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Unbidden Magic #3
Moon Spun
School's out for summer, but Allie's hip deep in trouble of the faery kind. Before she can save her world, she'll have to save theirs.Junior's back from Mexico with his movie-star entourage. Beck's using his half-demon charms to "heal" a new girl. Mom's still whacky and now she's dating Principal Hostetler. High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies, and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace, and the moonstone pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers.In other words, Allie Emerson's life as the Girl Voted Least Likely to Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and it's about to get even weirder. "You're a faery princess." So says the mysterious Ryker, whose handsome talents include turning himself into a hawk. By the way, he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school.The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other-world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale, and magical destiny.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
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July 5, 2016
Brothers’ third installment in the Unbidden Magic series kicks thing up a few notches. It’s jam packed with mystery, action, lots of fantasy and a touch of comedic romance. Allie is a great Young adult heroin for teen girls today. Romance doesn’t come easy for her and it doesn’t seem to stick. As the series progresses it gets better and Brothers’ blew me away as she added a new mix to her characters. I found myself glued to the book franticly reading to see what would happen next. Brothers hinted in earlier installments that there may be more Allie’s history than her father’s connection to magic and Brother’s gives us the big reveal along with a romantic twist.
Even more goes down in this installment. It’s summer vacation and Beck is off taking summer courses at college earning him enough credits for early graduation. Allie’s pot smoking guide shows up with another garbled message about a guy, a motorcycle and a hawk. She takes a job at her uncle fruit stand where she meets Ryker who keeps calling her Ava. Junior leaves his Mexican soap opera and returns to home with a film career, also gifting Allie with a car, paid insurance and a gas card to boot. Faye starts dating Principle Hostetler and Allie agree’s to baby sit his son Chad for the summer.
As if things couldn’t get any stranger in Allie’s world. Chad reveals something about himself that sends Allie on a quest to her grandfather. Learning about her heritage sends Allie on a new journey. This time to Boundless, where she finds out she is Princess Avalon and she is the granddaughter of Melia, Queen of the Forest Faeries, Faye's mother. Things are amiss in Boundless and Melia believes only Allie and save them. But does she have the strength to pull herself together in time?
Allie is much more in control of who she is. So she has a run of guys. What high school girl doesn’t? After Junior ran off to Mexico and with Beck off at college she is right to be wary about Ryker and not take him for his word.
Beck though he didn’t get much page time got under my skin. Although he is half demon is no excuses not to call Allie. He just drops out of her life the same way Junior did.
Junior coming back into the picture plagued me a bit. The undertone is understood by the way his mother treats Allie. She is the reason her Junior is no more on her soap opera. Allie will always be special to him. The thing is he never called. Granted at the time Allie didn’t have a phone and the fact that he didn’t know she had one show he never asked about her. Oh, and by the way he never heard of pin, paper, and stamps. And when he does mosey his way back to town he thinks a car will right his wrongs????
Ryker, ugh! He just came across to me as an arrogant self important snot. Please, the Forrest Fairy Queen promised him Allie when he was boy. It’s the twenty first century bud! Just because gammy said it doesn’t make it so.
Chad was favorite character in this installment as the boy who could see pixies and Allie for who she really is. His energy was bursting off the pages. I was elated when Chad changeling was traded with Chad the human and was set free to his true self back in boundless and Chad the human is home with his parents, still packed with never-ending energy.
In conclusion, I know I said it before but the series just keeps getting better and better with more twist, turns and building plots thick with mystery that suck you in. It’s a wonderful book to get lost in for a few hours but only after reading the first two installments.
Disclosure: I participate in reviews with Netgalley and an e-copy was provided to me by Netgalley and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review.
This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Even more goes down in this installment. It’s summer vacation and Beck is off taking summer courses at college earning him enough credits for early graduation. Allie’s pot smoking guide shows up with another garbled message about a guy, a motorcycle and a hawk. She takes a job at her uncle fruit stand where she meets Ryker who keeps calling her Ava. Junior leaves his Mexican soap opera and returns to home with a film career, also gifting Allie with a car, paid insurance and a gas card to boot. Faye starts dating Principle Hostetler and Allie agree’s to baby sit his son Chad for the summer.
As if things couldn’t get any stranger in Allie’s world. Chad reveals something about himself that sends Allie on a quest to her grandfather. Learning about her heritage sends Allie on a new journey. This time to Boundless, where she finds out she is Princess Avalon and she is the granddaughter of Melia, Queen of the Forest Faeries, Faye's mother. Things are amiss in Boundless and Melia believes only Allie and save them. But does she have the strength to pull herself together in time?
Allie is much more in control of who she is. So she has a run of guys. What high school girl doesn’t? After Junior ran off to Mexico and with Beck off at college she is right to be wary about Ryker and not take him for his word.
Beck though he didn’t get much page time got under my skin. Although he is half demon is no excuses not to call Allie. He just drops out of her life the same way Junior did.
Junior coming back into the picture plagued me a bit. The undertone is understood by the way his mother treats Allie. She is the reason her Junior is no more on her soap opera. Allie will always be special to him. The thing is he never called. Granted at the time Allie didn’t have a phone and the fact that he didn’t know she had one show he never asked about her. Oh, and by the way he never heard of pin, paper, and stamps. And when he does mosey his way back to town he thinks a car will right his wrongs????
Ryker, ugh! He just came across to me as an arrogant self important snot. Please, the Forrest Fairy Queen promised him Allie when he was boy. It’s the twenty first century bud! Just because gammy said it doesn’t make it so.
Chad was favorite character in this installment as the boy who could see pixies and Allie for who she really is. His energy was bursting off the pages. I was elated when Chad changeling was traded with Chad the human and was set free to his true self back in boundless and Chad the human is home with his parents, still packed with never-ending energy.
In conclusion, I know I said it before but the series just keeps getting better and better with more twist, turns and building plots thick with mystery that suck you in. It’s a wonderful book to get lost in for a few hours but only after reading the first two installments.
Disclosure: I participate in reviews with Netgalley and an e-copy was provided to me by Netgalley and/or the publishers. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review.
This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
July 18, 2012
Ahhhh...Junior. Simply damn irresistible. Poor Allie she has the worst luck with her boyfriends. Allie finds out she has faery blood in her heritage and her presence is requested at her Grandmother's court of the forest faeries. Sent to escort her is tasty Ryker a.k.a. Hawk. He has been assured that he will marry Allie and be a Prince of the Seelie Court. Allie has been called by her Grandmother to help her free her people. Allie does it for her mother's sake. Making a deal that if she helps her grandmother and mother will meet again in the hopes that her mother will not be so screwed up. But what price will Allie have to pay to get back out of Boundless?
Junior is just so damn perfect. I love him. On the other hand you have Beck. But he's helping some girl that is in need of "healing" and we all know how touchy feely the healing can be. Kinda disappointed in him. And now there is Ryker. Who wants to "woo" Allie. I should probably feel sorry for her, but damn! Three hot guys? Poor Allie, she just has problems with those damn males.
Junior is just so damn perfect. I love him. On the other hand you have Beck. But he's helping some girl that is in need of "healing" and we all know how touchy feely the healing can be. Kinda disappointed in him. And now there is Ryker. Who wants to "woo" Allie. I should probably feel sorry for her, but damn! Three hot guys? Poor Allie, she just has problems with those damn males.
April 5, 2012
Disclosure: I received a free special eBook version of this series, including all four books in one, from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Synopsis Book 3: Moon Spun: Junior's back from Mexico with his movie-star entourage. Beck's using his half-demon charms to "heal" a new girl. Mom's still wacky and now she's dating Principal Hostetler. High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace, and the moonstone pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. In other words, Allie Emerson's life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and it's about to get even weirder. You're a faery princess. So says the mysterious Ryker, whose handsome talents include turning himself into a hawk. By the way, he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land--Boundless. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school. The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other-world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale and magical destiny.
My Thoughts: Wow, things are getting more weird for Allie all the time. Now it turns out she is part faery, and not just any faery, but the descendant of a queen. Plus now she has three men in her life, with Junior coming back, and the addition of Ryker. Lots of new information coming out in this book, and based on the ending, I’d say we’re in for even more revelations in the 4th book.
One thing that has caused me some confusion is Allie’s high school level. By my calculations, she should be preparing to go into her Junior year of high school. She, Beck and Nichole are the same age, but Beck has already graduated and gone off to college in Seattle, while Allie is described as having to put up with Nichole for “one more year.” But if she’s going into her Junior year, then she has two years left – and did Beck really graduate two years early? I think there might have been a bit of a mix-up there.
But don’t let that stop you – this was a fun addition to the storyline, and full of great stuff – faeries and werebats and toadlings and all sorts of wonderful craziness. Definitely fits in with the rest of the series, and lots of fun to read. 5 out of 5 stars.
Synopsis Book 3: Moon Spun: Junior's back from Mexico with his movie-star entourage. Beck's using his half-demon charms to "heal" a new girl. Mom's still wacky and now she's dating Principal Hostetler. High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace, and the moonstone pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. In other words, Allie Emerson's life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and it's about to get even weirder. You're a faery princess. So says the mysterious Ryker, whose handsome talents include turning himself into a hawk. By the way, he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land--Boundless. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school. The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other-world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale and magical destiny.
My Thoughts: Wow, things are getting more weird for Allie all the time. Now it turns out she is part faery, and not just any faery, but the descendant of a queen. Plus now she has three men in her life, with Junior coming back, and the addition of Ryker. Lots of new information coming out in this book, and based on the ending, I’d say we’re in for even more revelations in the 4th book.
One thing that has caused me some confusion is Allie’s high school level. By my calculations, she should be preparing to go into her Junior year of high school. She, Beck and Nichole are the same age, but Beck has already graduated and gone off to college in Seattle, while Allie is described as having to put up with Nichole for “one more year.” But if she’s going into her Junior year, then she has two years left – and did Beck really graduate two years early? I think there might have been a bit of a mix-up there.
But don’t let that stop you – this was a fun addition to the storyline, and full of great stuff – faeries and werebats and toadlings and all sorts of wonderful craziness. Definitely fits in with the rest of the series, and lots of fun to read. 5 out of 5 stars.
March 22, 2012
Moon Spun was also included in the Moonstone bundle I got from Netgalley. However, unlike the first two books, this one didn't really get to me.
First, there was the weirdness of the three guys going after Allie. And to be honest, I didn't like any of them besides Junior (of course). I was truly happy for his return, cuz I missed his spicy Latino air.
Second, there was the fairy stuff... seriously, why does there have to be something else weird going on? Wasn't the moonstone and the star seekers stuff enough already? Apparently not, but I honestly didn't think that the fairies were the answer here. So in a way, that kind of felt pushed. As if the story was meant to develop elsewhere, but instead was pushed into fairy land.
Third, besides Allie, Chad and Junior all other characters seemed to be lost somewhere in the pages. Especially Melia. She seemed so shallow, that I couldn't at all understand what was her purpose at all. She was so unrealistic, I was rolling my eyes at her lines. Yeah, I know this is a teen story, but that doesn't mean that the adult characters should be made to speak in a childish way. Adults are supposed to be mature, and to know what they're doing and saying. So, yeah, unrealistic.
What I liked was that the author kept Allie's voice the same. There was no change in her spunk, nor was there a change in Junior. In fact, I had expected Junior to have morphed in this super proud guy, but he was even more reachable. Loved him all the more for it :)))
And Beck?? Well, I didn't like him from the beginning, so I liked the turn of events very much ;)
First, there was the weirdness of the three guys going after Allie. And to be honest, I didn't like any of them besides Junior (of course). I was truly happy for his return, cuz I missed his spicy Latino air.
Second, there was the fairy stuff... seriously, why does there have to be something else weird going on? Wasn't the moonstone and the star seekers stuff enough already? Apparently not, but I honestly didn't think that the fairies were the answer here. So in a way, that kind of felt pushed. As if the story was meant to develop elsewhere, but instead was pushed into fairy land.
Third, besides Allie, Chad and Junior all other characters seemed to be lost somewhere in the pages. Especially Melia. She seemed so shallow, that I couldn't at all understand what was her purpose at all. She was so unrealistic, I was rolling my eyes at her lines. Yeah, I know this is a teen story, but that doesn't mean that the adult characters should be made to speak in a childish way. Adults are supposed to be mature, and to know what they're doing and saying. So, yeah, unrealistic.
What I liked was that the author kept Allie's voice the same. There was no change in her spunk, nor was there a change in Junior. In fact, I had expected Junior to have morphed in this super proud guy, but he was even more reachable. Loved him all the more for it :)))
And Beck?? Well, I didn't like him from the beginning, so I liked the turn of events very much ;)
August 14, 2010
I love Marilee Brothers; however, this installment of the Unbidden Magic series was not enjoyable for me. After reading the first two books in the series and enjoying them immensely, I was under the mistaken impression that the story line was headed in one direction. But, then the land of the faeries was introduced and it just became too convuluted for me. Also, what is up with all of these different love interests? This time we are to believe that one of the characters is her fated mate. Not with her changing her mind about who she is attracted to. Enough already! Sorry, I was really looking forward to this one and it failed miserably for me and I am not too sure if I will continue with the series.
November 11, 2010
I think I might have been expecting to much with this one. After enjoying Moon Rise quite a bit, I was hoping Moon Spun would continue on the same path. But, I almost feel like the author is trying too hard and mixing too many elements.
First off, Junior is back. I'm not sure what it is about the guy but I'm just not feeling it. I liked Beck, but it this one he turns into an ass and disappears for most of the story. Add in the third guy (really did we need a third) Ryker and it just gets sticky. Ryker seems to be the most intersting, but then fairies usually are. Thankfully Allie decides at the end that she doesn't need men, but we will see how long that lasts.
So we add in the element of fairies, and that's were I was beginning to lose interest. I think we could have just stuck with the moonstone and the prophecy and it would have been enough. But, the story is starting to get complicated and I'm not sure were it's going. Plus, I'm beginning to feel like it's dragging out a little. But, I will probably continue on if there is another one. I've invested this much time, I was to see what Allie does with the prophecy.
First off, Junior is back. I'm not sure what it is about the guy but I'm just not feeling it. I liked Beck, but it this one he turns into an ass and disappears for most of the story. Add in the third guy (really did we need a third) Ryker and it just gets sticky. Ryker seems to be the most intersting, but then fairies usually are. Thankfully Allie decides at the end that she doesn't need men, but we will see how long that lasts.
So we add in the element of fairies, and that's were I was beginning to lose interest. I think we could have just stuck with the moonstone and the prophecy and it would have been enough. But, the story is starting to get complicated and I'm not sure were it's going. Plus, I'm beginning to feel like it's dragging out a little. But, I will probably continue on if there is another one. I've invested this much time, I was to see what Allie does with the prophecy.
March 16, 2012
Reviewed at http://www.mandikayereads.com/archive... (3/16/12)
There comes a time where you just have to say enough is enough.
Yes, I still enjoyed the story - but come on! Fairies now? It's as if Marilee Brothers is trying to cram every bit of supernatural she possibly can into this story. It's starting to get a little far-fetched - even for this paranormal supernatural lovin' gal.
And third book, third guy. Really? What is with this cycle of endless boys being paraded by us? It's hinted at that Allie will end up with Junior again in the next book, but honestly I'm not really okay with that. He left, promising to come back, and instead became a television star in Mexico. All without ever picking up the damn phone. That's a kind of untrustworthiness that does not deserve a second chance.
Allie should know better than that.
I'm frustrated with the series at this point, but I will stick it out. There's one book left.
There comes a time where you just have to say enough is enough.
Yes, I still enjoyed the story - but come on! Fairies now? It's as if Marilee Brothers is trying to cram every bit of supernatural she possibly can into this story. It's starting to get a little far-fetched - even for this paranormal supernatural lovin' gal.
And third book, third guy. Really? What is with this cycle of endless boys being paraded by us? It's hinted at that Allie will end up with Junior again in the next book, but honestly I'm not really okay with that. He left, promising to come back, and instead became a television star in Mexico. All without ever picking up the damn phone. That's a kind of untrustworthiness that does not deserve a second chance.
Allie should know better than that.
I'm frustrated with the series at this point, but I will stick it out. There's one book left.
January 19, 2011
Spoilers!
I have loved this series and read the first two every quickly, but in the third novel I got bogged down wtih the addtion of a third boyfriend, who I didn't like nearly as well as the first two (he was much too arrogant) and the addition of another magical complication in her life. She's a faerie, with another name to keep track Normally I like the "out there" books, but this just felt like overkill. I even love modern day faerie tales, but I want to know from the beginning that's what I have--don't dump it in the third book.
Instead of giving Allie a chance to grow up and mature, she keeps getting more immpossible things to deal with, maybe it's all a dream and she's living in one of Junior's Spanish soap operas. I'll look for the fourth one, but I will bail out if I meet another boyfriend.
I have loved this series and read the first two every quickly, but in the third novel I got bogged down wtih the addtion of a third boyfriend, who I didn't like nearly as well as the first two (he was much too arrogant) and the addition of another magical complication in her life. She's a faerie, with another name to keep track Normally I like the "out there" books, but this just felt like overkill. I even love modern day faerie tales, but I want to know from the beginning that's what I have--don't dump it in the third book.
Instead of giving Allie a chance to grow up and mature, she keeps getting more immpossible things to deal with, maybe it's all a dream and she's living in one of Junior's Spanish soap operas. I'll look for the fourth one, but I will bail out if I meet another boyfriend.
October 1, 2010
I love, love, love the character of Allie Emerson and Moonstone, and Moon Rise They are two of my FAVORITE YA Urban Fantasy books. But I felt really let down with Moon Spun. I think the thing I loved about MS and MR was they were so different than a lot of the YAUF out there with the powers of the Moonstone, the Star Seekers, Trimarks, etc. Plus, there were great characters as well and hot romance with Junior and Allie and then Beck and Allie.
Here's what frustrated me with Moon Spun. Allie finds out she is part fairy, and when she went to the fairy world, I just felt it lapsed into very familiar territory, if not high fantasy, which I'm not a real fan of. I wanted back in the familiar Trimark/Star Seeker territory that made the other two books so awesome. I will read the 4 book just bc I want to see what happens to Allie and the series.
Here's what frustrated me with Moon Spun. Allie finds out she is part fairy, and when she went to the fairy world, I just felt it lapsed into very familiar territory, if not high fantasy, which I'm not a real fan of. I wanted back in the familiar Trimark/Star Seeker territory that made the other two books so awesome. I will read the 4 book just bc I want to see what happens to Allie and the series.
March 20, 2022
Book 3 in a fun and fast-paced series with a teen who is an unlikely hero. This installment introduces another group of supernatural beings and the transition between Moon Rise, book 2 and this book felt a little off. Everything that captivated me in books 1 & 2 was set aside and fairies were introduced to the plot. I didn't hate it but it just added a lot more chaos to Allie's already hectic life.
People of all ages will enjoy this YA paranormal/supernatural series. The character development and world building were done well. I enjoyed the author’s voice/writing style.
I was provided a 4-book review copy from NG.
People of all ages will enjoy this YA paranormal/supernatural series. The character development and world building were done well. I enjoyed the author’s voice/writing style.
I was provided a 4-book review copy from NG.
April 4, 2012
I read the first four books in the Unbidden Magic Series at once. To review them, I wrote a mini review of each book followed by an overall review of the complete series. For the full review of all four books, see Chronicles of a Book Evangelist.
Mini Review:
Moon Spun really disappointed me for a lot of reasons. It took what had been a steadily developing series and brought it down to the level of day time drama in terms of plot continuity. Brothers makes drastic changes in the structure of the fictional world she has created, as well as drastic changes to characters, with little or no development or foreshadowing to account for these changes. Most of the issues that I have with Moon Spun are so tied into my feelings of the series as a whole that I will continue the discussion there - and spoilers will abound.
Series Overall:
Do not read this portion if you do not want to be spoiled. Okay? Okay.
Thanks to Bell Bridge Books for the Review Copies
Mini Review:
Moon Spun really disappointed me for a lot of reasons. It took what had been a steadily developing series and brought it down to the level of day time drama in terms of plot continuity. Brothers makes drastic changes in the structure of the fictional world she has created, as well as drastic changes to characters, with little or no development or foreshadowing to account for these changes. Most of the issues that I have with Moon Spun are so tied into my feelings of the series as a whole that I will continue the discussion there - and spoilers will abound.
Series Overall:
Do not read this portion if you do not want to be spoiled. Okay? Okay.
Thanks to Bell Bridge Books for the Review Copies
March 22, 2012
RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley For Review
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Allie Emerson has not been like normal girl’s for a while now, but babysitting her principal’s son she learns a whole new twist of weird in her life. Her charge Chad is a changeling, a fairy left to live a human’s life and she has fairy ancestry. And if her new paranormal heritage weren’t bad enough Junior’s back, Beck’s gone off to college early but still comes to see her on weekend and now there’s a new guy working at her Uncle Fruit stand. His name is Ryker and she soon learns that he’s been sent by her Grandmother the fairy queen to bring her to Boundless, the fairy world so that she can fight a ward and free the forest fairies from the Unseelie court. Oh yeah and become his mate so they can claim their places as a Prince and Princess of the Seelie court. If she thought she had issues before, she’ll soon learn that the trouble was just beginning….
My first thought on this novel is that Allie must have pheromones that smell like Godiva chocolate to boys. She’s got Junior, the former gangster turned Mexican Soap Opera star, who’s left his show to do movies and is living in the area between films. Everybody wants him and he comes home for Allie. He gives her a car, granted it’s a restored version of his old car but he’s insuring it and there’s a gas card in the glove box so she doesn’t even have to pay for that. Then there’s her half demon boyfriend Beck who was the hottest guy at school, but now he’s graduated early and is attending college. He still comes home on weekend to see Allie and of course I’m sure all the girls at school still want him. Granted there are other things going on with him, like a girl he’s helping to heal at college who Nicole claims is his girlfriend, but he’s definitely still very into Allie. And NOW we’ve got a Fairy who intends to be her mate when she claims her place as a princess of the Seelie court. So he’s sort of a Fairy Prince but at the same time it sounds like he’ll be a Fairy Prince because he’s mated to Allie who he calls Avalon, so maybe he’s not one yet. Who knows? Again he comes to her world to find her, is working at her Uncles fruit stand and all the girls are drooling over him. So the three hottest guys ever to set foot in her little town are all bristling for a piece of Allie. Seriously? I mean like I said the last time the first guy I guess I could buy that because it’s common for the genre that the heroine hooks up with the hottest guy at school. The second one was pushing it and I questioned the believability of that one as well. But this one just kind of puts it over the top. Whatever scent she’s rockin’ there driving all the hot guys her way Brothers could be a billionaire if she bottled it up and sold it as perfume. And I won’t even begin to comment on what I think of the lack of resolution with that.
Next Allie’s now a Fairy? I know Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series is beyond popular, but that doesn’t mean that this Young Adult series needs to work in every popular young adult theme. And I’m sorry but I can’t think anything other than the idea that the plot is too close to Kagawa’s fey series for originality. What I’d liked and complimented on this series in the beginning is that she had her own little paranormal beings going on there and now it’s like lets follow what’s popular. In Fact there weren’t even any Tri-Marks in this book. I’ll give you that the plot was interesting and well written. The story was humorous and exciting. But the Fairy Twist pushed it over the top. If I was rating only based on the quality of the story I’d probably have given this a higher rating, but with the two things I just mentioned I really can’t bring myself to give higher than a three stars and set up she’s made her for the next novel sounds like the series will move on the next popular clichéd young adult idea. The series was better when she kept it original and didn’t have to have all the guys sniffing after Allie. I’m surprised this girl has any friends if every hot guy that comes to town ends up with her. Like the rest of the series the story is told in a first person narrative from Allie’s point of view and is a fact paced story.
The characters were well developed, Allie’s already been developed, and previously known characters basically kind of relied on previous series books for characterization. This opened the focus up to developing and learning about new characters like Claude, Chad, Ryker and Melia among others. Brothers did a really good job developing these characters.
Overall the book is ok, but I don’t feel it was the best turn for this series. If you like young adult paranormal novels you’ll probably enjoy it, but I wouldn’t call it one of Brothers better novels.
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Allie Emerson has not been like normal girl’s for a while now, but babysitting her principal’s son she learns a whole new twist of weird in her life. Her charge Chad is a changeling, a fairy left to live a human’s life and she has fairy ancestry. And if her new paranormal heritage weren’t bad enough Junior’s back, Beck’s gone off to college early but still comes to see her on weekend and now there’s a new guy working at her Uncle Fruit stand. His name is Ryker and she soon learns that he’s been sent by her Grandmother the fairy queen to bring her to Boundless, the fairy world so that she can fight a ward and free the forest fairies from the Unseelie court. Oh yeah and become his mate so they can claim their places as a Prince and Princess of the Seelie court. If she thought she had issues before, she’ll soon learn that the trouble was just beginning….
My first thought on this novel is that Allie must have pheromones that smell like Godiva chocolate to boys. She’s got Junior, the former gangster turned Mexican Soap Opera star, who’s left his show to do movies and is living in the area between films. Everybody wants him and he comes home for Allie. He gives her a car, granted it’s a restored version of his old car but he’s insuring it and there’s a gas card in the glove box so she doesn’t even have to pay for that. Then there’s her half demon boyfriend Beck who was the hottest guy at school, but now he’s graduated early and is attending college. He still comes home on weekend to see Allie and of course I’m sure all the girls at school still want him. Granted there are other things going on with him, like a girl he’s helping to heal at college who Nicole claims is his girlfriend, but he’s definitely still very into Allie. And NOW we’ve got a Fairy who intends to be her mate when she claims her place as a princess of the Seelie court. So he’s sort of a Fairy Prince but at the same time it sounds like he’ll be a Fairy Prince because he’s mated to Allie who he calls Avalon, so maybe he’s not one yet. Who knows? Again he comes to her world to find her, is working at her Uncles fruit stand and all the girls are drooling over him. So the three hottest guys ever to set foot in her little town are all bristling for a piece of Allie. Seriously? I mean like I said the last time the first guy I guess I could buy that because it’s common for the genre that the heroine hooks up with the hottest guy at school. The second one was pushing it and I questioned the believability of that one as well. But this one just kind of puts it over the top. Whatever scent she’s rockin’ there driving all the hot guys her way Brothers could be a billionaire if she bottled it up and sold it as perfume. And I won’t even begin to comment on what I think of the lack of resolution with that.
Next Allie’s now a Fairy? I know Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series is beyond popular, but that doesn’t mean that this Young Adult series needs to work in every popular young adult theme. And I’m sorry but I can’t think anything other than the idea that the plot is too close to Kagawa’s fey series for originality. What I’d liked and complimented on this series in the beginning is that she had her own little paranormal beings going on there and now it’s like lets follow what’s popular. In Fact there weren’t even any Tri-Marks in this book. I’ll give you that the plot was interesting and well written. The story was humorous and exciting. But the Fairy Twist pushed it over the top. If I was rating only based on the quality of the story I’d probably have given this a higher rating, but with the two things I just mentioned I really can’t bring myself to give higher than a three stars and set up she’s made her for the next novel sounds like the series will move on the next popular clichéd young adult idea. The series was better when she kept it original and didn’t have to have all the guys sniffing after Allie. I’m surprised this girl has any friends if every hot guy that comes to town ends up with her. Like the rest of the series the story is told in a first person narrative from Allie’s point of view and is a fact paced story.
The characters were well developed, Allie’s already been developed, and previously known characters basically kind of relied on previous series books for characterization. This opened the focus up to developing and learning about new characters like Claude, Chad, Ryker and Melia among others. Brothers did a really good job developing these characters.
Overall the book is ok, but I don’t feel it was the best turn for this series. If you like young adult paranormal novels you’ll probably enjoy it, but I wouldn’t call it one of Brothers better novels.
June 16, 2012
Title: Moon Spun (Unbidden Magic #3)
Author: Marilee Brothers
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Beck is healing a new girl. Junior and his entourage are back from Mexico. Mom is now dating Principal Hostetler. Tri-Marks are still a menace and the pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. Allie Emerson’s life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and the rollercoaster ride of weirdness is not over yet. Enter the mysterious Ryker, who can turn himself into a hawk btw, divulges that Allie is a faery princess and destined to be his bride. Wait, what?! Yeah. Oh yeah, and the faery land, Boundless, is dealing with a threat bigger than the Tri-Marks and Allie and Ryker gotta save it.
Review: This one is just as compelling as the first two in the series, but this one has a flavor all its own. It picks up shortly after where Moon Rise left off, summertime is here and the faeries are out to play. Beck is in Seattle and with his departure Junior returns. However, we also have mysterious boy number three, Ryker, who is now after Allie’s heart.
The threat in this book, thankfully is not the Tri-Marks, but in a whole new world, the Faerie Land of Boundless. Allie’s grandmother needs her help to free the faeries of the forest from the prison they’ve been in for years. There is a changling who wants to return to Boundless, and oh yeah, if Allie goes to Boundless, the land of her grandmother, she may never be able to return to her home. Sounds good right?! We learn more about her heritage in this book, her grandmother is a faerie queen, and her father has a mysterious heritage as well.
Another well written installment to this series, and kudos to Ms. Brothers for creating such a wonderful world and delightful characters – that I adore! Also, I do have to feel for Allie, I mean, the boys keep coming out of the woodworks to woo and protect her regardless of what she wants. Allie would be just peachy settling down and being a normal teen, but that isn’t in her cards. I love that we get this glimpse into her grandmother’s world and what it means for Allie’s future. I love how she is further coming into her own as she bargains and stands up for what she wants. I am more than ready for the next book in the series to see what twists and turns Allie comes across and if any more woo and protect hotties come out of the woodworks.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations you can contact me at simplicity.kindreth@gmail.com
My reviews can be found here:
Confessions of a Bibliophile
Idle Musings and Random Things
Cae's Smashwords
Author: Marilee Brothers
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Beck is healing a new girl. Junior and his entourage are back from Mexico. Mom is now dating Principal Hostetler. Tri-Marks are still a menace and the pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. Allie Emerson’s life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and the rollercoaster ride of weirdness is not over yet. Enter the mysterious Ryker, who can turn himself into a hawk btw, divulges that Allie is a faery princess and destined to be his bride. Wait, what?! Yeah. Oh yeah, and the faery land, Boundless, is dealing with a threat bigger than the Tri-Marks and Allie and Ryker gotta save it.
Review: This one is just as compelling as the first two in the series, but this one has a flavor all its own. It picks up shortly after where Moon Rise left off, summertime is here and the faeries are out to play. Beck is in Seattle and with his departure Junior returns. However, we also have mysterious boy number three, Ryker, who is now after Allie’s heart.
The threat in this book, thankfully is not the Tri-Marks, but in a whole new world, the Faerie Land of Boundless. Allie’s grandmother needs her help to free the faeries of the forest from the prison they’ve been in for years. There is a changling who wants to return to Boundless, and oh yeah, if Allie goes to Boundless, the land of her grandmother, she may never be able to return to her home. Sounds good right?! We learn more about her heritage in this book, her grandmother is a faerie queen, and her father has a mysterious heritage as well.
Another well written installment to this series, and kudos to Ms. Brothers for creating such a wonderful world and delightful characters – that I adore! Also, I do have to feel for Allie, I mean, the boys keep coming out of the woodworks to woo and protect her regardless of what she wants. Allie would be just peachy settling down and being a normal teen, but that isn’t in her cards. I love that we get this glimpse into her grandmother’s world and what it means for Allie’s future. I love how she is further coming into her own as she bargains and stands up for what she wants. I am more than ready for the next book in the series to see what twists and turns Allie comes across and if any more woo and protect hotties come out of the woodworks.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations you can contact me at simplicity.kindreth@gmail.com
My reviews can be found here:
Confessions of a Bibliophile
Idle Musings and Random Things
Cae's Smashwords
March 9, 2012
If you're hoping for more movement on the Trimark front, then you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for more resolution as far as Beck/Allie/Junior goes, you'll be disappointed. Why? Because this book shoves everything to the side in order to introduce yet another love interest and to bring a series of new plot developments out of left field.
Let me first say that if this was a different series with a different character, it'd be great. It's readable. It's fun. It just irritates me because there was very little development for this in the last book. The whole Trimark/StarSeeker angle is completely and utterly dropped in this book in favor of introducing a new love interest and bringing in fairies.
The problem with introducing all of these new angles is that it over complicates everything without giving anything any sort of struggle. Allie overcomes everything or discovers new powers without ever really trying, so I can't really feel that she's truly struggling at any given point. If she wasn't such a likable character then I probably wouldn't be reading the next book in the series at the moment, so I do have to give Brothers credit for making an incredible lead character. If only that could have been extended to the new love interest Ryker, who didn't really appeal to me.
It's not a bad book. There's some decent action here and I think that if Brothers had dropped Ryker then I'd have been a lot more enthusiastic. It's irritating and a bit predictable at this point that at the beginning of each book Allie is going to have moved on to another guy, the old one would have abandoned her in some fashion, and the new guy falls all over her without her actually having to go after them. I'd like to see her actually go after someone for a change rather than picking guys up like ticks in a field. Or better yet, having a book that focuses more on fleshing out the guys from the previous books rather than piling on the love interests.
As long as you go into this expecting it to have nothing to do with the previous books, you'll be fine. Despite my rant, this isn't that terrible of a book and I enjoyed it enough to argue myself up to 3 stars. I just wish that Brothers had plotted her books out better so that all of these introductions and plot changes would have been smoother and better planned. The way they're written here, well... it just seems like she is writing whatever pops into her head at that point in time. It still makes for a guilty pleasure read, but I know she can do better than this.
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Let me first say that if this was a different series with a different character, it'd be great. It's readable. It's fun. It just irritates me because there was very little development for this in the last book. The whole Trimark/StarSeeker angle is completely and utterly dropped in this book in favor of introducing a new love interest and bringing in fairies.
The problem with introducing all of these new angles is that it over complicates everything without giving anything any sort of struggle. Allie overcomes everything or discovers new powers without ever really trying, so I can't really feel that she's truly struggling at any given point. If she wasn't such a likable character then I probably wouldn't be reading the next book in the series at the moment, so I do have to give Brothers credit for making an incredible lead character. If only that could have been extended to the new love interest Ryker, who didn't really appeal to me.
It's not a bad book. There's some decent action here and I think that if Brothers had dropped Ryker then I'd have been a lot more enthusiastic. It's irritating and a bit predictable at this point that at the beginning of each book Allie is going to have moved on to another guy, the old one would have abandoned her in some fashion, and the new guy falls all over her without her actually having to go after them. I'd like to see her actually go after someone for a change rather than picking guys up like ticks in a field. Or better yet, having a book that focuses more on fleshing out the guys from the previous books rather than piling on the love interests.
As long as you go into this expecting it to have nothing to do with the previous books, you'll be fine. Despite my rant, this isn't that terrible of a book and I enjoyed it enough to argue myself up to 3 stars. I just wish that Brothers had plotted her books out better so that all of these introductions and plot changes would have been smoother and better planned. The way they're written here, well... it just seems like she is writing whatever pops into her head at that point in time. It still makes for a guilty pleasure read, but I know she can do better than this.
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
March 20, 2012
I had thought I had an idea of what was going to happen in this book, Brothers completely blew my mind! I could not stop reading! I started it and then you find out a few things about Allie and I was just sitting there with my mouth open. I'm fairly sure there were a few "OMG!"s out loud while I was reading. I thought at first that it would be similar to Sookie Stackhouse type of fae. NOPE! I just read this book in less than a day, I only have one more in the series to read, I worried about how the next one will end because this one left off with an insane cliffhanger. I almost started reading it right after finishing this, but I like to get my reviews written before starting a new book. This was an extremely fun and quick read, even though I believe it was longer than the previous two books in the series.
I was expecting there to be a huge love triangle between Allie, Junior and Beck. Well, throw in Ryker and Allie doesn't know what to do. Junior left her for over a year, without trying to contact her, but now he's coming back. Beck is off in college and hasn't been calling her. Ryker, well he seems to think they are destined to be married because Allie's grandmother said so. So what is a girl to do? All of them are hot, but she'll have to make a decision eventually.
Allie has a lot of self discovery going on in this book, can she really accept everything? She is looking after Chad, the Principal's adopted son, and Chad is a little strange. Also, she now has not only her own world to save, but Boundless as well, can she do it all? It seems a bit much putting all this pressure on one teenage girl, but that is Allie's life.
There are quite a few new characters as well. My favorite being Maddie and Ari, the two of them are hilarious and I laughed out loud a few times at their antics. I'm not going to say much about them because they should be a surprise, but they are really great!
Moon Spun is by far the best book in the series so far. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Brothers has imagined up for Shadow Moon. I can only think about how it might compare to this action packed, page turning adventure. I'm definitely going to have to recommend this series to any fantasy lovers. Now I'm off to start the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy!!
For more reviews, visit Owl Read It
I was expecting there to be a huge love triangle between Allie, Junior and Beck. Well, throw in Ryker and Allie doesn't know what to do. Junior left her for over a year, without trying to contact her, but now he's coming back. Beck is off in college and hasn't been calling her. Ryker, well he seems to think they are destined to be married because Allie's grandmother said so. So what is a girl to do? All of them are hot, but she'll have to make a decision eventually.
Allie has a lot of self discovery going on in this book, can she really accept everything? She is looking after Chad, the Principal's adopted son, and Chad is a little strange. Also, she now has not only her own world to save, but Boundless as well, can she do it all? It seems a bit much putting all this pressure on one teenage girl, but that is Allie's life.
There are quite a few new characters as well. My favorite being Maddie and Ari, the two of them are hilarious and I laughed out loud a few times at their antics. I'm not going to say much about them because they should be a surprise, but they are really great!
Moon Spun is by far the best book in the series so far. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Brothers has imagined up for Shadow Moon. I can only think about how it might compare to this action packed, page turning adventure. I'm definitely going to have to recommend this series to any fantasy lovers. Now I'm off to start the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy!!
For more reviews, visit Owl Read It
September 22, 2010
This series revolves around a young girl named Allie and the events surrounding her coming to possess a magical Moon Stone. Allie posses supernatural powers that are amplified by the stone. In addition to surviving the normal trials of being a teenager Allie has to survive being the keeper of the Moon Stone.
I found this series hard to get into at first. Being an adult that likes to read YA I tend to gravitate toward the upper end of the YA spectrum. Thus I found Allie’s goofy moments a bit difficult to get through at first. However, as I got further into the series I found it a quirk that I looked forward to seeing in her character. It sort of “grew” on me.
I did find her character flawed but fun. She is strong and independent but still has the vulnerability for a girl her age. She thinks things through and does not simply follow whatever her friends dictate. She is strong enough to take care of her mom but she doesn’t simply do everything. Her and her mother butt heads as she tries to get her to take some responsibility for the household. Also, even though her mother may not do a great job of taking care of her, Allie still makes good choices to not go out and take advantage of the situation. I do hope to see a bit more of her friends’ personalities in the next installment. They are mentioned but their characters are not developed.
The story line itself keeps the reader interested. While it took me a while to get through the first book I feel as though I am hanging off of a cliff waiting to read the fourth installment... I am left hoping that the fourth book is announced soon and maybe I can get it early thorough NetGalley ;)
I also liked that the major issues were wrapped up in each of the books. I do not feel like the entire plot is one big loose end. Some of the series that I have been reading lately have felt like nothing is ever resolved. (I don’t tend to blog about those..)
Overall, I would give the series as a whole a 4/5. For the older audience the goofy aspect may take a while to grow on you and it may take some patience to get through the first book since Allie is so young.
I found this series hard to get into at first. Being an adult that likes to read YA I tend to gravitate toward the upper end of the YA spectrum. Thus I found Allie’s goofy moments a bit difficult to get through at first. However, as I got further into the series I found it a quirk that I looked forward to seeing in her character. It sort of “grew” on me.
I did find her character flawed but fun. She is strong and independent but still has the vulnerability for a girl her age. She thinks things through and does not simply follow whatever her friends dictate. She is strong enough to take care of her mom but she doesn’t simply do everything. Her and her mother butt heads as she tries to get her to take some responsibility for the household. Also, even though her mother may not do a great job of taking care of her, Allie still makes good choices to not go out and take advantage of the situation. I do hope to see a bit more of her friends’ personalities in the next installment. They are mentioned but their characters are not developed.
The story line itself keeps the reader interested. While it took me a while to get through the first book I feel as though I am hanging off of a cliff waiting to read the fourth installment... I am left hoping that the fourth book is announced soon and maybe I can get it early thorough NetGalley ;)
I also liked that the major issues were wrapped up in each of the books. I do not feel like the entire plot is one big loose end. Some of the series that I have been reading lately have felt like nothing is ever resolved. (I don’t tend to blog about those..)
Overall, I would give the series as a whole a 4/5. For the older audience the goofy aspect may take a while to grow on you and it may take some patience to get through the first book since Allie is so young.
March 28, 2012
No matter how much you think you know about Allie Emerson there's always something else that crops up into her life and surprises you. This time its when she discovers she's part faery. Not just from one side of her family but a part from her mother side and her fathers side. Allie has a destiny involving the Moonstone and in this installment she must travel to Boundless, a faery kingdom to help save her sick faery grandmother and free the forest faeries from the dark fae.
Ryker is introduced as the hot new guy to help her with the travel arrangements. He's a faery prince and Allie, or should I say Avalon, is destined to be his mate. But Allie being Allie is having none of it. She's over boyfriends. Junior disappeared off to Mexico without so much as a phone call and then arrived back with a fan club entourage. Beck is now at college and can scarsely spare the time for a phone call, and although Ryker seems nice enough he's not a strong character like the other two.
I'm not a big faery fan. I liked the Iron Fey series but everything I've read fae related tends to be unoriginal. What I liked most about this installment of the Unbidden Magic series is that Brothers made it seem new and unexpected, and the folklore aspect was closely stuck to. I couldn't compare many parts to anything else I'd read so the faeryland, Boundless, was an almost whimsical world and a real treat to read.
When Allie gets back to Peacock Flats she also experiences some very awkwards when all three ex and present- love interests meet unexpectedly (I really did squirm on this occassion) and also her Grandfather Claude turns into an unpleasant old man and shows his true colours to Allie.
Whether Allie is in this world or the other she's still funny and interesting though. I'm happy she stood her ground with Ryker and her grandmother, and again showed her true grit in the right places. But learns what its like to feel sorrow also, and Beck, of all people (I loved him in Moon Rise) is the cause.
Probably not as enjoyable as Moonstone or Moon Rise but still an enjoyable read. Any readers who enjoy Faery books will love it!
Ryker is introduced as the hot new guy to help her with the travel arrangements. He's a faery prince and Allie, or should I say Avalon, is destined to be his mate. But Allie being Allie is having none of it. She's over boyfriends. Junior disappeared off to Mexico without so much as a phone call and then arrived back with a fan club entourage. Beck is now at college and can scarsely spare the time for a phone call, and although Ryker seems nice enough he's not a strong character like the other two.
I'm not a big faery fan. I liked the Iron Fey series but everything I've read fae related tends to be unoriginal. What I liked most about this installment of the Unbidden Magic series is that Brothers made it seem new and unexpected, and the folklore aspect was closely stuck to. I couldn't compare many parts to anything else I'd read so the faeryland, Boundless, was an almost whimsical world and a real treat to read.
When Allie gets back to Peacock Flats she also experiences some very awkwards when all three ex and present- love interests meet unexpectedly (I really did squirm on this occassion) and also her Grandfather Claude turns into an unpleasant old man and shows his true colours to Allie.
Whether Allie is in this world or the other she's still funny and interesting though. I'm happy she stood her ground with Ryker and her grandmother, and again showed her true grit in the right places. But learns what its like to feel sorrow also, and Beck, of all people (I loved him in Moon Rise) is the cause.
Probably not as enjoyable as Moonstone or Moon Rise but still an enjoyable read. Any readers who enjoy Faery books will love it!
February 26, 2013
Ever since she discovered she's the supposed Star Seeker, Allie Emerson's life has been topsy-turvy. Her ex-boyfriend has suddenly appeared in her life once more, and her half-demon boyfriend is now acting a little strange. She knows she has a little unfinished business with the two of them. Unfortunately, setting things straight will have to wait till later.
Her world is further turned upside-down when she discovers that not only is she the Star Seeker, but she's also a Faery princess. As if things couldn't get any worse, Junior and Beck are suddenly vying for her undivided attention. As if that's not enough, she now needs to contend with the fact that there have been secrets kept from her coming from every side imaginable.
In order to make sense of all she's learned, Allie must confront the only family she knows. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. She's known all along that her mother has kept a good many things from her. Yet she never imagined just how much being made privy to some of that information would change her life.
Determined to make the most of the situation, she vows to save the Faery world and the one she currently lives in. Deep inside, she knows the task is going to take some doing. With her newest powers unleashed, Allie knows she stands a chance in setting all wrongs to right. Granted, not everything will go as planned. Never-the-less, she's willing to do everything in power to make the most of the situation she now finds herself in.
This was another lovely addition to the Unbidden Magic series. Allie has definitely come along way from the unsure and ungainly teenage she used to be. She's encountered a good amount of danger, and always seems to come out on top. While not everything she does goes as planned, she's found strength throughout the situations she's found herself in. So looking forward to seeing what happens next in this lively series.
Her world is further turned upside-down when she discovers that not only is she the Star Seeker, but she's also a Faery princess. As if things couldn't get any worse, Junior and Beck are suddenly vying for her undivided attention. As if that's not enough, she now needs to contend with the fact that there have been secrets kept from her coming from every side imaginable.
In order to make sense of all she's learned, Allie must confront the only family she knows. That, unfortunately, is easier said than done. She's known all along that her mother has kept a good many things from her. Yet she never imagined just how much being made privy to some of that information would change her life.
Determined to make the most of the situation, she vows to save the Faery world and the one she currently lives in. Deep inside, she knows the task is going to take some doing. With her newest powers unleashed, Allie knows she stands a chance in setting all wrongs to right. Granted, not everything will go as planned. Never-the-less, she's willing to do everything in power to make the most of the situation she now finds herself in.
This was another lovely addition to the Unbidden Magic series. Allie has definitely come along way from the unsure and ungainly teenage she used to be. She's encountered a good amount of danger, and always seems to come out on top. While not everything she does goes as planned, she's found strength throughout the situations she's found herself in. So looking forward to seeing what happens next in this lively series.
March 24, 2013
Every time I pick up a book in this series, I get drawn further and further into this amazing world. Brothers pulls you in with her phenomenal storytelling and keeps you captivated with suspense, romance, and more than a few laughs. I honestly don’t remember the last time that I laughed as hard as I did about a few of the things that happened in this novel. By the next page I was back on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Everything flows so fluently in this novel that never once did these types of transitions seem jumpy.
Brothers continues with her very vivid descriptions and settings in this novel. I appreciate the fact that there is a very concrete distinction between the descriptions of the human world and of Boundless. Everything in the human world is quite realistic, while in Boundless everything is larger than life.
I really appreciate the fact that the characters stay true to form from instalment to instalment, even the ones who don’t appear in every novel. Even though the characters are consistently themselves, they aren’t always the same. They continue to grow and develop based on their circumstances, challenges faced, and the fact that they are teens in high school on the road to becoming adults.
I love that the 16 year old protagonist doesn’t know which boy she wants to be with. It’s refreshing to read a young adult story where teens aren’t bonded or mated for life. The relationships portrayed in this novel are on par for the age range of the characters. Even though they may face some farfetched challenges, their reactions to these things and to each other are quite accurate.
I very much enjoyed this novel on its own and as part of the Unbidden Magic series. I also love the fact that each installment is a story in and of itself, still working to help tell the overarching tale of this very interesting heroine.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Brothers continues with her very vivid descriptions and settings in this novel. I appreciate the fact that there is a very concrete distinction between the descriptions of the human world and of Boundless. Everything in the human world is quite realistic, while in Boundless everything is larger than life.
I really appreciate the fact that the characters stay true to form from instalment to instalment, even the ones who don’t appear in every novel. Even though the characters are consistently themselves, they aren’t always the same. They continue to grow and develop based on their circumstances, challenges faced, and the fact that they are teens in high school on the road to becoming adults.
I love that the 16 year old protagonist doesn’t know which boy she wants to be with. It’s refreshing to read a young adult story where teens aren’t bonded or mated for life. The relationships portrayed in this novel are on par for the age range of the characters. Even though they may face some farfetched challenges, their reactions to these things and to each other are quite accurate.
I very much enjoyed this novel on its own and as part of the Unbidden Magic series. I also love the fact that each installment is a story in and of itself, still working to help tell the overarching tale of this very interesting heroine.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2012
In this third book, we follow Allie back to her trailer, where she again discovers all sort of new things about herself, her life and her abilitiees with and without the moonstone.
She meets Ryker, a sometimes Hawk, sometimes hunk...and very fairy... and is -as she discovers that she has fae blood herself, through her grandmother- presumed his mate! Ryker has come to take her to fairyland, Boundless, to save her ailing grandmother and assume her rightful place by his side...
Yes you got it, and I warned: There is a lot about Allie to be discovered... and it's all good!
With her two previous boyfriends out of town and living their own lifes Allie is left to spend time with Ryker, also ends up babysitting her school principal's child (adopted) and finds out that not only she is fairy. So what better time than now to go with Ryker to Boundless...
This is the part where the book gets a bit different and I'm not sure I like it. The whole section in Boundless is part Narnia part Alice in Wonderland and although it plays in fairyland is a little too fairytale for me in a young adult novel. In a way though the author has done a great job making that world so different from the "real" one.
We enter a world of all sorts of fairies and then some, meet wererats and changelings and are drawn into whirlwind of action once more.
At the end this is the first book of the series that gives you a bit of time for a breather before starting on the next installment, but as we still need to know about the full extend of Allie's abilities which she will definitely have to master if she is going to save the world (as that is her destiny), it is recommended to once again have the next book nearby.
http://pagemarks.wordpress.com/2012/0...
She meets Ryker, a sometimes Hawk, sometimes hunk...and very fairy... and is -as she discovers that she has fae blood herself, through her grandmother- presumed his mate! Ryker has come to take her to fairyland, Boundless, to save her ailing grandmother and assume her rightful place by his side...
Yes you got it, and I warned: There is a lot about Allie to be discovered... and it's all good!
With her two previous boyfriends out of town and living their own lifes Allie is left to spend time with Ryker, also ends up babysitting her school principal's child (adopted) and finds out that not only she is fairy. So what better time than now to go with Ryker to Boundless...
This is the part where the book gets a bit different and I'm not sure I like it. The whole section in Boundless is part Narnia part Alice in Wonderland and although it plays in fairyland is a little too fairytale for me in a young adult novel. In a way though the author has done a great job making that world so different from the "real" one.
We enter a world of all sorts of fairies and then some, meet wererats and changelings and are drawn into whirlwind of action once more.
At the end this is the first book of the series that gives you a bit of time for a breather before starting on the next installment, but as we still need to know about the full extend of Allie's abilities which she will definitely have to master if she is going to save the world (as that is her destiny), it is recommended to once again have the next book nearby.
http://pagemarks.wordpress.com/2012/0...
February 26, 2013
3.5 Stars -
This is the third of five volumes in the Unbidden Magic series, and picks up where the last left off. It is written as a sequential series, and while the first two books were enhanced by sequential reading, this book could stand alone without great confusion.
In this book, Junior returns from Mexico to express his desire for Allie, and her boy problems continue with confusion about which boy is superior. Sadly, that whole line of the story tends to find me less than enthusiastic, Allie was developing nicely as a strong and independent girl, not requiring a boy. That is a rarity in much YA fiction today, and although this was a momentary blip in Allie’s otherwise reasonably sensible approach to relationships (for a teen girl) I did find it distracting. Likewise the addition of the fae and the fairy elements to the story, while I think that the target audience of YA readers will adore the additional elements, there are still plenty of unanswered questions to do with TriMark and the Star Seeker plot lines.
Still, this was highly readable, fast paced and enjoyable in the escapist way that a YA reader will enjoy. While I missed some of the careful attention to Allie’s development and growth, the story did move forward and provide a logical middle step for the last two books in the series.
I received an eBook copy through NetGalley for purpose of honest review for the IOB Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This is the third of five volumes in the Unbidden Magic series, and picks up where the last left off. It is written as a sequential series, and while the first two books were enhanced by sequential reading, this book could stand alone without great confusion.
In this book, Junior returns from Mexico to express his desire for Allie, and her boy problems continue with confusion about which boy is superior. Sadly, that whole line of the story tends to find me less than enthusiastic, Allie was developing nicely as a strong and independent girl, not requiring a boy. That is a rarity in much YA fiction today, and although this was a momentary blip in Allie’s otherwise reasonably sensible approach to relationships (for a teen girl) I did find it distracting. Likewise the addition of the fae and the fairy elements to the story, while I think that the target audience of YA readers will adore the additional elements, there are still plenty of unanswered questions to do with TriMark and the Star Seeker plot lines.
Still, this was highly readable, fast paced and enjoyable in the escapist way that a YA reader will enjoy. While I missed some of the careful attention to Allie’s development and growth, the story did move forward and provide a logical middle step for the last two books in the series.
I received an eBook copy through NetGalley for purpose of honest review for the IOB Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 1, 2012
Moon Spun is the third book in this series, Unbidden Magic. It takes a different flavor while starting close to where Moon Rise left off. It's summertime and the fairies are out to play. Beck is gone to Seattle and Junior is back in town, but it's Ryker who is after Allie's heart.
The threat in this book isn't from the Trimarks - it's in Boundless, aka Fairyland. Allie's grandmother needs her help to free the fairies of the forest from the prison they've been kept in for years. Add a changling who wants to return to Boundless, and the possibility that Allie may not be able to return to her home if she enters the land of her grandmother.
This story reveals more of Allie's heritage. She finds out that her grandmother is a fairy queen and her father has a mysterious heritage as well.
This was another well-written story by Ms. Brothers. I have to feel for Allie - the boys keep coming out of the woodwork to woo her and protect her regardless of what she wants. Allie just wants to be a normal teen, but that isn't her destiny. We watch her come to know her grandmother's world and all that it involves for Allie's future. She comes into her own as she bargains and stands for what she wants.
This is a fun story with pixies who want to kick some butt and a variety of faerie creatures. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to begin the fourth story of the series. You can find a copy of each of these books and e-books on Amazon.com.
The threat in this book isn't from the Trimarks - it's in Boundless, aka Fairyland. Allie's grandmother needs her help to free the fairies of the forest from the prison they've been kept in for years. Add a changling who wants to return to Boundless, and the possibility that Allie may not be able to return to her home if she enters the land of her grandmother.
This story reveals more of Allie's heritage. She finds out that her grandmother is a fairy queen and her father has a mysterious heritage as well.
This was another well-written story by Ms. Brothers. I have to feel for Allie - the boys keep coming out of the woodwork to woo her and protect her regardless of what she wants. Allie just wants to be a normal teen, but that isn't her destiny. We watch her come to know her grandmother's world and all that it involves for Allie's future. She comes into her own as she bargains and stands for what she wants.
This is a fun story with pixies who want to kick some butt and a variety of faerie creatures. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to begin the fourth story of the series. You can find a copy of each of these books and e-books on Amazon.com.
May 9, 2012
With the final book coming out this summer, Netgalley had an offer for their reviewers – all four of the current books of the Unbidden Magic Series as one long e-book. The number of pages was daunting but that didn’t stop me from burning through the books in a matter of days. Allie is just a normal girl trying to survive what life has offered her. She lives with her mother in a travel trailer on a piece of her mother’s step-brother’s land. Her mother was suffering from a mysterious illness that prevented her from working. Poor didn’t even begin to express how they lived. That was until Allie fell off the porch and something strange happened. Her life would never be the same. Allie was meant for greater things that involved magic, demons, fairies and an upcoming war between the light and the dark. The stories are witty and entertaining. Maybe a little over the top but I think that’s what I loved about them. It’s tough to talk about a series without giving away too much information but I will say the thing that tickled me the most was Allie’s boy trouble. She’s awkward and brash but that doesn’t stop the boys from lining up and threatening her reputation. They compare this series to Sookie Stackhouse, not sure I agree but I will say these are a fun read and I’m not all that excited that I now have to wait for the 5th book. Especially since the fourth ended with such a cliffhanger.
February 29, 2012
Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers
3 1/2 STARS
This is the third book of the series Moonstones. So far its not been my favorite book. Still enjoyed it.
In this book Allie has Junior coming for visits. Breck coming back on visits from collage and a third guy Ryker shows up.
Does not deal with school. Allie has a summer job working for her Uncle at the fruit stand. Plus she ends up babysitting Chad her princable child.
Ryker is a fairy and he has come bringing a message from her Grandmother who is a Fairy who wants her to come and help her with a war to rescue her people.
Allie finds out she is a fairy maybe on both sides of the trees. She confronts her Grandfather and learns about her Grandmother. Her other Grandparents die before she can meet them.
Their is some really funny parts to the story. Leaves you wanting to read the next book to see what happens next in the story.
I was given this ebook series to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
Bell Bridge Books PUB feb,2012
3 1/2 STARS
This is the third book of the series Moonstones. So far its not been my favorite book. Still enjoyed it.
In this book Allie has Junior coming for visits. Breck coming back on visits from collage and a third guy Ryker shows up.
Does not deal with school. Allie has a summer job working for her Uncle at the fruit stand. Plus she ends up babysitting Chad her princable child.
Ryker is a fairy and he has come bringing a message from her Grandmother who is a Fairy who wants her to come and help her with a war to rescue her people.
Allie finds out she is a fairy maybe on both sides of the trees. She confronts her Grandfather and learns about her Grandmother. Her other Grandparents die before she can meet them.
Their is some really funny parts to the story. Leaves you wanting to read the next book to see what happens next in the story.
I was given this ebook series to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
Bell Bridge Books PUB feb,2012
April 27, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. As others have stated this, the third book in the Unbidden Magic series does take an unexpected turn into the land of fairies, even more than I expected after reading the summary. This book was less about Junior and Beck and the whole love triangle than I expected and yes add another boy into the equation. Her love life is a mess, much like the average teenager. Would I have continued reading the series if this had been the first book in the sereis? No because I am not that into reading fairytales (says the adult that loves to read about vampires and werewolves). Will I read the next book? Yes because I was completely sucked into Allie Emerson’s life and this series by the first two books. I give this book a four star rating because I am already addicted to the series and that made me love this book, maybe not as much as the first two but I still loved it.
UPDATE I JUST FOUND OUT #4 SHADOW MOON, WILL BE OUT IN JULY YEAH!!!!!!
UPDATE I JUST FOUND OUT #4 SHADOW MOON, WILL BE OUT IN JULY YEAH!!!!!!
March 1, 2012
A fabulous continuation of Marilee's series. The further adventures of Allie Emerson. In this third installment, Allie is introduced to her Fae Grandmother in the land of Boundless. I'm not going to give away any spoilers here, just would like to say this is an amazing book in an incredible series. The most fun you can have with paranormal/supernatural creature. There are no vampires or werewolves, but there are werebats, kelpies, faeries- both dark and good and forest Queen's. We see Allie grow as a person and become somewhat more comfortable with her moonstone powers. Oh yea, Junior is back and Beck is away at college. Allie also meets a Prince of Boundless who is convinced she is his mate. So far, I like Ryker the best of all her male admirers. A 5 star book in a 5 star series. Just when you think it can't get any better, Marilee comes along with a new idea! Keep the stories coming!!!
March 29, 2012
So third book into the series and there's a third guy wanting to get with Allie ... at this point the series is starting to feel like House of Night, where every important guy seems to want to get with Zoey. That's my only annoyance so far, just that one. Other than that I'm really enjoying this new (to me) series.
This time around Allie meets her grandmother and helps save the day in Boundless, then re-introduces her mother to her grandmother. As well as dealing with major drama between the 3 guys she's had after her so far. This series is really a welcome addition to the YA genre, which is fast becoming filled with a lot of the same type of story. And before anyone jumps in with "Not every YA is the same", that's not what I said ... so don't bother.
I definitely recommend the Unbidden Magic series to anyone that likes supernatural stories.
This time around Allie meets her grandmother and helps save the day in Boundless, then re-introduces her mother to her grandmother. As well as dealing with major drama between the 3 guys she's had after her so far. This series is really a welcome addition to the YA genre, which is fast becoming filled with a lot of the same type of story. And before anyone jumps in with "Not every YA is the same", that's not what I said ... so don't bother.
I definitely recommend the Unbidden Magic series to anyone that likes supernatural stories.
March 2, 2012
Now, I'm a HUGE faerie fan. HUGE. I think it's safe to say that I love everything to do with fae, the Tuatha de Danann and the underworld in general, so THIS was my favourite of the four books.
I absolutely loved pretty much the entire plot and gobbled up every word. The scenes in Boundless are breathtaking, and the fae characters are absolutely amazing.
A few scenes were so beautifully written that I was honestly moved to tears.
The one problem I did have with this third book was the addition of Ryker. I just didn't like his character and he didn't seem to really have a point.
Not to mention that now with a THIRD love interest, Allie looks like a boy-hopper. He's just not needed.
Other than that, Moon Spun is a really great book and easily my favourite of the four I received.
I absolutely loved pretty much the entire plot and gobbled up every word. The scenes in Boundless are breathtaking, and the fae characters are absolutely amazing.
A few scenes were so beautifully written that I was honestly moved to tears.
The one problem I did have with this third book was the addition of Ryker. I just didn't like his character and he didn't seem to really have a point.
Not to mention that now with a THIRD love interest, Allie looks like a boy-hopper. He's just not needed.
Other than that, Moon Spun is a really great book and easily my favourite of the four I received.
September 18, 2015
Book #3 Unbidden Magic.
This book series is just flat out fun. Just when I wonder where the author will take us next in Allie's adventure, she spins us around and give us more thrills. Like, freaky, weird thrills. I love it. Allie still has all her lovable goofs helping her out, and Junior has returned from Mexico. Now, Allie has a new problem: she's a faery princess. And she's to wed Ryker in Boundless. How will Allie get out of this? I'm not sure how Ms. Brothers will top this one, but the ending feels a little ominous.
I've never mentioned this before in earlier reviews, but reader have got to read this series in a row. Plopping down in the middle book just does disservice to the whole series. One might even feel a bit lost.
Three stars.
This book series is just flat out fun. Just when I wonder where the author will take us next in Allie's adventure, she spins us around and give us more thrills. Like, freaky, weird thrills. I love it. Allie still has all her lovable goofs helping her out, and Junior has returned from Mexico. Now, Allie has a new problem: she's a faery princess. And she's to wed Ryker in Boundless. How will Allie get out of this? I'm not sure how Ms. Brothers will top this one, but the ending feels a little ominous.
I've never mentioned this before in earlier reviews, but reader have got to read this series in a row. Plopping down in the middle book just does disservice to the whole series. One might even feel a bit lost.
Three stars.
November 15, 2010
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The latest book by Marilee Brother's takes the world of Alfrieda to a whole 'nother plane. Fairyland to be exact - and while the series just got a lot more complicated it was enjoyable. There were a few moments where I was just a bit overwhelmed by the craziness the series had taken and fairyland did seem a bit 2D compared to the vibrant Peacock Flats. But, besides some of the sillier moments of the novel, I did enjoy and look forward to any more books that Brothers might release.
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