, but they confused me sometimes. Alley hung with a bunch of different people, which was awesome. And the first person she met at camp didn’t become her best friend which made me happy. This book had reality in it along with fiction, and that was cool. Things that are too perfect aren’t good.
I don’t really know what to think of this book. It’s good, but to me it wasn’t amazing. It’s definitely a book that’s a nice read if you want something, but it’s not something I would read over and over again. To me, the characters didn’t have different voices. But then at the same time, the idea of thirteen is different. It had enough romance in it to keep me wondering if she was going to end up with someone, so that was also nice. Overall, I honestly have no idea where I would place this book. It has an equal amount of strengths and weakness…
Rating: 2.9 / 5 Hearts
November 13, 2014
Strongly in the literary tradition of Harry Potter, 13-year old Alley discovers that she is a fairy and spends a wonderful summer at Camp Fae learning how to use her magical powers and completing the task that she was given on her Triskaidek.
An enjoyable read.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I have known Basil Sprig for several years, and am excited for this publication and that of the sequel)
An enjoyable read.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I have known Basil Sprig for several years, and am excited for this publication and that of the sequel)
September 4, 2010
When I first got this book I immediatly started reading, but stopped at chapter 2 because of life, but when I got down and started reading, I couldn't stop. it was filled with adventure and magic and I could picture certain scenes as I continued reading. Basil Sprig has a way of making books come alive. I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to people who like adventure and fairys.
April 27, 2012
Delightful fantasy read for young and old alike!
Although targeted for the "tween" crowd, I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Camp Fae series and found myself anxiously awaiting the release of book two to see what happens to Alley next. I just ordered the second book, "The Pixitres" off of Lulu.com. It will be available on Amazon later this year but I can't wait...
Although targeted for the "tween" crowd, I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the Camp Fae series and found myself anxiously awaiting the release of book two to see what happens to Alley next. I just ordered the second book, "The Pixitres" off of Lulu.com. It will be available on Amazon later this year but I can't wait...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews